How to tame a wild kitten?

Determine how wild

To begin with, it is worth understanding whether the animal has always been homeless or was recently thrown out. A wild kitten born on the street, as a rule, hisses and is afraid of people, he has an untidy coat. If the animal meows at the sight of a person, does not try to hide in a panic, and its coat is relatively clean, then most likely it was recently kicked out of the house. Such a kitten will be easier to tame.

A feral animal can also be raised, but it will take more time, and some problems may not be solved anyway. For example, a cat can maintain a distrust of strangers or a fear of them for life.

First actions

When the pet is in the house, he needs to give time to get used to it in a dark corner. At first, you should not disturb him once again and touch him with your hands. But some procedures must be carried out almost immediately, without delay. First, you need to check the nose and eyes – discharge from them indicates the presence of an infection. Secondly, you should wash the animal using a special shampoo for kittens to get rid of ectoparasites. Be prepared for the fact that the kitten is not accustomed to such procedures and therefore will bite and scratch.

The pet will need to be shown to the veterinarian immediately and without fail, so that he can determine the age, take the necessary tests and advise on vaccination, feeding and care.

Domestication

When the selected pet gets used to the house a little, you can start taming it. To begin with, it is worth putting a bowl of food next to the secluded place where he sits out. At first, it is recommended to offer the kitten wet food – such food is likely to attract the attention of a hungry animal, and he will come out of hiding.

You should gradually move the bowl of food closer to the middle of the room in which the pet is hiding, forcing him to go further and further. Then you can offer food by placing it on your outstretched hand.

When you manage to feed the kitten from your hand, you can try to stroke it, but without sudden movements, gently placing your hand on its back or muzzle.

Train to the tray

A street kitten is used to going to the toilet on the ground or sand, so for starters, you can take a regular rectangular tray without a grid and pour sand and earth into it. This is not very hygienic, but is a temporary measure. A kitten should be put in it every time he starts to fuss. As a rule, it is enough to do this several times for the pet to understand the purpose of the tray. In no case should he be punished if he did not immediately realize, but you should stubbornly put him in the tray again and again.

Over time, sand must be replaced with filler. If the process of accustoming to the tray has already been completed, but the kitten still sometimes goes to the toilet in places not intended for this, then this is evidence that he feels uncomfortable for a number of reasons: due to stress, lack of attention, a new pet, etc. d.

How long will taming take?

No specialist zoopsychologist can say exactly how long it will take for the adaptation of the selected animal. This can take from several days to several months: it all depends on how feral the kitten was, on its character, age and atmosphere in the new home. But with due care and patience, any little savage will turn into a cute pet.