Most literature on feral kitten socialization suggests that kittens older than 8 weeks up to 6-8 months old, or even adult cats, can still be socialized and adopted, but they need more time and experienced attention.
Older kittens can also be captured and tamed, but the process becomes slower and less successful the longer the kittens stay in the wild. They should not be taken from the mother before they are old enough to be weaned at about 4 weeks.
Feral or otherwise unsocialized kittens are most easily tamed for adoption and indoor life between the ages of four and eight weeks.
8-12 weeks of age is manageable, but will take a little longer. Over 12 weeks, you will need to have patience if the kitten has never been around people.
You can tame a feral cat with enough time and cat expertise. If the cat is a young kitten, then this can happen overnight or take a few days. If the cat is an older kitten, it might take a couple of weeks. If the cat is a teenager, it might take a few months.
Most literature on feral kitten socialization suggests that kittens older than 8 weeks up to 6-8 months old, or even adult cats, can still be socialized and adopted, but they need more time and experienced attention.
Can Feral Kittens and Cats be Tamed? Feral kittens can usually be tamed if they are rescued young enough AND they are socialized properly. Feral kittens should begin their socialization as young as possible (before 6 weeks of age). When rescuing feral kittens outdoors, it's ideal to rescue them at 4-5 weeks of age.
Kittens up to the age of four weeks are susceptible to these violent episodes because they're underdeveloped, immobile and defenceless, and no match for their far more forceful elders.
Kitten socialization can take from two to six weeks, depending on their age, personality inherited from their mother, friendliness inherited from their father and their early socialization experiences. Although feral kittens can be weaned at 4 weeks of age, they have the best chance of survival with their healthy mom.
If you're in a home, bring her to an enclosed, quiet place where she can be alone but also slowly get used to her new environment's sounds, sights, and scents. A bathroom or small bedroom works well–any area that does not have furniture or vents she can squeeze under/into and become stuck.
You will know when kitty's trust is growing. She will play, she will watch you with interest and not fear, she will come close and even touch and smell you. To get her ready for that first real petting, let her get used to your hand being close to her and moving toward her.
Unless they're in danger, it's best to leave stray kittens outside so the mother cat can comfort them upon her return. Crate them in a carrier to keep the kittens safe and secure, and, if needed, to provide an easy way to move them to the nearest municipal animal control/animal services centre.
New Cat? Set Realistic Expectations! You can expect that it will take your cat some time to get used to the new routines and environment. The 'Rule of Three' means that you can gauge the time it might take for your cat to fully acclimate to his home in threes: three days, three weeks, and three months.
Understanding the Kitty 'Terrible Two's'
Between the age of 6 months and 2 years, your kitten will be reaching physical and sexual maturity. They will grow out of being a pure bundle of energy but, like human teenagers, they will be learning and exploring more of the world around them.
From 6 months to a year is what could be called the “teen years” as the cat moves toward its sexual maturity. You may find a male or female trying to claim territory by marking, or with assertive behaviors such as aggression, scratching, or biting.
Socializing With Play
Take time to socialize each of the kittens in a litter individually, while you're down on their level. Once you've spent enough time with them that they let you hold them, hold the kittens as much as possible. Make sure they are close to your body so they feel your body warmth and heartbeat.
Yes, that stray cat or alley cat can become your beloved house cat, but there are some caveats you should consider. First, understand the difference between a stray cat, an alley cat and a feral cat. It's often impossible to tell at first glance. Both types of cats may seem skittish when you first approach them.
It may take up to 4 weeks for the cats to ultimately feel comfortable. The more feral the cat, the longer this process can take, as a less-socialized cat will take longer to bond to a new person and place.
Play with the kitten each day.
Use cat toys, such as toy mice, lasers, and soft toys. Move the toys around and wait for the kitten to chase them. If the kitten doesn't respond, wait a few days and then try again. Avoid making abrupt movements while you are playing with the kitten, as this can scare them.
Single kitten syndrome is the idea that young kittens, when raised with other young kittens and cats and then adopted into a home by themselves, can become aggressive, anxious, stressed, and even develop behavioral issues like inappropriate chewing/scratching and inappropriately using the litterbox.
Your cat is expressing her affection for you in the most significant way she knows how–by sharing a grooming experience like her mother did with her as a kitten. By licking you, she's actually petting you.
Spend time in the room, just talking to her or reading to her so that she can get used to you being there. Use food to make friends! Make sure you feed at set times, so she associates you with food. It may help at first to have just one or two people do this, so the kitten can bond strongly with core caregivers.
Kittens 8 weeks or younger can be socialized by almost anyone. Kittens between 2 and 4 months might require more time and skill to make them feel comfortable near people.