This is not my cat lying on my bed!

[BirdAdvocate]

There is a black feral cat lying on the end of my bed right now; it introduced itself to me about two weeks ago by invading my home. It was cold outside and the cat got in through an opening vandals had made and found a warm soft spot to lie on... on my beard on my chest! It left abruptly when I opened my eyes slowly to investigate what it was.
We shared a can of tuna a few days ago to celebrate my being able to pet it the first time. Last night we sat on my bed and shared patties off fish sammiches from Mickey Ds, and it loved them.
To clarify things, I'm not particularly fond of cats, but since this one chose to lie down on me, I thought it had probably been handled before. I am committed to finding it an indoor home to save its life, prevent its predation on our birds, and keep it off mine and the neighbor's property.
This taming bidness has been slow, but neither one of us has been bitten or scratched yet. If anyone has suggestions other than petting on it and giving it treats I'm open to them, and you might help this cat.
Thank you.
BirdAdvocate

[MissDolittle]

The cat sounds semi-feral to me. If she was totally feral, she would not have come in at all. I have had both, feral and semi-feral cats here for taming purposes. Some come around within a few days, some never. There is just no saying what works for what cat, but all of them need patience.

I have had cats that never took to me but fell in love with my husband and vice versa, so I'm pretty sure that they also pick the person who they want to be tame with lol.

I never was able to make much sense out of cats, but maybe the other members have more suggestions for you. Thanks for giving the cat a chance!

[WingedCat]

Keep doing what you are doing. Cats are funny critters, they choose you, not the other way around. Don't be surprised if this kitty acts shy or hides when you try to introduce them to another human, just give him/her time to decide if she/he likes the human you are introducing her/him to.

[BirdAdvocate]

Thanks for giving the cat a chance!

Thank you. The last couple of days seem to have made a big difference. Before that it wanted to be standing if I petted it. Now I can pet it while it's lying down. Last night it seemed to be play fighting my hand with its back feet and mouth while I petted its chest and belly. That's the first move that looks like play I've seen.

[BirdAdvocate]

Keep doing what you are doing. Cats are funny critters, they choose you, not the other way around. Don't be surprised if this kitty acts shy or hides when you try to introduce them to another human, just give him/her time to decide if she/he likes the human you are introducing her/him to.

Thank you. This could prove interesting. I'm not used to critters that won't follow orders. The only way I can get it to come to me is tempting it with food. I'll have to try picking it up at some point, to be able to transport it to potential owners.
I've been trying to maintain our record of neither of us being bitten or sctatched. :lol:

[MissDolittle]

Have you read this article? Looks like you have been doing the right thing with
the tuna LOL. I have read somewhere that tuna can be harmful, so I wasn't
too sure about that part. But I think it's the oil in the canned tuna that's
harmful, not the tuna itself. Have to do more research on that one.

How to Tame a Feral Cat or Kitten

With a little patience and time, a feral (or wild) cat can be tamed into a loving pet. Younger cats are more apt to adjust quickly: 6-to-8-week-old kittens typically take two to three weeks to adjust to a domestic environment.

Instructions

* STEP 1: Enclose the cat or kitten in a small space at first - a bathroom or bed-room works best.

* STEP 2: Turn out the light if the cat is terrified; this often has a calming effect.

* STEP 3: Put a bed, a litter box, food and water in the room. If the cat is very young (6 to 12 weeks), put her in a large carrier with a grated door and small windows.

* STEP 4: Spend at least 2 to 3 hours a day with the animal. Just sitting quietly in the same room will allow the cat to learn that you are not a threat.

* STEP 5: Gently compel the cat to let you touch her. Carefully wrap a blanket around her if you have to, hold her on your lap and pet her. Stroke her coat and touch her ears, face and neck as you talk to her in soothing tones. Even if the animal doesn't seem to be enjoying the attention, she is. Hold the cat by the scruff of the neck if she attempts to leave. (The mother cat will do this to carry or train a kitten'it doesn't hurt, and it actually relaxes the animal.)

* STEP 6: Present special treats such as chicken or tuna, and leave them if the cat will not eat from your hand.

* STEP 7: Gradually allow the cat to roam about in more rooms.

* STEP 8: If the cat tries to run away from you repeatedly, enclose her in a smaller space and start again.

Tips & Warnings

* Don't get discouraged early on; young feral cats can become very affectionate pets. Younger cats are more apt to adjust quickly: 6- to 8-week-old kittens typically take two to three weeks to adjust to a domestic environment. An older cat that has been wild for a long time is difficult and sometimes impossible to tame, and may be better left outside. If you catch one, have the animal spayed or neutered and vaccinated, and then turn the cat loose where caught, or contact a professional.

