Many people who have adopted a feral cat wonder if keeping them indoors is cruel, as keeping a wild animal can be difficult and complex. Well, the answer is no. You can pet a feral cat indoors if you provide it with proper resources, ample space, and lots of love.
What to Consider Before Bringing a Feral Cat Indoor?
It’s important to consider if you can adequately care for a feral cat before bringing it indoors. Here are some things to keep in mind.
Understanding Their Behavior
Feral cats are very different from domestic cats because they have learned to be independent and survive in an outdoor environment. They can experience anxiety when placed in an interior space. Therefore, understanding their behavior is key.
Also, feral cats are accustomed to living outdoors and may struggle to adapt to home life. Even after taming and socializing them, they may remain skittish or wary around humans.
So, remember, it will take time for your new pet to learn to trust you and get used to its new environment.
Providing Them with the Necessary Resources
To support the needs of the feral cat, you will need space and supplies, such as food, water, bedding, and toys. Make sure you can meet all these needs throughout their life.
The litter box is yet another crucial consideration you should make before beginning to tame your feral. However, you must ensure that the product is of good quality. For instance, you can opt for the IRIS USA Open Top Cat Litter Tray. Its open-top lets you monitor your pet’s health and habits clearly.
Tips to Make Your Feral Cat Feel Comfortable Indoor
Here are some tips to help keep your feral cat safe and secure inside your home.
- Make sure all doors and windows in the home are closed or locked so your feline friend cannot escape; a window screen may not be enough protection.
- Put away any items that could be dangerous for the cat, such as strings, wires, or toxic plants.
- Avoid harsh punishments or frightening stimuli when disciplining the cat; instead, focus on positive reinforcement.
- Provide plenty of hiding places throughout the house where the cat can retreat if they feel scared or overwhelmed by its new environment.
What to Do if Your Feral Cat Continues to Display Dangerous Behaviors?
If your feral cat continues to display dangerous behaviors, there are a few things you can do to help them adjust to indoor life. Below is a table that outlines some of the best ways to care for feral cats.
| TasksBest PracticesEstablish routineSchedule regular meals, playtime, and veterinary visits to discipline the feral cat and maintain its health. | |
| Provide stimulation | Provide toys, scratching posts, and other objects to stimulate their natural hunting instinct. As feral cats are more ferocious by nature, the lack of stimulation can make them harm you. |
| Maintain space | Allow the feral to maintain privacy. It needs enough space for hiding and sleeping. So, provide it with separate areas for food and water bowls. |
| Monitor health | Monitor your pet’s health carefully through regular vet visits, watch for signs of disease or distress like loss of appetite, and more. |
Conclusion
If appropriately managed, there are many ways to provide a feral cat with a loving home. When considering keeping a feral cat indoors, it’s important to remember they may have more needs than a typical domestic cat, such as greater physical activity and stricter diet requirements. So, follow the abovementioned tips and tame your feral cat easily, creating a lifelong bond with it.
