If you are thinking about adopting a stray cat , congratulations are in order! There are many homeless pets who need a new family for a comfortable and safe life.
However, welcoming a new friend into your home is always a delicate process. Often, it takes a period of adaptation for both the owner and the cat. With street pets, the story is no different.
With some special care, your new friend will soon be comfortable and feeling like part of the family! Find out 5 tips for adopting a stray cat here.
1. Find a veterinarian
If you find a cat on the street , the first step is to seek out a veterinarian. They will be able to identify whether your new friend needs medical care, as well as vaccinating and deworming.
Furthermore, many pets today have identification microchips, small implants that contain useful data in case of escapes. The specialist will be able to identify whether the cat is microchipped and has lost its family.
You may feel the urge to take your cat home right away, but it’s best to wait until the vet gives you the go-ahead. In addition to fleas and ticks, which are common diseases in stray cats, some homeless pets can have serious zoonoses, such as rabies. To avoid a headache, it’s best to seek out a specialist as soon as possible.
2. Make your home a leak-proof place
Welcoming a new pet always means making adjustments . However, when we’re talking about a stray cat, this process can be even faster! This is because our furry friends often run away until they feel like part of the family in their new home.
We must remember that cats are territorial. Therefore, strange places, objects and smells can make them feel insecure. Don’t think it’s something personal: it’s just the special way felines have!
After a few days, they will soon be comfortable and safe in your home. In the meantime, keep windows and doors closed and don’t forget to install safety nets.
3. Equip the new home
If you don’t have a pet yet and are now adopting a stray cat, remember that our furry friends need more than just a roof over their head. In addition to providing safety and comfort for your new four-legged child, you will need some basic items that are important for the cat’s life. Among the accessories that cannot be missing from your home, we should highlight:
- Litter box: even a stray cat will prefer to do its business in a litter box. This feature of cats helps a lot when it comes to daily cleaning!
- Feeder: Cat feeders are designed by experts and respect the characteristics of our friends to make feeding easier for the cat . Cats, for example, do not like the bowl touching their whiskers. Therefore, choose shallower items.
- Water fountain: hydration is a key point when it comes to cat ownership. Cats have a complicated relationship with water, and often your cat can go an entire day without drinking if they don’t like their water fountain. Choose automatic models that always keep the water fresh.
- Toys: games and play are great allies when it comes to caring for a stray cat! They stimulate activity and are great stress relievers, making your routine more enjoyable!
- House: Now that your furry friend has a home, he should have a comfortable space just for him! Pet cat houses are especially attractive to felines because they have features that they love!
In addition to the basic items mentioned above, you will also notice the needs of your new friend. Some cats love scratching posts, while others prefer to have fun with toys. Just like us, pets have personalities, and the ideal is to adapt your home to the profile of your four-legged friend!
4. Don’t forget about neutering
Once your four-legged friend is comfortable, strong and healthy, it’s time to plan for neutering. One of the most important care procedures for cats , this simple and quick surgery brings countless benefits to pets, especially stray cats.
Experts are always unanimous when reporting the benefits of neutering. The practice prevents diseases such as breast, ovarian and prostate cancer. In addition, unwanted pregnancies are one of the main reasons for the high number of pets living on the streets.
Find a veterinarian and see when is best to schedule the surgery. If you have other cats at home, make sure they are all neutered before bringing a new pet into your family.
5. Be patient in the first few days
Changes are never easy. Adapting to a new home is a challenge and often this process can take a few days. The same is true when we talk about stray cats. Imagine a pet without a family, living without any affection, having to find its own food and with total freedom to come and go throughout the day.
When you arrive in a loving and caring family, it will take a few days for your cat to adapt. So, be patient if your cat misses the litter box a few times, acts aloof or shows signs of wanting to escape. Each cat has a different process, and after a few weeks, your four-legged friend will feel right at home!
Remember that adopting a cat is a delicate process for both parties. Cats are not very good at showing their feelings, but rest assured that they will be trying their best to adapt well to their new family!