How to Train a Feral Kitten

A feral kitten is one that was born outside to a wild cat. It has certain inborn traits that make it difficult though not impossible to train. It might keep trying to get outside, avoid using the litter box and even scratch or bite you. When you bring a feral kitten into your home, the trick is to start early and train the kitten to act like any other house cat would.

Things You'll Need

  • Enclosure
  • Cat bed
  • Spray bottle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the kitten in an enclosed area where it can’t easily jump out or run away. It doesn’t have to be a big area, but it should have some space to run around and play. Slowly begin talking to the cat and even going inside the enclosure so it can learn to accept you.

    • 2

      Using a soothing voice, speak with your kitten so that it gets used to the sound of your voice. The chances are good that your kitten isn’t used to being around humans, and it may feel scared at your tone. Eventually the kitten will adjust and even show some emotion when you talk.

    • 3

      Keep a cat bed in your home and place it in a safe location where the cat will feel comfortable, such as next to your bed or on the back of the couch. Frequently place your kitten inside the bed and pet it for a few minutes at a time. Eventually the kitten will feel safe sleeping in the bed or just laying there even when you’re not around.

    • 4

      Train the cat to use the litter box by placing it inside and gently rubbing its feet along the litter. Feral cats often avoid the litter box because they think of it as their safe place and some will even sleep inside it. You can also place a small amount of feces inside the box so they slowly learn what it’s used for.

    • 5

      Use a spray bottle full of water to train the cat on certain tasks or traits that you want it to stop, just as you would a non-feral cat. Give it a spray when the kitten climbs in your houseplants, scratches or hisses for no reason. Eventually it will stop the behavior because it learns it isn’t acceptable.