New Feral Barn kitten - I need advice.

[Catty1]

My baby Oscar (now 4) was wild for at LEAST 2 1/2 years. My employer at the kennel where I work tamed him from spring til October, feeding him and letting him gauge his own comfort zone.

Oscar (so called because he was "wild") was taken to the vet, and my bosses paid about $200 for all the shots, neutering, etc - and they GAVE him to me for Christmas!

He turned out beautifully...he was in a kennel room for several days, purred and drooled, purred even LOUDER when brushed - and is now a totally talkative sucky boy! He's been with me just over a year, and recently accepted a second cat. They groom each other, fight, play, everything!

With TLC and patience, that little one will be fine. And if the mom is eating treats, there is hope for her too!

hugs
Catty1

[Catty1]

Sorry for the huge pics! My editing kind of slipped....I tried!

[Barbara]

My first cat Grisette was feral born and came in the house at about 13 weeks. She spent the first 3 weeks under the kitchen cupboard- and I must admit it was 30 years ago, so I didn't think too much about the problems that could arise.

She was absolutely tame and when she had kittens (At that time I thought she should have kittens one time ) she had them in the living room in a quiet corner and I could be with her I am so glad I had this experience.

I think everything will go fine with a little time and a slow introduction. All the best for your cute new addition.

[jenluckenbach]

How wonderful that you are giving a feral kitten a chance at a real indoor home. The great part s that most ferals already know how to live with other cats. They actually usually prefer the other cats to the humans. So kitty introductions should be easier.

You will most definitely want to start her in the dog kennel. If she has run of an entire room, she will hide and you will have no opportunity to handle her. And you MUST handle her.

She will no doubt spit and hiss at you. Try not to let that stop you. Use a towel to wrap her in if you need to and then hold her.

Don't leave too much food with her, make sure she knows that the food comes from YOU. Food is a great helping hand in taming ferals. If she always has a full bowl then she won't need you to give her more (get it?)

Have fun with your new baby!

[mruffruff]

All of the advice given is right on! I have several ex-ferals, some still are.

Oscar is a twin to my Shai. She's been with me for 3 years and is finally jumping on my bed, letting me pet her and has learned to ignore the dogs. I got her when she was about 9 months old and I did it all wrong. If I had followed the advice given, she would be much tamer. On the other hand, she's so fiesty, it might not have mattered.

That kitty is adorable. Can't wait to see more pics.