Adopting a Stray Cat

Are you considering adopting a stray cat? Perhaps you know someone that is trying to find a cute little furball a new home. Or maybe a kitty just showed up on your porch one day, cold and hungry. You fed the poor thing out of kindness, she stayed, and now you’ve become buddies. Homeless kitties can make wonderful and loving pets. In fact, many beloved housecats were once strays. Read on for some great advice from an Ellicott City, MD veterinarian on adopting stray cats.

Veterinary Care

Bring your new feline friend to the vet right away. Fluffy will need a full examination, plus vaccinations, microchipping, and parasite control. If your kitty is still intact, spay/neuter surgery is also recommended. If you have other pets or children, don’t let them interact with the kitty until your vet gives the green light.

Settling In

Start Fluffy out in a quiet room, such as a laundry room or spare bedroom, with her toys, food, and litterbox. Be sure to provide plenty of comfy napping spots! Let her get used to the sounds and smells of your home before letting her explore her new domain.

Keeping Fluffy Indoors

We recommend that kitties live indoors. Cats that go outdoors face many dangers, such as cars, predators, other kitties, chemicals, weather, and parasites. They’re also much more likely to get lost or injured. Your furball may need time to adjust to indoor life. Sweeten the deal by offering lots of fun toys and cozy napping spots, a window view, and plenty of love. Daily play sessions may also help.

A Purrfect Pet

Some of our feline friends are very friendly. Fluffy may immediately make herself at home, and may not be shy about asking for attention or hopping onto your lap. Other cats are much more wary and timid. If yours is the latter type, don’t force attention on her: let her come to you when she wants to be petted. To gain your kitty’s trust, offer food and toys, and talk to her soothingly. If she does something wrong, don’t punish her: you may just scare her. Instead, focus on rewarding good behavior. With time, love, patience, and good care, you’ll have your kitty’s little motor going in no time. Does your kitty need shots or an examination? We can help! Contact us, your Ellicott City, MD veterinary clinic, today!