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Step 1
A stray cat that has belonged to someone in the past will probably be easier to turn into a pet than a stray cat that has been on his own since he was a kitten. A stray cat that has been tramping around since he was a kitten will generally not bond with you and make a good pet. Granted, he may come around each and every day for you to feed him. But, he will probably not let you touch him, pick him up and make him your own.
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Step 2
If you do find a stray cat that is friendly toward you and you are certain he is a stray and belongs to no one, congratulations! You have given a homeless cat a home! The first thing that is in order is to take the stray cat to the vet. You should never bring a stray cat into your home until he has been checked for illness or disease. This not only protects you, but it protects any pets you may already have living with you. The vet will examine the stray cat for any health problems. He will also vaccinate your new pet. It is a good idea to arrange for your new stray cat to be spayed or neutered. This will cut down on a male cat’s tendency to roam and it will keep a female cat from becoming anxious when she is in heat.
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Step 3
After you bring your new stray cat home, he will probably be very tired. He may also be in shock due to all the attention he is receiving! You should give your new buddy a chance to recover from all the attention that he has received. If you already have pets in the home, your new cat should be given a place all of his own for a few days. This will enable him a chance to understand that he is safe from the other pets in the home. Introducing your new cat to your other pets should be a slow process to cut down on any fighting that may occur.
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Step 4
Many people that adopt a stray cat are disappointed if the cat does not seem happy living indoors. Try not to be offended if your cat prefers to hang outside. Your stray cat has probably spent much of his life wandering the world and may feel confined indoors. However, having a cat that prefers to live outdoors does not mean that your new cat does not love you. It just means he’s an outdoorsman!
Comments
paula2198 said
on 8/3/2009 Please help!!! I need professional advice...
I have been feeding a stray cat since last November. Finally within the last month I have
been able to stroke the cat while it is feeding. I live in a northern climate and want to get the cat "fattened up" for this coming winter. Last winter I could only watch the cat from afar and it was such a cold winter that I worried about the cat nightly.
My question is this...the cat is COVERED in matted balls if fur all over his body...has grease along the length of his tail...has 1/2 of an ear gone. Should I attempt to catch it, have him checked by a vet, and all his fur shaved off? I have an indoor cat that is the "princess" of the house. I'm not sure how well it would be accepted if I brought another into the house!The local shelter told me that the cat would be "put down" if I brought it to them.
Thanks!!
justabarkaway said
on 4/23/2009 good articale thanks!!