From The Street To A Home: Adopting Stray Cats

It is true that the other day you went through that pet store and fell completely in love with that kitten who seemed to be asking you to take him home with his eyes. Of course, when incorporating a new member to our family, we can handle other options.

One of them is adopting stray cats. Let’s see what the process is for them to go from living on the street to having a home.

Too many stray dogs and cats

On August 15, 2015, the 24th anniversary of World Abandoned Animal Day took place. That day an animal shelter informed everyone that every year in a country like Spain some 140,000 dogs and cats are abandoned.

The most fortunate will end up in a center or refuge, but many others will be condemned to wander the streets facing an uncertain and in most cases cruel fate.

They will almost certainly have to fight daily to put something in their mouth, suffer from malnutrition and disease, and eventually die prematurely.

But they also cause problems for people, hygiene, health or even safety. Therefore, it is essential to remove these animals from the streets to give them a better future.

Are we ready to adopt stray cats?

Now imagine that we have seen a cat in the street. It may be that our first intention is to take it to our home, something very commendable.

However, before doing so, you should ask yourself if you are prepared to take on everything that living with a pet entails, in addition to the more specific care that is needed when adopting stray cats. If you already have it clear, let’s see how to do it successfully.

Tips for adopting stray cats

Distrust

Stray cats have had bad experiences when interacting with humans, so it is possible that if you approach them they will show upset. Take all possible precautions, and offer him food to gain his trust little by little.

Of course, avoid gestures and words that may scare him.

Transport

Once you have gained their trust, it would be good to have a carrier so that the trip home is safe.

Know home

When we are in our home, we will allow the animal to know all the rooms, so that it becomes familiar with them. Keep in mind that for stray cats it is a big change if there are doors and they cannot run freely, so make sure they have enough room to move.

Patience

It is possible that during the first days you will be nervous and confused, you may hide and avoid contact with us. Be patient and don’t overwhelm him. The love and trust between you will gradually emerge.

First days

Leave his food in an easily accessible place and approach him wisely. Also place his litter box in an accessible place and show him how to use it. Although at first he wants to choose where in the house to live, when things calm down, take all his belongings to the place chosen by you.

Veterinarian

The first visit to the vet should take place as soon as possible. It is essential that you evaluate your general health, so that you can be warned of certain diseases, while proceeding to administer your first vaccinations.

Likewise, their advice and help will be essential for those who adopt stray cats.

If there are more animals in the house

If you are an animal lover, you may have other pets. If so, you have to allow them to get to know each other slowly, but always under your supervision. It is imperative that you try to avoid tense situations, so that your relationship gets off to a good start.

Of course, before the vet checks that he is healthy, keep him isolated from everyone else in the household.

Has owner?

Last but not least. Make sure the cat does not have an owner. If it does, it is essential that you try to find it by all means. Use empathy and think about how you would feel if something like this happened to you.

When we decide to adopt stray cats we are showing an altruistic love capable of putting the needs of the animal before our personal taste. Without a doubt, this quality will make us an excellent owner.