Adopting a stray cat sounds difficult, but it can get harder if you’re not careful at first. Here’s what you should know before you adopt a stray so that the adoption doesn’t cause you any trouble later on.
Adopting a stray cat is an act of kindness that can pay off in terms of companionship and love. However, it’s not always an easy endeavor. Adopting a stray cat can be a wonderful and rewarding experience, but it requires careful consideration and commitment.
Here are some tips to help make your experience with a rescued feline go smoothly:
Take the Stray Cat to a Vet First
One of the most vital steps in adopting a stray cat is to ensure its health. If you aren’t experienced with cats and unsure of how to tell if your new pet is sick, take it to the vet for a thorough exam. It is important to test for contagious diseases like feline leukemia, especially if there are other cats in the household. Your local animal shelter or humane society may be able to recommend a vet in your area who has experience with spaying and neutering cats.
If there are no obvious signs that the cat is unwell, you should find out whether it’s been treated for fleas or other parasites recently by having it checked by your own veterinarian.
It is likely that you will have some trouble convincing the cat to tag along with you to the vet. They might try to dodge your attempts, which is why you might have to use a cat harness and leash.
#2 Treat for Fleas and Ticks
Fleas and ticks are a common problem among stray cats. They can cause serious health issues for your new pet, including allergy dermatitis, anemia, tapeworms, and even death. You should always check your cat for fleas or ticks before adopting them.
If you find one on your new cat, it is important to treat them immediately as they can be very difficult to remove once they have become established in a home environment. The good news is that many different types of flea and tick medication are available at most pet stores. Most of these products come in pill form, which makes it easy to give flea and tick medicine without getting bitten yourself.
Flea and tick meds are available for both cats and dogs. The flea pills for cats are different from the flea pills for dogs. For effective cat flea treatment, you can try Capstar for cats. You can also try a flea collar for cats.
#3 Take Care of Medical Issues As Necessary
Even healthy cats can be prone to certain health issues apart from fleas and ticks. Addressing these medical issues is part of the long-term commitment and responsibilities of pet ownership. If you see evidence of these in your cat, talk with your vet about how best to treat them. Also, ask them what you can do to prevent those diseases or pests from getting into the house again.
Some diseases are seasonal, while others tend to spread like an epidemic. Be aware of those diseases and treat your cat for them first.
#4 Know What the Cat is Used to Eating Before Switching Its Diet
In general, you should switch your cat’s diet gradually over weeks. Cats are very sensitive to sudden changes in their diet. So, if you plan on feeding them something different than what they’re used to (dry food instead of wet food or vice versa), start by adding small amounts of the new food into their existing meal until they’ve had enough time to adjust. You can occasionally feed the cat with canned food as a reward.
If your stray cat has been eating both dry and wet food as a stray, try switching only one thing at first. If it was used to eating dry food as a stray, try offering just moistened dry kibble. If it was used to getting its fill from wet treats alone and ignoring the canned variety altogether, try turning those treats into gel-like blocks by mixing them with water and freezing them for an hour or two before serving.
For dry food, you can give your cat the Hill’s Science Diet cat food or the Canidae cat food. For wet cat food, you can try the Blue Buffalo Cat Food with natural tuna flavor.
Give the Cat Some Space and a Litter Box
Stray cats are used to being on their own, and they may be shy or scared of you at first. Let them get used to your presence, and don't try to force a relationship when it's not there. This might mean leaving the house for a while if you want a playdate with your new cat friend. Letting the cat come to you rather than chasing after it will help build trust between you two.
#6 Be Patient With the Cat's Behavior
It’s important to be patient and understanding of your new companion, who may not be used to living in a home or around children or other pets. Feral cats, unlike stray cats, have minimal human contact and may require a longer, more gradual process to transition into an indoor living environment. Stray cats are often wary of human contact. They may hide from you, run away when you try to pet them, or bite if you’re too rough. Stray cats, having been socialized to humans, might just need some time to adjust to indoor life, while feral cats are more like wild animals and are poor candidates for indoor living. If your new cat is skittish or aggressive at first, allow him time to adjust by letting it sniff around the house before interacting. You can also try feeding it near its food bowl so that it gets used to your smell without being scared off right away.
If its aggression seems severe, like it hisses at people passing by the window or bites anyone who gets too close, consult a vet immediately. Your vet will give an accurate diagnosis based on the nature and severity of his symptoms.
#7 Do Not Correct Behavior by Physically Punishing the Cat
While it is tempting to correct your cat's behavior by physically punishing him, this is not the best way to train a cat. Cats do not intentionally misbehave, and therefore, their actions should be viewed as normal behaviors that are unchangeable. The best way to deal with a stray cat's undesirable habits is through positive reinforcement training instead of negative reinforcement training (e.g., hitting or yelling at them). This teaches the cat that when it does something good, it gets rewarded; when it does something wrong, it gets punished.
Your cat will probably not associate the punishment with what he did wrong because cats don't have the same level of reasoning as humans do. They have an instinctual understanding of things based on their body language and other stimuli in their environment, but they can't always connect those dots when it comes to human-like behavior like lying down on your couch or scratching your favorite chair. Punishment will likely make your cat afraid of you rather than teach it what's acceptable behavior around people.
