How to Entice Felines

Position a Pet Shelter or Inverted Container Outside. Opt for a small pet shelter for a cat already under your care, or utilize a cardboard container spacious enough for a cat's accommodation. Invert the container and utilize scissors or a utility knife to carve a 1 by 1 ft (30 by 30 cm) aperture, facilitating feline ingress.

• Pet shelters are available for purchase online or at local pet emporiums.
• If employing a pet shelter with apertures aloft, secure a blanket atop to dim the enclosure.

Provide a Soft Bedding Base. Line the bottom of the enclosure with a fleece blanket or similar plush material to enhance comfort for the cat. Ensure there's ample fabric to allow the cat to cover itself without displacing the bedding.

Entice with Catnip Inside. Catnip, an herb renowned for attracting cats and inducing a euphoric state, can be pinched between fingers and sprinkled onto the bedding. For heightened allure, scatter some around the perimeter of the enclosure to entice cats from afar.

• Catnip is readily available at pet stores or can be cultivated at home.

Opt for Wet Food or Tuna. Wet foods emit a stronger scent that's more enticing to cats than dry varieties. Once opened, place a can on the enclosure floor. A cat may approach when it's hungry.

• Stock extra cans in your pantry for convenient access.
• Experiment with different cat food flavors to identify the most appealing to the cat.
• Allow the cat to eat undisturbed. For unfamiliar cats, refrain from handling while they feed. Maintain a normal speaking volume to familiarize the cat with your voice in association with feeding and positive interactions.

Monitor Activity Around 2 AM. Cats often become active during the night when humans are asleep, as they seek food. Keep a vigilant watch over the enclosure to observe any cats drawn to the food or seeking shelter.

Avoid Loud Noises Around Cats. Refrain from using loud appliances, toys, or even sweeping vigorously in the vicinity of a cat. Adjust the volume of your music or TV to a moderate level to acclimate the cat to typical household sounds. While these sounds may seem quiet to us, they can be overwhelming to a cat's sensitive ears.

• If cleaning in the same room as a cat, be mindful of noise levels to prevent startling them.

Let the Cat Initiate Contact. Remain stationary as the cat approaches, allowing it to familiarize itself with your scent and understand that you pose no threat. Offer the cat space to adjust to your presence without attempting to touch it.

• You can stand, sit, or lie down as the cat approaches, but avoid sudden movements.

Communicate in a Calm Tone. Speak in a natural voice tone, avoiding baby talk or high-pitched sounds when addressing your cat. Loud voices can startle the cat, so refrain from yelling in its presence. Over time, regular communication will instill a sense of security in your cat.

Stroke the Cat Gently and Monitor Its Reactions. Move slowly and predictably to avoid startling the cat. Begin by petting its back and gradually progress to scratching behind its ears. If the cat tenses or raises its fur, cease petting and allow it to relax.

Offer Treats for Positive Behavior. As the cat becomes accustomed to you, reward it with a small treat for good behavior. With time, the cat will associate its positive actions with the treat and continue to exhibit them.

• Keep treats nearby to attract the cat and establish trust. Avoid petting the cat while it eats to prevent startling it.

Position your cat’s used litter outdoors. To lure a lost cat back home, place the litter box just outside, close to your residence. The familiar scent may prompt your cat to return, as it associates the area with its bathroom habits.

• Ensure the litter is used so your cat can detect its scent. Fresh litter won't be as effective.
• Also, place recently worn clothes or a T-shirt near the litter to attract your cat with your scent.

Entice with Treats by Shaking a Container. If your cat is trained or accustomed to treats, the sound of shaking the container may draw it closer. Shake the container to produce noise and observe if the cat responds.

• Well-trained cats associate treats with positive behavior.

Use the cat’s name and Call It. Employ your normal speaking voice when calling your cat's name to avoid startling it. Cats often recognize their owner's voice and may return upon hearing it.

• Have a treat handy so you can reward the cat for coming to you.

Entice a cat with catnip or aromatic wet food. Maintain a calm demeanor and avoid sudden movements. Gradually introduce treats as the cat becomes more at ease, fostering positive associations.

• Avoid abrupt, startling movements around a new cat, which may deter rather than attract them.
• Leave clothing with your scent near food or hiding spots to familiarize the cat with your smell.

• Cats are naturally cautious, nocturnal, and astute creatures. Don't be discouraged if your efforts don't yield immediate results.
• Avoid offering cats milk, as many are lactose intolerant, leading to potential health issues.
• Exercise caution around feral cats, as their lack of human interaction may lead to defensive behavior. Refrain from immediate handling to prevent potential bites or scratches.