How Do I Tame a Domesticated Cat?

While domesticated cats are considerably tamer than feral cats that live in the wild, some can be unruly and scamper at the sight of a person or may bat and claw at you. This is often seen in cases where an adult or young adult cat is transported from one home to another or is adopted from a shelter. If you have a domestic cat who needs to be tamed learning how to calm your stubborn feline can keep you scratch free and happy.

Things You'll Need

  • Treats
  • Small squirt bottles
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep the cat confined to a small area such as a room or two in your home for two or three weeks, especially if the cat is new to the home. Keep doors closed in this area. While you can kennel-train cats it's not as easy and they tend to need more space on a constant basis. Keep his litter box, food and water bowls nearby always. After a few weeks open the door and let your cat slowly start exploring other areas of the home. It may do this right away or take sometime to get up the courage.

    • 2

      Do not pick up the cat, which could lead to possible scratches and injury. Cats often do things on their own terms. Wait for your feline to come to you. He may start with a quick brush up against your leg but over time can learn to trust you and become more familiar with you. Pet him very gently only on his backside when he does present himself for a petting. If he tenses or his tail begins swishing around quit petting.

    • 3

      Give your cat a treat three times a day. Lay the treat in front of him and let him come to get it. If your cat doesn't enjoy being around people and has taken to hiding under beds or behind furniture, place the treat near it and walk away. Eventually he'll get comfortable enough to slowly start coming out once he realizes that you are providing him with something he likes.

    • 4

      Purchase small squirt bottles from a local beauty supply store to keep around your home. Fill them with water and should you see your cat misbehaving such as scratching on furniture, hissing at you or even attacking someone or another animal in the house, squirt him a few times. Eventually your feline will associate his bad behaviors with getting squirted and learn to not do them.