Feral Trio: Food

Food is a great way to create a positive association with you and a scared cat. When I first started working with scared cats, I used to offer their regular food on a typical spoon, which required the kittens to come close to me in order to eat it. (Don't worry, I also made their regular food available in bowls.)
Over time, I've refined the way I socialize fearful kittens. I now use a telescopic pointer with a plastic spoon attached, allowing the cat to approach from a safe distance. By doing this only between meals and using treats, such as meat puree, I ensure the cat doesn't learn to associate its regular food with feelings of discomfort or fear. This gradual approach helps build the cat's trust and confidence around people, making additional socialization techniques possible.