To tame or
not to tame?

A common misconception about feral cats is that they can be easily tamed.

A cat that has been recently abandoned by human owners is indeed quite tameable, but may be skittish and distrusting of humans for some time.

Kittens are tameable if caught at a young enough age — typically before eight weeks. After that, it becomes more of a challenge as Mom has taught them to be wary of humans.

Some devoted people spend months — even years — trying to tame a feral cat to become a pet.

Some feral cats, once brought indoors, are highly stressed at the change of environment and may never adapt. These are the cats that hide under a dresser for months and are rarely seen.

It's important to do what is best for each cat. If the cat does not want to be indoors, then don't force it. Make sure it has adequate shelter in its outdoor environment, and fresh food and water daily.

 

 

Feral Fotos

Rumbles

Here's a former feral that has adapted to life as a pet after years of love and patience on the part of her former foster mom (and now proud "mom!").

Says her owner: "She's been with me for over three years and, with a lot of work of course, she's an absolute lap cat! She's an absolute joy to have around and the only adjustment she hasn't made is letting me pick her up. Otherwise, she's quite happy to lay on my lap and be petted and spoiled and is a sweet, gentle kitty. She gets along with my other cats, sometimes lets visitors pet her, and I've never regretted a minute of the months I spent to tame her."

Grayson

Grayson lives in a feral colony in rural Lake County. He is one of a small colony of feral cats who are well cared for by their caretaker.

You can see how comfortable Grayson is on his caretaker's patio!

Contrary to what many detractors of TNR believe, feral cats can live out their lives in health and happiness if a dedicated caretaker is on the scene.

Grayson is living proof!