Adopting a stray cat is a great way to adopt a new pet that might otherwise never have a good home. Before you decide to adopt the pet as your own, make sure it is unowned. If the cat is homeless, vaccinate it, treat any injuries or illnesses, and then slowly introduce it to your home. It may take time for the cat to get used to a new environment, but the process is very rewarding.
Introducing the cat to your home
Feed the cat out on the street if it won’t come inside. Feral cats are usually shy and will not come in near people. Place a cat food dish outside at the same time every day. Doing so helps get the stray cat used to the routine.
- If the cat doesn’t want to eat, try to get it used to it.
- If the cat doesn’t want to eat, try placing the bowl farther away from the house.
- Try feeding the cat different types of food, such as cat cookies or cat food packets. You can buy these at a pet store. If the cat has been outside for a long time, it may not be used to typical foods and may take some time to get used to its new diet.
Bring the food inside once the cat is comfortable eating close to the house.
Place the food bowl inside the front door and make sure no one is around to scare the cat. If you have other pets in the house, lock them in a separate room for 10 to 15 minutes while the cat eats.
- Continue to feed the cat at the same time of day. It will help increase the chances that the cat will come in.
Close the door to prevent the cat from escaping. The cat is likely to hide for a moment once it realizes the front door is closed. This is normal behavior for a stray cat and over time, it will gradually become more confident. If the cat makes loud noises, starts scratching furniture or is terrified of people, it may indicate that it is feral. In this case, it is best to open the door and let the cat out.
Isolate the stray cat from other pets until it is tested and vaccinated by a veterinarian.
Feral cats are often not vaccinated, which means they can transmit diseases to other pets in the house. Keep the stray cat in a comfortable, contained space with plenty of food, water and air flow. Remove all items from the room that could fall off shelves or tables and injure him.
- Wash your hands after touching the stray cat to avoid spreading germs to other pets in your home.
- Talk to the cat on a regular basis while it is in an isolated room. It will help it get used to you.
- Make sure the cat has a litter tray in the room in case it has to relieve itself.
Taming the stray cat
Speak softly while gently petting the cat. Over time, the cat will become accustomed to your voice and scent and will be less afraid of your touch. At first, don’t worry if the cat doesn’t allow you to touch it often, as this is normal behavior for a stray cat.
- If the cat doesn’t let you touch it often, it’s normal behavior.
- If the cat won’t let you touch it, continue to speak gently until you are ready to allow yourself to pet it.
Avoid eye contact with the cat to help gain its trust.
Many stray cats will interpret direct eye contact as a threat. Look briefly at the cat and then close your eyes or look away. It will help the cat feel safe and calm in its new environment.
- Over time, slowly increase the amount of eye contact you give the cat.
- If you accidentally look at the cat, simply close your eyes for a few seconds and slowly turn your head away.
Keep a regular feeding schedule to show the cat that you are reliable. Feed the cat at the same time every day. This shows the cat that you are a reliable source of food and will help the cat bond with you.
- If the cat won’t eat the food you feed it, try different brands of cat food until you find one it likes.
- The cat will be calmer and less erratic with a regular feeding schedule.
Introduce other pets to the cat slowly.
If you have several pets in your home, the stray cat may become overwhelmed. Bring 1 animal into the cat’s room at a time so it can slowly become familiar. Once both animals seem comfortable, introduce him to another animal. Continue repeating this process until all of your pets are comfortable being together in the same space.
- If your other pets usually do not respond well to new animals, place them in their carrier for 15 minutes in the stray cat’s room. Doing so will help them get used to each other very slowly.
Let the cat out after 3 weeks if you don’t want them to be an indoor cat.
This indoor time allows him to bond with your family and pets and will help him remember to return home once you let him out. Let the cat outside on a warm, dry day and make sure he is hungry. Doing so encourages the cat to come home to eat.
If the cat is afraid to go outside, walk next to it to help reassure it.
Most veterinarians recommend keeping the cat indoors.
Disclaimer: “The advice in this article is for reading purposes only. Always seek professional advice before following any
of the methods/ advice in this article”
