behavior

Question
I couldn't find an answer in your "previous ?'s.  We trapped a feral cat a few years ago and she was wild and stayed hidden.  We had to put her in boarding at our vets for a month.  When we returned she was a different cat and it was explained to us that everyday a young tech had gotten in the cage with our cat which forced them to be physically close.  When we picked her up she was a different cat for the better, much more socialized.  My question;  I have a cat now that seems to be quite feral and hides all the time.  Would it be good to put him in a confining cage that is big enough for me to get in with him.  I would try to feed him while in there and perhaps brush him.  Would this be calming or make him even more wild and elusive?  Thank you for the good work that you do, it is much appreciated.

Answer
Lee,

If a cat was previously handled or owned then abandoned, got lost, etc. and reverted to a wild cat then it can become re-tamed with handling and trust. If a cat is truly a feral and an older cat they usually cannot be socialized like that. Most ferals are happier and feel safe and secure hiding. If a feral is young enough though you can gain their trust slowly and work with them.

It will depend on the cat. Does it get violent or vicious when you handle it? If not, then the only thing you can do is try and see how the animal responds. Just be careful until you see how the animal behaves.

Tabbi