#8 Always Provide Fresh Food and Water
Always provide fresh food, water, and plenty of litter boxes around your home. Cats are clean animals and need to use the litter box frequently. The more cats you have in your household, the more litter boxes you will need to keep them happy. For your new feline friend, you can use Arm and Hammer cat litter, as it is one of the best litters available on the market.
Consider putting food inside the cat carrier as a way to gradually acclimate the stray cat to it, making it more comfortable for future transportation to the vet. Keep the area where their food is clean, so it stays dry and free from pests like mice or rats. A cat parent should also be sure to wash out their cat’s dishes every day (or at least every other day). This way, they will always be able to enjoy their dinner without having any worries about getting sick from eating something dirty.
Finally, don’t forget about hiding places for those shy kitties out there who like privacy when they eat or sleep. If you have enough space available in your home, create little nooks where they can hide away while still being close by.
The best thing you can do is to prepare yourself for the unexpected. Many stray cats have been living alone for years, so it’s unlikely they will adjust overnight. Be patient, and remember that it may take time before your feline friend feels comfortable in their new home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it a good idea to adopt a stray cat?
Adopting a stray cat can be a wonderful experience, but it's important to consider the responsibilities and commitments that come with pet ownership before making a decision. Cats need time and attention from their owners to stay healthy and happy. You'll need to be prepared to provide daily care, including feeding, grooming, and playtime. Stray cats may have health issues that need to be addressed, such as infections, parasites, or injuries. You should plan to take your new pet to the vet for a check-up and vaccinations and be prepared for ongoing medical expenses. You'll need to provide a safe and comfortable living environment for your cat, including shelter, food, water, and litter box. If you have other pets or small children, you'll need to make sure they are compatible and safe around the new addition. Adopting a pet is a lifelong commitment. You'll need to be prepared to provide care and support for your cat for its entire life, which could be 10 to 20 years or more. Overall, if you're ready and willing to provide the care and attention that a stray cat needs, adopting one can be a wonderful and rewarding experience for both you and your new furry friend. Just be sure to do your research and consider all the responsibilities and commitments involved before making a decision.
What are the risks of adopting a stray cat?
While adopting a stray cat can be a rewarding experience, it's important to be aware of the potential risks and challenges involved. Stray cats may carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans, including rabies, toxoplasmosis, and cat scratch fever. Before adopting a stray cat, it's important to have it examined by a veterinarian to ensure that it's healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations. Stray cats may have been traumatized or abused, which can lead to behavioral issues such as aggression, fear, or anxiety. It can take time and patience to help a stray cat adjust to a new home and learn to trust its new owner. Because stray cats don't have a known history, it can be difficult to know their age, breed, temperament, or any medical conditions they may have. This can make it harder to provide the appropriate care and training. If you have other pets, adopting a stray cat can be challenging. Introducing a new cat to a household with existing pets can take time and effort, and there is always a risk of aggression or territorial issues. Adopting a pet is a long-term commitment that requires time, money, and effort. It's important to be prepared for the responsibilities and challenges of pet ownership before adopting a stray cat. Overall, while there are risks involved in adopting a stray cat, with proper care and attention, these challenges can be overcome.
How long before a stray cat is legally yours?
The time it takes for a stray cat to become yours legally can vary depending on where you live and the local laws and regulations. Before adopting a stray cat, you should check for identification tags or microchips that can help you locate the cat's owner. If the cat has identification, you should make a reasonable effort to contact the owner and return the cat to them. In some areas, you may be required to notify local animal control or the police department if you find a stray cat. They may have specific procedures in place for dealing with lost or abandoned animals. You should post lost and found notices in your neighborhood and on social media to try to locate the cat's owner. In many areas, there is a waiting period during which the owner can claim the cat. The length of this period varies, but it is typically between 5 and 10 days. If no one claims the cat during the waiting period, you can obtain legal ownership by contacting your local animal shelter or rescue organization to complete the adoption process. They can provide you with the necessary paperwork to legally adopt the cat.
Do stray cats get attached to humans?
Yes, stray cats can form attachments to humans. While they may initially be wary of people due to their previous experiences or lack of socialization, many stray cats can learn to trust and bond with humans over time. Stray cats may become attached to humans who provide them with food, shelter, and attention and who create a safe and stable environment for them. These cats may seek out human companionship and show affection through purring, rubbing against their owners, or even sitting on their laps. However, it's important to note that not all stray cats will be immediately friendly or affectionate towards humans. Some may need more time and patience to adjust to their new surroundings and learn to trust their owners. In some cases, stray cats may also have behavioral issues or medical problems that can make it more difficult for them to form attachments to humans. Overall, while there are no guarantees, with patience, time, and a gentle approach, it's possible for many stray cats to form bonds with their human caregivers.
Can humans get sick from stray cats?
Yes, humans can get sick from stray cats. Stray cats may carry a variety of diseases that can be transmitted to humans through scratches, bites, or contact with their feces or urine. Rabies is a viral infection that is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, including cats. Rabies is a serious and potentially fatal disease, and it is important to seek medical attention immediately if you are bitten or scratched by a stray cat. Cat scratch disease is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted through scratches or bites from infected cats. Symptoms may include fever, swelling, and fatigue. Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection that can be transmitted through contact with infected cat feces. While most people who are infected with toxoplasmosis have mild or no symptoms, the infection can be more serious in people with weakened immune systems. Ringworm is a fungal infection that can be transmitted through contact with infected cats or their environment. Symptoms may include skin irritation and itching.
