Welcome any advice, here. Brought home a feral kitten from a nearby farm

[allegorical oracle]

yesterday. He is really feral. No use for humans. The farm mom took him to the vet, who estimated the kitten's age to be 6-8 weeks. The family found him first in their car's wheel well, (he escaped) then later in their tractor's engine. He's extremely small, but seems healthy.

He will have NOTHING to do with me. Have him crated, but he shrinks to the rear of the crate whenever I'm nearby.

Anybody else have a similar experience? Please give me a hand, here....

[ZDU]

1. Long leather gloves..

Put 'em on and hold him with love and kindness. Gently speak to him. He'll come around eventually...
More here:
https://www.communityconcernforcats.org/resources/taming-feral-kittens/

[2naSalit]

2. While holding...

Him, gently stroke his forehead front to back, sort of mimicking its mother licking the top of his head, that seems to help them calm down and with bonding.

[allegorical oracle]

8. Fortunately, vet clipped the kitten's toenails! :)

[Ocelot II]

3. It will take time. At first just bring him food, step away and let him eat.

Once he seems comfortable eating in your presence, start talking to him. Don't try to touch him, just keep your distance and spend time talking to him whenever you bring food. He will start to associate you with food and safety and at some point you could try offering him food from your finger. He's pretty young so he should warm up fairly soon but don't rush him. There is a lot of info on socializing kittens online but the main point is to go slow and don't push him. Also, we need photos.

[ZDU]

6. Yes! Photos please!!!

[allegorical oracle]

15. Don't hold your breath. Got my first-ever smart phone this Christmas

as a gift. Am learning that I'm severely digitally undereducated. The phone is very daunting. Am lucky to successfully answer phone calls at this point.

[allegorical oracle]

9. Appreciate the advice. Have had "farm" cats, here for the past 43 years, but

most of my foundlings have been stray (wandered away with, or without, momma kitty. They're already sweet and less afraid of people. But this little guy (I've named him "Oliver" after Oliver Twist because he's something of an orphan) is dead set against human contact. Have been quiet with him -- just food and water -- and he's eating more than drinking, so I've added a bit more water to the Fancy Feast Pate (which the farm family started him on).

[SuzyandPuffpuff]

4. Yes

1) cover crate so he doesn't feel exposed . He Will associate when he's ready ... 2) put yourself in his place. Scared. Confused. Disoriented. Everything with these guys must be SLOW and QUIET. Most important...make sure he can hide. That crate will b his safety zone so make it his. 3) sit quietly next to crate but don't force yourself on him. 4) peacock feathers are a great way to introduce soft comfortable play. Keep us posted. I worked over 3 decades with animals of all species ... I know of what I speak

[allegorical oracle]

10. Thank you for answering my post. While I'm experienced with the feline

family (had six cats at one point) -- dealing with a feral is a bit beyond my skill set.

[GiqueCee]

5. Infinite patience.

[allegorical oracle]

12. That's one trait I have. But not being able to nuzzle him is frustrating. He

resists any handling. Have stroked his face, especially along the cheeks and all over his tiny body (he's smaller than a full-grown rat) -- weighs less than 14 ounces.

[UpInArms]

7. When you look at him

and he’s looking back at you

Blink really slowly … it is a thing that calms them

If you just seem to be staring at them, they think that you may be aggressive

[allegorical oracle]

13. Oh I've been doing that. Am getting slow blinks from him and take some

hope from that Thanks for the reminder.

[TommieMommy]

11. A lot of patience and love. He's so afraid so it will take time to trust you.

I was feeding a stray feral cat put food out for her and stepped back. She stayed far away. Little by little she got closer to me. One day she rubbed up to my legs. Now she's my loving friendly girl who loves hugs and cuddles. Time and patience works. I always talked to her very softly too. 💙🐾🐾💙

[allegorical oracle]

14. Congratulations! Hope I can get there with Oliver. I've only had him with me for

one day -- so maybe I'm being a bit impatient.

[3catwoman3]

16. He might like the Churu tubes of pat You can clip off the end and slowly squeeze out the pat...

...so he can lick it from the tube. He'd have to come closer to you but not be touched by you, so that could be a way to get him to come nearer but not too near until he feels more comfortable.

I know we will all be eagerly awaiting progress reports.

Does he have a name yet? And until your camera skills develop, tell us what color he is, please.