How to Take in a Feral Cat

Bringing a "feral" or wild cat into your life is a good deed. Left to their own devices, feral cats reproduce and become a burden to the community. Cats in the street are dangerous, not just to themselves, but to drivers and children. With a little care,a feral cat can often be "tamed" to an extent, but it's not always a quick process; for an animal accustomed to helping itself, being taken in is a major transition.

Instructions

    • 1

      Coax the cat inside by feeding or trapping. Humane traps are available if you can't get the cat contained on your own.

    • 2

      Contain the feral cat. The ideal enclosure would be an outdoor pen, but if you have limited space, experts recommend keeping the cat caged for a time, until you have established a relationship or set up other alternatives.

    • 3

      Set up feeding schedules. Feeding the cat often will earn you trust; experts say feral cats also respond well to calm music on a radio at a low volume. Gradually introduce yourself to the feral cat; don't rush to be friends, as the animal will likely be frightened and on edge.

    • 4

      When possible, take the cat to a veterinarian. The vet will test your cat for feline diseases, give vaccinations and spay or neuter it. This will cost money, maybe a good bit, but these steps are important, regardless of whether you will be keeping the cat or not. Giving the stray preventative care (neutering/spaying) saves dozens of future cats from lives of poverty and danger.

    • 5

      Experiment over time with letting the cat have more freedom. Watch it closely to see if you are successful in "socializing" with the cat; if so, you can keep it as a pet, if not, it may need to be released back into the wild or given to a farm or other outdoor environment.