How To Earn The Trust Of A Stray Cat
If you want to gain the trust of a stray cat, you need to arm yourself with patience and follow a few tips.
Any animal living on the street is wary, especially if it has been mistreated in the past. Over time, you may be able to gain the trust of a stray cat and take it home with you. Read on!
Tips for gaining the trust of a stray cat
Even if you have seen him several times on the street or if he has appeared in your garden, a stray cat will be very grumpy and suspicious because he does not know you. It is usually more difficult to get comfortable with a feline than with a dog. Don’t lose heart, you can give him a home if you can make him your friend:
1. Respect its spaces
Unless the cat is in some danger, we recommend that you keep it where it has chosen to stay. Here you will feel safe and secure. Street cats run away from people because they may not have had positive experiences with them. Therefore, you have to show him that you are different.
Respecting its space is the first step in gaining the trust of a stray cat. Only approach until you see that the animal is not nervous, meowing or curling its fur. Gradually he will no longer see you as a threat.
2. Feed him
This is certainly one of the best ways for the cat to trust you. However, you have to take into account some very important factors. Choose a food that has a strong aroma, such as tuna or wet feed. He will appreciate both options!
Leave the container somewhere near its shelter and walk away. Do not stand by and watch it to see if it approaches. Even if he is hungry, he will wait for you to leave to eat. Once the animal is eating, do not approach it and do not try to touch it.
A good idea is to always feed him at the same time every day and repeat the same habits over and over. For example, shake the bowl if there is kibble in it or open the bag in front of him to get his attention. Repeat this process for a couple of weeks until you are able to get close while eating.
3. Get closer and closer little by little
Once the cat has come out to eat, it’s your chance to earn her trust. Walk close to him keeping a distance of 3 meters. Do not make any sudden movements as you may frighten him and have to start from scratch.
4. Speak in his own language
To gain the trust of a stray cat, you need to act as an equal. Therefore, you have to allow it to get close first, to rub against you because that is the way cats have to release pheromones, and to purr you.
Cats are special animals, especially if they have lived on the street since they were puppies or if they have run away from the house they lived in because they have been mistreated.
Be happy with any results you get. You will see that he will allow contact shortly thereafter. And if you can, before taking him home, take him to the vet for a full examination.
