How To Socialize Hissy Feral Kittens
While eating gently begin to attempt to touch the kitten first with a tool to keep your hands safe.
How to socialize hissy feral kittens. Feral kittens will hiss spit and even bite you if scared enough. Simons suggests having a bowl or bag of something your kitten loves near the front door. Offer desirable stinky foods like tuna. Avoid contact between the cat and your children in the first phases of the process.
What you will need for the socialization process. To a feral kitten you are a predator and the hissiest kitten is often the most scared. Make sure they are close to your body so they feel your body warmth and heartbeat. Check for diseases and illnesses with the vet.
With some time and attention you can work with young feral kittens to help them become affectionate and loving companions. Feral kittens will likely try to attack bite or scratch you. Provide a hiding space like a box or kennel so they know where they can go to feel safe but challenge them to come out of it. Most feral kittens are frightened by interactive play when first exposed to humans.
If you have children or other pets at home remember that loud noises and too many movements will scare the feral cat. Start with a toy that isn t too threatening and allows distance a toy on the end of a stick for example. If the kittens are eight weeks or younger usually just about anyone can socialize them by following some simple steps. Take time to socialize each of the kittens in a litter individually while you re down on their level.
Once you ve spent enough time with them that they let you hold them hold the kittens as much as possible. Be flexible and experiment and then use whatever proves to be the kitten s favorite toy as a reward for new steps or a break through to a new plateau. Kittens older than two months eight weeks of age often take more time and skill to socialize. Wear gloves and protective clothing if you feel it is necessary.
If you re going to engage in socializing these kittens make sure that you do the following. They don t mean to be scared they just see you as a predator. That s because a feral kitten is fighting for their life. When people come over have your friends or the mailman amazon driver whomever give your kitten a treat.
In attempting to socialize an older kitten who seems borderline feral we recommend giving it 2 weeks maximum.