Paws of Destiny: Dos and Don’ts of Adopting a Stray Cat

Bringing home a new pet is a big step that requires careful planning and consideration. You need to ensure that you are well-prepared to take on the responsibility.  Whether you wish to adopt a rescued stray cat from a shelter or pick up a lost one from the street, there are a few factors you need to consider to ensure a smooth adoption process.

Money matters

Throughout the cat’s life, you will incur several expenses such as medical bills, cat food, and other supplies. Be realistic in your assessment of your spending capacity.

Understand the difference between Stray and feral cats

Feral cats are those who have had minimal contact with humans, so they are wary of people. Because they have never been domesticated or socialized, they are not likely to make good indoor pets. On the other hand, stray cats were socialized or domesticated at some point in their lives and are comfortable being around humans.

Care for feral cats

You can make provisions for food and water bowls for her outdoors to ensure that she has a good chance of survival. If she looks sick, contact an animal welfare organization for tips on how to help her.

From stray to stay, take it slow

If, however, you’ve determined that the cat is a stray, don’t rush the befriending process. Stray cats can initially be wary of humans and are not likely to allow you to get close. Keep your interactions non-threatening and relaxed so that she can feel safe around you. Give her the time and space to approach you on her terms.

Earn trust through food

It is possible to lure a stray cat into being domesticated through the strategic use of food. Leave food in a bowl outside. Move away so that the cat can come forward and eat without feeling anxious or fearful. Do this every day at around the same time so that she learns to associate you with a stable supply of food. Entice her with tempting treats.

Do try to find the owner

A cat that looks reasonably well-fed and clean has likely been taken care of by someone. To make sure that you’re not accidentally taking home someone’s lost pet, check the cat for a collar or a tag to see if you can find any contact details. Ask your neighbors, post photos and details of the cat on social media pages, put up posters, and contact the local animal shelters. Get her scanned for a microchip ID at the local vet.

Stock up on the essentials

Set up a litter box, a food bowl, and a water bowl for the cat in an easily accessible spot. These are the things your stray cat is going to use first when she gets home. If you’ve adopted a stray cat from a shelter, continue feeding her whatever she was being fed there for the initial few days to ease her into home-cooked meals.

Make home introductions gradual

Understand that stray cats need time to adjust to an indoor lifestyle. To ease your cat into your home, start by keeping her contained in a single room with food and water bowls and a litter box. Spend time with her in the room daily. It will help her feel safe as she gets accustomed to her new environment.

Create safe hiding spots

Cats prefer hiding in small spaces when they’re scared. To prevent the stray cat from feeling nervous in her new surroundings, make provisions for a few quiet hiding spots around the house, such as empty cardboard boxes or a cozy blanket draped over a chair.

Doors closed for the outdoors

Stray cats that used to have all the space they want are more likely to settle into an indoor way of life if you keep them completely contained during the settling-in period, which might take a couple of months. Prevent them from going outside lest they run away or get lost.

Provide stimulating indoor experiences

Stray cats have exposure to several visual and auditory stimuli in the outdoors. You need to make special efforts to ensure that the indoors are just as stimulating. You can achieve this by adding plenty of distractions such as cardboard boxes with holes, toys, multi-layered perches, multiple scratching surfaces, etc.

Say yes to vet visits

Keep your stray cat away from other pets at home until your vet performs a thorough health scan on her and gives a clean chit. You have no idea how long the cat has lived like a stray and what kind of parasitic infections or contagious diseases she might have. If you’re adopting a female cat, ask your vet to check if she might be pregnant.

Introduce her to other pets slowly

Go slow when attempting to introduce your newly adopted stray cat to other pets at home. To ensure the safety of all animals, allow your resident pets and the newly adopted stray cat to see each other through a mesh door or a crate. Depending on the temperament of the animals involved, this can take up a lot of time. Do not rush the process.

Spay/neuter and microchip

Get your cats spayed or neutered so that there are no accidental pregnancies or impregnations. Spaying and neutering will also reduce your cat’s tendency to roam and fight. Get your cat microchipped as well.