Instructions
Capture the kittens and have them checked out by a vet before you bring them home. This can help prevent the spread of disease and allow you to catch problems like fleas right away.
Confine the kittens away from the feral colony. You will need to have regular access to the kittens. Keep the kittens in a dog or cat crate, cage or small room. Put water and food dishes, a small litter box and bedding in the crate. Keep the kittens in separate areas if possible, but if not, spend time alone with each one as the socialization process continues.
Begin socializing the feral kittens with food. Offer dry cat food all day, but give the kittens wet food at least twice a day. Chicken flavored (without onion) baby food is a treat that most kittens will love.
Handle the kittens slowly. Younger and less feral kittens can be handled quicker than older, more feral kittens. Be gentle, but confident when touching and picking up the kittens. Place a towel around the kittens when you first start handling them.
Approach kittens from behind their head and gradually pet their head, ears and chin. Brush the kittens with a soft pet brush. This mimics the feel of a mother cat licking the kitten. Try to do several sessions of feeding and petting every day with each kitten.
Move the kittens to a small, confined room when they are no longer running from you and you are noticing improvement in their attachment to you.
Expose the kittens to a variety of people. Have them talk in low voices to the kitten and be gentle with them. Have prospective adopters spend time with the kittens as well and if possible, participate in their socialization.
How to Socialize Feral Kittens
Kittens that are not exposed to humans can become feral. If the kittens are caught and handled at a young enough age, however, they can be socialized to humans and adopted into homes. Kittens over 12 weeks of age are very difficult to socialize and may never be fully socialized. Follow these steps to learn more.