Features of street animals
First of all, take into account the fact that a kitten hisses at people and is afraid if it was born on the street and did not live near them. But even such an animal can be weaned from displaying aggression if effective methods are used. Remember - it is much easier to instill trust in a person in a small kitten than in an adult pet.
A mature cat most often hides in various basements, his character has long been formed, and teaching him good manners is not as easy as it might seem at first glance. Such animals are afraid of people, scour landfills in search of food and become too aggressive, as they are often forced to defend their lives in fights with other homeless animals.
The fact that a kitten or a grown-up pet sits still when it sees a person and is not too afraid of you indicates that it was most likely kicked out into the street. Pay attention to the fur: if it is clean, not tangled, and looks well-groomed, then you have a cat that already had a family and could have been on the street only recently. In any case, if you decide to pick up a kitten or even a wild cat from the street, be patient: he will definitely scratch, damage furniture and play mischief in the house. However, with proper care and education, you can instill good manners in him.
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Reasons why a cat doesn't like to be held
Cats are self-sufficient and freedom-loving creatures, so making them do something against their will is not so easy. This is especially true for purebred animals. Fold cats, as well as British Shorthairs, are one of the most independent animals. They don’t really like to go into the arms of their owner, much less strangers.
Scottish Folds are a very independent breed.
I was skeptical about the relationship between the breed and the character of the animal until I met a British shorthair living with a friend. The cat, although not a purebred, does not accept affection at all. He reacts to all attempts to pick him up and pet him either indifferently or with mild aggression. But if he himself wants affection, he will always find the opportunity to jump on his lap and notify about it.
The reason may also lie in fear. If your pet is scared, he will not feel comfortable in your arms. Sharp sounds and screams can disturb even the most affectionate animal. Therefore, before picking up your pet, you should make sure that he is in a good mood.
Strong odors can also scare away animals. Cats have a very sensitive sense of smell, and therefore they perceive many aromas more clearly than humans. So make sure you don't smell:
- citruses;
- alcohol;
- spices;
- washing powder;
- cream;
- perfume.
In addition, many cats are touchy animals, and therefore may well not go to people who have previously tormented them. Most street cats eventually completely lose trust in humans and shun any displays of affection.
Often cats do not like to sit in the arms of children because they cuddle and pet them too much.
Kittens, unlike most adult cats, are active, playful and less assiduous. For them, being in a calm state in a person’s arms is simply not interesting, especially if there are nearby distractions in the form of squeaking, rustling and rattling toys.
I really like my friend's three month old cat. I really want to hold this fluffy blue-eyed miracle in my arms, stroke it and listen to its purring. But the cat is young and perceives my every visit as a reason for active games. Therefore, any attempts to pet an unplayed “predator” lead to numerous scratches on the hands. He calms down after a few hours and then climbs onto his lap on his own. And even so, any movement that resembles play can return him to the stage of an energetically aggressive imp.
Young cats don't like sitting on laps because they get bored.
Nuances of catching
Adult cats are afraid of humans and it is not easy to catch them. As a rule, at the sight of animal shelter workers, these creatures flee for their lives, hiding in bushes, basements and other nooks and crannies. That is why, if you decide to catch a cat, take with you an old blanket or a fishing net.
When your catch is in the nets, take it home and place it in a box prepared in advance for this purpose. Place a regular tray not too far away - let the animal sniff and get used to it a little. If possible, allocate a separate room for the newcomer or place him in the bathroom. Let him stay in a closed area for the first time: this will help him relax a little. If you have a small apartment, place the kitten in a cage and cover it with a blanket. In any case, your main task is to create a calm environment for the animal.
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How to tame a wild, street cat
Before adopting an animal from the street, it is important to understand that difficulties may arise in litter training and problems with timidity. But if you act wisely, you can successfully tame a wild, street pet.
Taming an outdoor cat begins with putting your old sweater or T-shirt in its outdoor box for a while. The animal will gradually get used to your smell.
The animal can then be taken home. To do this, place your item already familiar to the cat in the carrier, then place it itself. Close the container and take it home.
If the new family member eats, drinks, and goes to the toilet successfully, it means that the taming has been completed successfully
After bringing the animal into the room, show him a tray with filler, a bowl of food and water. The first thing the cat will do is examine the room. It is important not to interfere with her in this matter.
If the new family member eats, drinks, and goes to the toilet successfully, then the taming has been completed successfully. If there is a problem with going to the toilet, the animal may be stressed, or the litter is not suitable for it. Replace it and move the tray away from the bowls.
A couple of days after successful adaptation, it is recommended to show the cat to the veterinarian and carry out all the necessary hygiene procedures.
Establishing contact and adaptation
After you have picked up the kitten and brought it into your apartment, leave it alone for a while. He must get used to the new environment and get hungry. After three hours, go to the cage and start talking to the animal in a calm, gentle voice. Be sure to offer him some kind of treat (a piece of food or fragrant chicken). The main thing is that the cat must take the food directly from your hands. If the kitten bites and refuses to do so, do not insist. In this case, it is better not to approach for some time. First of all, the kitten must realize that now you are its breadwinner and friend. In addition, during this time he will get pretty hungry and will take a treat from your hands.
