Help feral young male.

Hi I adopted a feral young male from a rescue.He's been in my house for two weeks.He coming around SLOWLY , question is When go to pet him, he slaps my hand.But he comes up to me on my bed when I'm trying to sleep.Sometimes he sleeps next to me for about 15 m  .Than want to play.? But he jumps on me.? What's he trying to tell me ?

If they are interacting with us humans they are no longer feral.

However, I like to see it as degrees of feral. If they were wild but now you feed them and they come for food they are semi-feral. A truly feral animal would not be fed by people. And from there it is less and less feral. If it is living inside and using litter it is less feral. If you can pet it without it quivering or running away it is less feral. If it is living in your house, litter trained, and you can pet it then it is no longer feral at all. If it is OK with you but scared of other people it is timid and not feral. So long as it interacts with even one human it is no longer feral.

Thank you for reply.I jump on my bed last night.Trying to play.I think, but when I went to pet him he slaps my hand.But maybe he jumping on the bed to attack me.lol ?

I can't pet him.When I put food bowel out comes to it with me near it.He plays when I'm in the room.He uses litter box. ( which I'm very thankful of).

Sounds like he is a bit feral but not out-right feral. You should research setting up a "safe room" for him. It will help him adjust a lot better. You use the safe room to slowly integrate him into your household.

There is not a lot to it. It gives him a safe space and when you go in you move slowly and talk softly. You patiently work your way up to petting him, picking him up, etc.

He doesn't understand that a hand coming towards him means he's about to get petted, instead he's scared that the hand is coming to grab him. You might want to try offering him your hand in a fist to rub against instead of an outstretched hand. When you're lying down, you're in a very nonthreatening and approachable position, so that's probably why he's coming up to you most often when you're sleeping.

This is a really great guide for getting former ferals used to petting and handling and also helps explain their body language: http://bestfriends.org/resources/socializing-cats-how-socialize-very-shy-or-fearful-cat

Shane Kent said:

 
Sounds like he is a bit feral but not out-right feral. You should research setting up a "safe room" for him. It will help him adjust a lot better. You use the safe room to slowly integrate him into your household.

There is not a lot to it. It gives him a safe space and when you go in you move slowly and talk softly. You patiently work your way up to petting him, picking him up, etc.

Click to expand...

Only room I have is my bedroom.I live in small house.With 3 cat friendly dogs.But he doesn't know that.So he's in my room.His name is Snickers.Because of his color.But it fits him.

I doing that.

Thank you..deep breaths

P.S. Di Lynn

You are doing a great thing for this little fellow, providing him with a loving caring home. Be patient and don't get discouraged.

I guarantee you everyone on this site admires you for taking him into your home and if you ever need help don't hesitate to ask people on this site no matter how trivial it may seem.

Thank you for rescuing this little one.  It sound like the cat might have been a stray cat that lived on its own for awhile and took on feral like tendencies.  Here are some tips to help you work with him.

Here is a great article on socializing cats and also some tips.

http://bestfriends.org/resources/socializing-cats-how-socialize-very-shy-or-fearful-cat

1.  The first tip is to have a room that is dedicated to the cat.  If possible this should be a room where the cat will be confined for a period of time.  You can use a spare bedroom or even a small bathroom.  If using a bedroom or other room of your home, be sure that the room is cat proofed.  Remove mattress and box springs or place them directly on the floor.  Hiding under a bed is the first place the cat will run and it is almost impossible to get them out.  Also block behind dressers or book cases.  Cats can fit into very small spaces.  You do want to have an appropriate hiding spot for the cat.  This can be an old box turned on its side or a hiding box found on a cat tree.  Also make sure all windows are tightly closed and blinds are up with the cords hidden.  Do not be surprised if the cat throws himself against the window in an attempt to escape.

2.  If you do not have an empty room available or the cat is very wild,  you can use a large dog crate or fasten two smaller crates together.  Just be sure there is enough room for a small litter pan and food.  If you need to use a crate, I would suggest keeping the crate covered with a sheet or towel  when the cat is alone.  This will help to calm the cat.  Eventually you will need a cat proofed space where you can move the cat.

3.  You will want to start with 2 litter boxes.  Many feral cats are not used to urinating and defecating in the same location. When choosing a  litter, you can use fresh clean potting soil mixed with non clumping litter or you can try Dr. Elsey’s Litter Attract.  I have found the Litter Attract to work very well.  If the cat has an accident on the floor, sop up the urine with a paper towel and bury it into the litter box.  Do the same with any stool.  Make sure you clean the area very well with a good enzymatic cleaner to remove all traces of odor.  Place the litter boxes away from the food and water.

4.  Feliway plugins are a great way to help a nervous cat adjust.  Most cats find the product soothing.  You can find Feliway at most pet stores as well as on Amazon.

5.  No direct eye contact.  Feral cats find this very threatening.  Keep your gaze over the top of their head or look down.

6.  Talk softly.  You want them to get used to your voice.  Carry on a conversation or even read aloud from a book or magazine.

7.  Sit on the ground so you are not looming over the cat.  You also want to keep your movements slow.

8.  Food rewards are the way to a ferals heart.  Find a special yummy treat such as plain cooked chicken or turkey, salmon, tuna or sardines.  I would start by giving them a very small plate with some of the special treat.  I would then have small pieces beside me and begin to toss the treat towards the cat.  Each toss I would get the treat a little closer to me.  I would do this activity each day.  After a few weeks, the cats are often getting quite close as long as you keep your movements slow and gaze down.

A very special food reward I stumbled across is Gerber Stage 2 baby food.  Cats love the chicken or turkey.  The jar is very small with a blue label.  The ingredients are chicken or turkey and water, no added spices.  I started with a bit on a plate and as time went by, I  offered it on a spoon.  When working with young ferals or kittens, they can often be coaxed to lick this off your fingers.  Just remember this is a treat reward and not a meal replacement.

9.  Remember that when working with ferals it is often 1 step forward and 2 steps back.  Just take it slow and steady.  Also celebrate the small advancements.

O My Goodness thank you for this info.I will reread offen. <3

If he's sleeping on your bed sometimes, I don't know that it's necessary to confine or crate him. That is a very good sign! It took over 3 months for my feral kitten to sleep on my bed sometimes, so you're making great progress. Most feral and semi-feral cats get very stressed and agitated when confined in a crate, so if he's getting along okay in your apartment and with your dogs, then I'd let him be.

It sounds like your kitty has a lot of energy. I'd suggest getting a wand toy and a laser toy and playing with him for a few short sessions every day. It's interactive play and it will help you to bond. If you can bond through play and food, then it's very hopeful he will let you pet him, though it may take several more weeks at least.

He not crated now, he was only the first week here.One of my dogs sleep under the covers with me.And Snickers know this.And still gets on the bed.I own a small two bedroom home.Thank you for encouraging words.

Snickers ate from my hand tonight.

Good progress.. Congratulations!!

He is adorable! Now that he's learn to enjoy the comfort of a bed, it won't be long until he's a spoiled and happy indoor cat. My feral kitten, Cupcake, is quite comfortable lounging on my bed now, with or without me in it. She's also learned from my other cats that if she meows while I'm in the kitchen, she'll likely get offered something yummy. She didn't used to meow before, and it comes out like a cute little tiger roar. They come along at their own pace, not ours, and it's wonderful to see the bond of trust grow!