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  • Animal Shelter’s ‘Kitten Bjorn’ is a Great Invention for Feral Kittens

Animal Shelter’s ‘Kitten Bjorn’ is a Great Invention for Feral Kittens

Posted in Cat Videos - On: October 5, 2021 - Author:  Jan Travell
Posted in Cat Videos 
Last Updated: November 25, 2021  
Author:  Jan Travell

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL)  came up with a great invention, the Cat Bjorn, and it has since gone viral with its adorableness. A Cat bjorn looks just like the carry-on vest for human babies but the baby bjorn for cats has been specially designed by the animal shelter workers to accommodate feral kittens.

It can be a very difficult job when dealing with feral kittens to get them used to being with humans, but with a baby Bjorn carrier for cats, they become better socialized and therefore ready for adoption. 

The cat baby bjorn idea was created so that feral kittens can socialize and the shelter workers can have their hands-free.

black and white rescue kitten

Animal Rescue League Of Boston

The cat device design enables a kitten to be placed into a secure pocket, maintaining privacy but still allowing the kitten to be flooded with stimuli in a safe way while being constantly monitored. 

Feral felines up to around four months old can still be socialized into a family and get adopted into a new home, but this is only if they get a lot of exposure to people. This is what the baby bjorn pouch devices can do. 

The kitten björn is super simple. The kitten is simply placed into a pocket at the front of the apron and a zipper is fastened to stop them from falling out. Kitty can also see what is going in around them as the front of the cat bjorn carrier is made from a large mesh.

animal rescue worker

Animal Rescue League Of Boston

A strap secures the Bjorn around the kitty human just like that of a standard baby carrier.

What a clever, yet simple socialization process idea - let's hope these cat carrier baby bjorn devices catch on in other cat house shelters and allow feral kittens to have a chance at finding a family.

The shelter has been successful in using the cat bjorn carrier vests for the last 7 years. They can be ready for adoption in just 48 hours or sooner. 

Cat bjorns are similar, but a little different, to cat slings that you may have seen before. A cat or kitten born of this type is very much designed to assist in the socialization of feral kittens. If you want to know more about cat slings check out our article all about cat slings here!

It can be a very difficult job when dealing with feral kittens to get them used to being with humans but with Kitten Bjorn they become socialized and therefore ready for adoption. "The idea was to have something that allowed the kittens to socialize, and be hands free. The design allows the kitten to be flooded with stimuli in a safe way while being constantly monitored." What a fabulous, yet simple idea - let's hope it catches on in other shelters and allows feral kittens to have a chance at finding a family.

kitten in cat bjorn

Animal Rescue League Of Boston

FAQs on Feral Kittens

Is it possible to socialize a feral kitten?

Yes, If the kittens are eight weeks or younger. Kittens older than two months (eight weeks) of age often take more time and animal carte skill to domesticate.

How long does it take for a feral kitten to adjust?

About 2 weeks (sometimes longer) to fully socialize feral kittens. It does depend on how wild they actually are. It will also depend on their individual personality. Patience is required.

How do you socialize a scared feral kitten?

Firstly, remember they are very young and very scared! Put them in a warm room by themselves, away from other animals. Give them a big box and lots of blankets to hide away in. That will help comfort them. Be kind, feed them and be patient.

How do you get a feral kitten to trust you?

Offer the kitten food at the same time each day. Back away and give them space to eat. Place an item of yours, such as a sweaty shirt, near them. The kitten will associate your scent with nice things and will begin to start trusting you.

About the author

Jan Travell is a lifelong cat owner and a feline expert. She's been the Cats and Kittens lead editor from the start. She lives in rural France with her two rescue cats, Tigerlily and Mr.Gee. Her senior kitty, Ducati, passed over the rainbow bridge recently at the ripe old age of 22.

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