When the feral kitten has calmed down a little, open the cage and gently reach out to him, not paying attention to his hissing. If an animal tries to hit you with its paw, brush it off - let it see who’s boss. Wait until the cat stops responding to your movements and give another treat, but do not put the food dish down.
After 15 hours, the tailed baby will be hungry enough to leave the cage on its own and take the goodies from your hands. If this happens, move carefully and calmly: any sudden movement or loud voice will frighten him. Hold the food in your hand, stroke your pet with your free hand, and then feed it.
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First actions
When the pet is in the house, he needs to be given some time to get used to it in a dark corner. At first, you should not disturb him or touch him with your hands. But some procedures must be carried out almost immediately, without delay. First, you need to check your nose and eyes - discharge from them indicates the presence of 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 immediately to a veterinarian so that he can determine its age, take the necessary tests and advise on vaccination, feeding and care.
Taming Rules
If a cat is not given to a person at all, it is necessary to accustom it to contact gradually.
Pour food into a bowl and place it outside the cage - this will force the kitten to come out of its hiding place. Then gradually move the bowl to the middle of the room. When the pet begins to move further, try petting it and then feed it.
The next stage in taming an animal is the tray. Stray cats relieve themselves on the sand or ground. That's why fill your cat's litter box with sand first. Every time the kitten starts to fuss, put him in the litter box. Thus, he will soon understand what his purpose is. Over time, replace the sand with purchased filler. Of course, sometimes cats are so stressed that they may urinate in inappropriate places. But any experience is temporary.
Instructions on how to catch a stray cat or one that has run away from its owners
If animals making contact are easy to capture, then street residents are more difficult to capture. To perform this activity, you will need a trap (carrying or cardboard box), rope, bait on a plastic plate (dry granules, canned cat food).
A short instruction on how to catch a cat on the street that is afraid to approach people:
- Prepare - establish contact through regular feeding, this will take from 2 to 5 days. Over time, the cat will get used to it and begin to trust.
- Do not try to pick up the animal, even if it behaves calmly.
- Before catching, wear thick gloves and clothing that covers the body.
- Place the trap in a suitable place, spread the bait from the entrance to the far corners so that the cat gets completely inside.
- After the cat enters, close the door and cover the box or carrier with a cloth so that the animal calms down.
Expert opinion! To catch a stray animal, you cannot take available equipment (bags, sacks, bed linen, towels). This will frighten the street dweller, which will lead to bites and wounds.
Rule 2. Don't hold
Well, after some time the cat began to calmly accept her master’s caresses. Now you can pet her for a long time. And this is where most people make a mistake. They pick up the cat and try to hold it. Or on your knees. The result is scratched limbs of the owner and an angry pet.
It would be more correct to try to lure the tailed animal. For example, offering a piece of treat in the palm of your hand. It is very important that your pet eats it directly from your hand. At the same time, you can try to pet the cat.
After the animal gets used to eating from your hand, you can try feeding it next to you or on your lap. Just lay down an old unnecessary cloth. This will protect your clothes from stains. If everything is done correctly, then soon your cat will be jumping onto your lap in search of goodies. At the same time, she will gradually get used to your touch.
Keep in mind that it will be more and more difficult to drive it away each time, and sometimes it is necessary. For example, how do you explain to your beloved that today you are not wearing trousers, but nylon tights? She doesn't care. Therefore, it is better to train your cat to sit next to you, rather than in your arms or on your lap.
Advice. The veterinary industry produces special aerosols with pheromones. Cats really like this smell, and they gladly go to the sprayed hands. However, most doctors are against such deception. Firstly, the cat becomes addicted to the aerosol, akin to a drug. And secondly, she does not go into her owner’s arms of her own free will. The smell will disappear - the animal will walk away, forgetting about your knees and hands.
Training a Bengal cat
Bengals are rightfully one of the most unique cat breeds. The Bengal cat breed was developed through selective breeding. Their ancestors were inhabitants of Asian countries - China, Thailand and India. In the 60s, there was a real threat of extinction of the wild Bengal cat species due to poachers shooting to obtain beautiful skins.
Bengal cats, although they are impressive in size, have an affectionate disposition and also quickly get used to their owner. It is important to know that a Bengal cat, kept in adequate conditions before it was acquired by a permanent owner, quickly becomes attached to its owner. Accustoming such a pet to your hands will not be difficult.
You can win over your pet with affectionate, monotonous conversation. This is especially true after a hearty lunch, when the half-asleep animal obediently allows you to take it on your lap. Listening to kind words from their owner, Bengal cats begin to squint and squint.
Professional breeders and veterinarians argue that it is necessary to accustom any cat to handling gradually, over several visits.
Initially, it is recommended to stroke the cat behind the ear and in no case forcefully grab it in order to quickly sit it on your lap. Another trick you can use to quickly accustom your Bengal cat to being handled is to use a favorite treat.
What to consider when catching a cat
How to wash a cat: options if he is afraid of water and scratches
The health status of street vagabonds is questionable. To protect yourself, approach the matter thoroughly:
- prepare traps and treats;
- wear protective clothing with long sleeves and gloves;
- They observe the behavior and habits of the tramp: where he lives most often, what kind of treat he likes.
Important! Animals feel threatened and resist. Aggression is a reaction to fear, not a character trait, and therefore should not repel the future owner.
Homemade cat trap