If you would like to take care of a feline colony one of the things you will have to do is earn their trust. This is not achieved overnight, but takes time, so it is very important to be patient and, above all, to let the animals themselves guide you.
To make it easier for you, we are going to offer you a series of tips on how to gain the trust of street cats. Discover how can you get them to accept your presence in their group.
Respect their safety space
Stray cats, like any other animal including humans, have their own safe space that will be greater the less contact with humans they have. For this reason, when we decide to take care of a group of felines that live on the street During the first few times we will have to avoid approaching them, and we should not even fix our eyes on them for a long time, otherwise they might feel intimidated.
Feed them at the same time each day
Without saying anything or making sudden movements, report to the place every day around the same time with a feeder (or several, if there are many cats that live in that area) full of food. Leave him / her on the ground and walk away a few meters. The furry ones are sure to eat quickly.
Do it like this for two to three weeks. After that time, you can stop being hidden, but it will be necessary for you to continue to be away from them for a while longer.
Come closer little by little
Don't be in a rush to get their trust. You have to know that there are some cats that, even if they come to trust you, will not let you hold them. The relationship you can have with them will usually be based on feeding and caressing them only when they allow themselves to be pampered.
Also, it is very important to get closer little by little and take a step back when they feel unsafe and / or intend to flee.
Speak cat language
No, it's not about turning into a cat , but rather behaving like one. Since you want to gain a feline's trust, here's what you need to do:
- Blink slowly when you see them: two, three times in the morning and another two-three times in the afternoon for example. By doing this, you are telling them that they can feel safe with you.
- Walk away when they feel nervous: or bend over so their fears disappear.
- Pet them when they least expect it: during the meal for example. They have to be gentle, slow and brief strokes.
- Take a rope to play: show it, especially to the youngest, so that they are interested in it.
With these tips, you will surely be accepted into their group.