* Handle feral cats with extreme caution. Use gloves and protective clothing as required. Cat bites and scratches can result in serious health problems.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/how_6548_tame-feral-cat.html

[BirdAdvocate]

Have you read this article? Looks like you have been doing the right thing with
the tuna LOL. I have read somewhere that tuna can be harmful, so I wasn't
too sure about that part. But I think it's the oil in the canned tuna that's
harmful, not the tuna itself. Have to do more research on that one.

How to Tame a Feral Cat or Kitten
That's a new source for me, thank you. I read somewhere the tuna lacks some of their essential nutrients and should not be fed exclusively. I use the type in spring water.
This cat's taming is far advanced from most of their tips. I think it just needs reinforcing its confidence since it is still shy when I'm up moving around. It has yet to come to me for contact, just for food, but the continued treats may help with that.
I still have the feeling this one has had some human contact before, and am in awe at its lying down on my chest in our first encounter. The poor critter may remember some person from the past and perhaps was seeking them out.

An older cat that has been wild for a long time is difficult and sometimes impossible to tame, and may be better left outside. If you catch one, have the animal spayed or neutered and vaccinated, and then turn the cat loose where caught, or contact a professional.

Please note they advocate reabandoning the cat?:mad:

[MissDolittle]

Yes, that sure was surprising that the cat cuddled up on your chest. I never
fully understand those creatures! Not even close! lol

Hmm, I didn't notice the "turning loose" part. I can't say that I like that one
either.

[BirdAdvocate]

Yes, that sure was surprising that the cat cuddled up on your chest. I never
fully understand those creatures! Not even close! lol

Hmm, I didn't notice the "turning loose" part. I can't say that I like that one
either.

Yes'm, it was very odd, unless it thought my beard was a furry heating pad. The critter was pouncing on my feet under my blanket earlier. I'm uncertain whether that was an attempt at play, or perhaps it has designs on my life. :lol:

[BirdAdvocate]

THE CAT has now discovered feral cat's natural prey is Chicken Kickers from Domino's Pizza. So much for the myth of them being repeled from gardens and flower beds by Cayenne Pepper, though I did take off most of the breading.

[Saviah Wildlife]

THE CAT has now discovered feral cat's natural prey is Chicken Kickers from Domino's Pizza. So much for the myth of them being repeled from gardens and flower beds by Cayenne Pepper, though I did take off most of the breading.

lmao that's cute. Our cat Prissy Missy was a pet, but she was kept outside. Her friend or family (other cat) died in the elements. We stole her and now she's exclusively mine. She's a real b*#*h but she's loving. She act like she's been indoors all her life. Her name was Missy but we deemed her Prissy, and Prissy Wissy due to her attitude.

BTW she was also owned by the people who had EmmaJean.

[BirdAdvocate]

lmao that's cute. Our cat Prissy Missy was a pet, but she was kept outside. Her friend or family (other cat) died in the elements. We stole her and now she's exclusively mine. She's a real b*#*h but she's loving. She act like she's been indoors all her life. Her name was Missy but we deemed her Prissy, and Prissy Wissy due to her attitude.

BTW she was also owned by the people who had EmmaJean.

Very Kool Kitty! I'm so glad she's an insider now. :)

[SnyperKat]

Well, it sounds as though this kitten is attaching itself to you very quickly. ^^ Maybe it won't want to leave, hehe. At least there is hope for it being a tameable cat, so you can bring it to a new home knowing that it probably won't go nuts.
We just recently got a new cat whom we adopted from our neighbours right before they moved. When he goes outside, he doesn't even try to head back there.

[BirdAdvocate]

Well, it sounds as though this kitten is attaching itself to you very quickly. ^^ Maybe it won't want to leave, hehe. At least there is hope for it being a tameable cat, so you can bring it to a new home knowing that it probably won't go nuts.
We just recently got a new cat whom we adopted from our neighbours right before they moved. When he goes outside, he doesn't even try to head back there.

We seem to be making fair progress. Its favorite spot seems to be at the foot of my bed, and I'm in it most of the time. It seemed to come towards me for petting today then ducked its head three times to rub it on my hand. That's the first time for that. :smt055

[MissDolittle]

Whoohooo!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

[BirdAdvocate]

Whoohooo!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

The cat seems to have decided this is its home, and I'm its person. Now for Plan B. All I have to do is find it a second home.:)

[MissDolittle]

Hehehe, good luck on that one!