Things You'll Need:
- a cat on the street
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Step 1
Keep in mind that if the cat looks like it is well behaved but skinny, it could have been let out of the house on purpose. In today's economy, some people that can no longer afford their pets will simply release them to the streets. A good tip to think on the terms that if you have found a cat that seems underfed, but generally well kept, it is probably a bona-fide stray. Regardless of how the cat may look, a good gesture is to put several signs in the neighborhood and neighborhood stores that you have "found a cat", with details of where, but not in detail of what it looks like and how to contact you.
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Step 2
Look at the feline closely to see if it appears to have dirty paws, tail or dangling dirt in the hair under the stomach. Don't forget to smell the animal also. If you have decided you will take the cat into your house while you try and locate a possible owner or have determined that it is indeed a stray that you want to keep, immediately wash the cat with mild shampoo.
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Step 3
Purchase cat food. If you do not have a bowl or bowls that you do not mind using to feed the cat, go to a convenience store and purchase two bowls; one for clean water and the other for dry food.
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Step 4
Watch the temperament of the cat for the first 24 hours diligently. You want to see how it maneuvers around your apartment or house. Does it whine? Hiss often? Is it very relaxed? Too quiet? You are also going to have to start thinking of the cat as a small child that can get harmed from ordinary household items and products.
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Step 5
Animal proofing your house is going to be essential. Light fixtures, sockets, chemicals, wires are going to have to be secured and your home is going to have to be secured from accidents to the cat and yourself. Your new pet can be startling in the beginning. Be extra conscious of hot fluids and spills.
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Step 6
Do not neglect the fact that you will need a place for the cat to go to the bathroom. Your purchase by the second day is going to include kitty litter and litter box. Research for the many types of litter boxes on and offline that will be the most convenient for you.
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Step 7
Go online or the library to find training a cat and other pertinent information a cat owner should know, such as what to do with a female cat, a male cat, stages of growth, medical care, immunizations, licenses and any other cat laws in your state.
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Step 8
Your new cat will need to be takent to a
Veterinary clinic or Veterinarian for examination of illnesses or disease. Any medical procedures, surgery, additional maintenance, medications or animal license is going to be at a financial cost to you. -
Step 9
Introduce your cat to family and friends slowly. You are adopting an animal that you do not know. It is not a kitten that has grown up in your presence. You will then not be familiar with all of its' needs and personality traits. Be cautious when people are around your pet. Any accidents, biting or danger to a guest is going to be at a medical cost to you also.
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Step 10
Determine what rooms are going to be off limits to your cat and designate an area or areas for your cat until all of the above steps have been enacted.
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Step 11
Now enjoy your new pet and remember to treat it like a member of the family, who will make mistakes and not make you happy all of the time, but deserves love and consideration.
Comments
Kathymcbain said
on 1/2/2009 We have lots of stray cats in Hawaii, thanks for this good information.
Meri said
on 12/2/2008 So many strays, so little time. Good advice.
deepthinkin said
on 12/1/2008 Excellent and thorough article!
JesaLynn said
on 11/9/2008 Great article, I liked that you covered cat care as well as bringing in a stray. I've always had one or two cats, and they have always been strays. Why bother pet shopping when there are so many homeless ones? 5 Stars!
StreetBloggers said
on 11/5/2008 great how to thanks