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Today, it is estimated that there are tens of millions of stray cats in the United States. These mysterious felines can be seen hiding under our porches or even taking refuge in dark corners of streets.
While many stray cats tend to avoid people, they rely on humans to get their food, seek shelter, and gain attention often. So when a cat approaches you in the streets or shows up at your doorstep, what do you do to ensure they are healthy and happy?
Earn Their Trust
Patience, consistency, and time are key in earning the trust of a stray cat. If the cat is friendly, approach them slowly and speak in a soft voice. Call them out softly and hold out your hand so they can smell you and offer cat food so they know you are not a threat or you just want to feed them.
Be consistent with placing food outdoors and eventually, you can approach them closer without scaring them away.
Schedule a Thorough Vet Appointment
Whether you’re planning to take the cat into your home or care for them outdoors, ensuring they are healthy is as important as providing food and shelter. A cat carrier will make sure safety and security not just for the stray, but for other cats in your home and the vets when you take them there.
Basic vaccinations, being spayed and testing for parasites, FIV, and feline leukemia are essential in keeping the cat healthy.
Prepare Their Home
If you plan to take them into your home, keeping them away from your other pets, and having their own litterbox, food, water, and other necessities will help them get used to their new environment.
If your cat prefers the outdoors, you can provide them with shelter, pet bowls with fresh water and food away from larger animals, and a heated bed for the summer or shades they can rest in during the winter.