How to Rescue a Ferrel Cat

Feral cats exist just about anywhere--in the city or the countryside. A feral cat is either a cat that has never been socialized by humans or a stray cat that has been away from human interaction long enough to have become very timid around them. Feral cats, for the most part, live a hard, dangerous life outdoors. A feral cat's lifespan and quality of life may be greatly increased if it is rescued from the outdoor feral life.

Things You'll Need

  • Cat trap
  • Canned cat food or canned mackerel
  • Thick gloves
  • Dry cat food
  • Cat food and water bowls
  • Litter box
  • Litter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Rent or purchase a cat trap. These are metal traps used to humanely trap cats and other similar-sized animals. Some animal shelters have them available for renting; otherwise, look for them at large home improvement stores or hardware stores.

    • 2

      Prepare and set the cat trap in the morning. If you set it out at night the cat will be trapped in there all night as you sleep. Most traps have a metal plate that responds to pressure, called the trip plate. When the cat walks on it, the door closes behind it. Place an open, very aromatic can of cat food or, as the Feral Cat Coalition suggests, a can of mackerel at the far back in of the cage. This way the cat has to walk all the way in the trap to get it. The Feral Cat Coalition also recommends placing newspaper on the wire floor of the cage to protect the cat's feet.

    • 3

      Cover the trap with a towel--this acts both as a disguise and will keep the sun off the cat after it is trapped. Check the trap every hour. If you don't have luck the first day, just keep putting it out each day until you do.

    • 4

      Set up a special room just for the cat in your house. Provide a litter box with litter and cat food and water.

    • 5

      Contact a veterinarian and tell him or her about your plans. The cat will need vaccinations and flea treatments as soon as possible. You'll need to give the vet a heads up so that he knows to expect you soon. Feral cats require special handling.

    • 6

      Bring the trap, with the cat inside, indoors or place the trap in your car if you are going to the vet that day. If it is too late in the day, or you are waiting to do the vet visit at another time place the trap in the designated room. Close the door behind you before you release the feral cat.

    • 7

      Allow the cat to get used to the room, and, gradually, you. However, a feral cat may never warm to you. Be prepared for anything. A truly feral cat may vocalize loudly once confined; it may literally climb the walls and may go to other extreme measures to try to leave the room. Be quiet and cautious around the cat. Do not try to touch it until it comes to you. Having plenty of delicious, aromatic cat food on hand to establish the room as a place for feeding may help put the cat more at ease.