Wild Cats

[bangkokeddy]

I have two wild cats living in the shed, not sure how they got there but they are here to stay. My shed is such a mess it's easy for them to evade capture. I'd like to coax them out and tame them, any ideas? What's a tasty catty treat to lure them out, or should I leave them be? Maybe I should clean the shed...there's probably a whole gang of animals in there I don't know about, zebras, giraffes, odd dinosaur, bigfoot etc.

[eek]

Depends on the level of responsibility you want, but would be kindest to help them.

Basic level could be just leaving food and clean water out for them. Placing the food half way between the house and the shed.

If you want to coax them I suggest feeding them for around a week minus your presence, then the following week sitting out and waiting. It takes a lot of patience (i tamed a sick feral cat once and he lived with me for many years till he died of old age) Each night move the food bowl slightly closer to you and the house and start to provide some play things (esp good if contains catnip. Some cats also go nuts for valarian. I used to soak my cats toys in Valarian tea. ) I dont know how long it will take for them to trust you, but the aim is for them to eventually start coming into the house (if thats what you want) and for them to begin to trust you and get closer to your presence. Then being able to touch them. Once you start getting them indoors, try shutting the door a little, so they eventually get used to it and not be scared.

If they are sick and also in heat, it may require you leaving a cat carry box out for several nights and placing the food inside. When they trust you, you can shut it on them and get them to a vet. If you take that option though, I suggest setting out a room in your house for them with a litter tray and a hiding place (even just a large cardboard box turned upside down with a hole cut out). They will need to feel they have a hiding place. If you let them outside too soon, after the vets, they may have a lot of trouble trusting you again.

Best of luck

[bangkokeddy]

Depends on the level of responsibility you want, but would be kindest to help them.

Basic level could be just leaving food and clean water out for them. Placing the food half way between the house and the shed.

If you want to coax them I suggest feeding them for around a week minus your presence, then the following week sitting out and waiting. It takes a lot of patience (i tamed a sick feral cat once and he lived with me for many years till he died of old age) Each night move the food bowl slightly closer to you and the house and start to provide some play things (esp good if contains catnip. Some cats also go nuts for valarian. I used to soak my cats toys in Valarian tea. ) I dont know how long it will take for them to trust you, but the aim is for them to eventually start coming into the house (if thats what you want) and for them to begin to trust you and get closer to your presence. Then being able to touch them. Once you start getting them indoors, try shutting the door a little, so they eventually get used to it and not be scared.

If they are sick and also in heat, it may require you leaving a cat carry box out for several nights and placing the food inside. When they trust you, you can shut it on them and get them to a vet. If you take that option though, I suggest setting out a room in your house for them with a litter tray and a hiding place (even just a large cardboard box turned upside down with a hole cut out). They will need to feel they have a hiding place. If you let them outside too soon, after the vets, they may have a lot of trouble trusting you again.

Best of luck

A great deal of very useful advice, thanks. I'll have to plan a stakeout as they only seem to appear at night. So far they have been doing what cats do best - being stealthy, but I'll see if I can coax them out with a few treats.

[Phil Conners]

If you decide to feed them please do the right thing and get them neutered and vaccinated.

[geriatrickid]

Be patient. Took my mom 3 months to befriend a stray with a busted tail that dragged. By the time she could get her to the vet, she had to have an abortion and a tail amputation. I grew up with her, so I think I got the best out of the deal for the following 16 years. You'll probably be blessed with good luck too

[Gary A]

I agree, it just takes a lot of patience. I lived in a fourth floor apartment in Bangkok. There was a beat up old tomcat that was often on my outside patio. I started to feed him never expecting to tame him. For a couple of months he would run when he saw me even while he was eating. After several months he would just keep a wary eye on me. One day I forgot to put any food out. I was sitting on the sofa watching TV and got a BIG scare. He let out a huge meow from right beside the sofa. I quickly found something for him to eat and after that we became friends. He never did get real friendly like a house cat but he did enjoy being petted and having his ears scratched.