“It’s really special to go through that process, to start with a cat that is hissing at you, growling at you, sometimes lunging at you trying to scratch you, bite you, being very defensive. And then to, over time, have that cat sometimes turn into a lap cat, those are the really, really special, heartwarming, brings me to tears moments is when a cat decides it wants to come to sit in my lap when four months ago it wanted nothing to do with me.”

Listen to Episode #560 Now

This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and Tomahawk Live Trap.

Have you ever looked into the eyes of a feral cat and wondered what it would take to transform that wary creature into a contented purring pet in your lap? Our guest, Caitlin Porter from From Feral to Family, joins us to weave an inspiring tale of how she navigates the delicate path from mistrust to affection with adult feral cats. With her at the helm, we journey through the intricate socialization process, revealing not just the dedication and patience required, but the immeasurable rewards of witnessing a feral cat’s leap of faith into family life. 

Caitlin’s stories of hissing, defensive ferals evolving into loving lap cats under her watch are nothing short of miraculous, reminding us all that every creature deserves a second chance at happiness. This episode also sheds light on the finer points of kitten care and the importance of advocacy within the cat community. 

Listen in and get a taste of practical advice for building trust with feral cats, the benefits of fear-free techniques, and the invaluable local resources supporting our mission of cat care. We also share an inside look at the 2024 Online Kitten Conference, with its wealth of knowledge and networking opportunities for cat enthusiasts worldwide. 

In this episode, you will hear:

• Caitlin’s inspiring journey from cat lover to advocate for feral cat socialization
• The process of turning hissing ferals into affectionate lap cats
• Learn about the meticulous steps from containment to trust-building and adoption
• Exploring kitten care and the importance of advocacy within the feline community
• A sneak peek into the 2024 Online Kitten Conference with its valuable resources for cat enthusiasts
• Cat ownership in Vermont

Resources from this Episode

• From Feral to Family Website – http://fromferaltofamily.org
• From Feral to Family Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/fromferaltofamilyvt
• From Feral to Family Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/fromferaltofamilyvt/
• From Feral to Family YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRfq5I8z4hx7RwFUfAYMj1Q

Follow & Review

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits – If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.