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My foster kitten is feral. How can I get it to socialize and trust me?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

I have a litter of three foster kittens that are under one pound in weight. One has already warmed up to people and become very affectionate. One doesnt like being touched but won't run from me and the third is still acting feral, will bite and scratch me if I attempt to touch him. He has become okay with getting near me but will never let me touch him. Does it just take time? Or do I need to be doing something to get him to stop acting feral? I fear if he doesn't socialize soon he never will

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on August 28th, 2017

Since the kittens are still under a pound, they are probably only about a month old, so you still have time to socialize them. The most important socialization time frame is up to about 8 weeks of age, and it is important for them to learn social skills from their siblings, so I would recommend keeping them together for another month if possible. Hopefully, the 2 that are more fearful will learn from the affectionate one. Do not force any of them to interact with you (unless medically necessary). Try to make them associate you with good things like food and play. Sometimes you can get feral kittens to be willing to play with you before they would ever be willing to allow you to touch them. Don't give up on the shy baby or the more feral one yet. Continue to try to find a way to interact with them that they like, then build their trust from there. Good luck! Please let me know if that helped. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and being a good foster parent.

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