Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Introducing the cat into your home
• Part 2 of 3: Making sure it's a stray cat
• Part 3 of 3: Taming the stray cat

Adopting a stray cat is a great way to adopt a new pet that might otherwise never have found a good home. Before you decide to adopt the cat, make sure it doesn't have an owner. If the cat does not have a home, get it vaccinated and treat injuries and illnesses. Then you can slowly introduce it into your home. It may take a cat to get used to a new environment, but the process is incredibly rewarding.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Introducing the cat into your home

1. Feed the cat outside if it doesn't want to come in. Stray cats are often shy and often do not come in around people. Take out a bowl of cat food at the same time each day. This will help get the stray cat used to the routine.
   • If the cat is not eating the food, try moving the bowl a little further away from the house.
   • Try to give the cat a variety of foods, such as cat treats or prepackaged wet food. You can buy these in a pet store. If the cat has been living on the street for a long time, it may not be used to normal cat food. Because of this, it may take him a while to get used to his new diet.
2. Once the cat eats food close to the house without any problems, put the food inside. Put the bowl of food just inside the front door and make sure it's not around to startle the cat. If you have another pet, keep them in a separate room for 10-15 minutes while the cat is eating.
   • Continue to feed the cat at the same time every day. This will help increase the chances of the cat entering.
3. Close the door behind the cat while it eats. Close all windows and doors in the house to prevent the cat from escaping. It is likely that the cat will hide for a while when it realizes the front door is closed. This is normal behavior for a stray cat, over time he will gradually gain more confidence.
   • If the cat makes loud noises, starts scratching furniture, or is terrified of people, it may indicate that it is feral. In this scenario, it is best to open the front door and let the cat out again.
4. Isolate the stray from other pets until examined and vaccinated by a veterinarian. Stray cats are usually not vaccinated, which means they can transmit disease to other animals in the house. Keep the stray cat in a comfortable, but enclosed area with plenty of food, water and air flow. Remove items that could fall off shelves or tables and injure the cat.
   • Wash your hands after handling the stray cat to avoid passing germs to other pets.
   • Talk to the cat regularly while it is in the isolated area. This will help him get used to you.
   • Make sure the cat has a litter box in the same room in case it needs to go to the bathroom.

Part 2 of 3: Making sure it's a stray cat

1. Take the cat to the vet to have it checked for a chip. If the cat has a microchip, it means it once had an owner. Ask the vet to give you the contact information of the most recent owner, or determine if the vet can make the contact. Contact the owner to make sure he doesn't want the cat and is okay with you adopting the cat.
   • A vet usually charges around $ 50 for an appointment, but most will examine a stray cat for free. Contact a local veterinarian for cost information.
   • If the cat doesn't want to be in a carrier, put a bowl of food in the cage to lure the cat into it.
2. Post a picture of the cat nearby to find its owner. Take a picture of the cat and hang it on a local neighborhood notice board and post it on social media. Write a description in which you indicate where you found the cat and what characteristics the cat has. Also write down your contact information so that the cat owner can contact your cat.
   • In many areas, it is a legal requirement to take practical steps to ensure that a stray cat does not have an owner before you take it into the home, even if the cat does not have a chip.
   • Keep the cat indoors while you search for its owner.
3. Consider the cat a stray cat if you haven't found its owner after seven days. If the cat does not have a chip and the owner cannot be traced, then you can safely assume that the cat is a drifter. Avoid welcoming the cat into your home before you are sure it is a bum, as this is illegal in many areas.
4. Ask the vet to vaccinate the cat and have the cat examined. Stray cats are often not vaccinated and usually have fleas. Therefore, ask the vet to check for fleas, worms, infections, injuries and illnesses, and to prescribe the necessary medications. Isolate the cat from other animals until it is free of parasites and disease.
   • Ask the vet if the cat has been neutered or neutered.

Part 3 of 3: Taming the stray cat

1. Talk to the cat while you pet it to help it bond with you. Speak in a soft voice while gently petting the cat. Over time, the cat will get used to your voice and smell and will be less afraid of being touched. Don't worry if the cat doesn't allow you to pet it often at first, this is normal behavior for a stray cat.
   • If the cat doesn't allow you to pet it, don't force it. Keep talking to him softly until he is ready to be petted by you.
2. Avoid eye contact with the cat to help gain its confidence. Many stray cats consider eye contact a threat. Look at the cat briefly and then close your eyes or avert your eyes. This helps the cat feel safe and calm in its new environment.
   • Over time, you can increase the amount of eye contact with your cat.
   • If you accidentally stare at the cat, just close your eyes for a few seconds and then slowly turn your head away.
3. Keep a regular feeding schedule to show the cat that you are trustworthy. Feed your cat at the same time every day. This shows your cat that you are a reliable source of food, which will help it bond with you.
   • If the cat doesn't want to eat the food you give it, try different brands until you find the food it likes.
   • Your cat will be calmer and less erratic if it has a regular feeding schedule.
4. Introduce other pets to the cat slowly. If you have several pets, the stray cat can get a bit overwhelmed. Bring one animal into the cat's room one at a time so they can get to know each other quietly. Once both animals seem comfortable, you can let another animal into the room. Keep repeating this process until all the pets in the same room can be comfortable.
   • If your other pets don't usually respond well to new animals, put them in a carrier in the stray cat's room for 15 minutes first. This allows them to get used to each other very slowly.
5. If you don't want it to become a house cat, let your cat outside after three weeks. This time in the house allows the cat to bond with your family and pets and will help it remember to come home once outside. Let the cat outside on a warm, dry day and make sure it is hungry. This helps to encourage the cat to come home to eat.
   • If the cat is afraid to go outside, walk with it to reassure it.
   • Most vets recommend that you keep your cat indoors.