When A Stray Cat Struts Into Your Life: What's The Purrfect Way To Respond?

Pets are a great way to add fun, relaxation, and exercise, among other things, to life, but what should you do if a potential pet wasn't chosen? What if a cat struts into your life and chooses you? Stray cats breed and abound in different locations and through various circumstances, many animals lose the comfort of the homes they knew and loved. If you suddenly find a cat in your yard, there are some very important steps to take.

1. Don't Feed The Cat Right Away

The cat may have simply wandered into your yard on his way home; however, if you start feeding him right away, he may stick around, even if he's not actually a stray. Cats are known to take note of feeding stops and will take full advantage of them, which could interfere with their regular food intake from their actual homes.

2. If He Hangs Around, Put An Ad In Your Local Classifieds

Get a few clear pictures of the cat, both full-body and close-ups of the face. Put an ad in your local classifieds, indicating the date the cat started coming around and anything potentially identifiable about him, such as a flea collar, bent tail or odd gait. Plan to keep the ad running indefinitely, or at least until you've given the owner plenty of time to find the runaway feline.

3. Feed The Cat Outside, Weather Permitting, And Wait

If the weather outside isn't too harrowing, leave a bowl of clean water out, and feed the cat once a day or so. You want to offer it enough nutrition to keep it healthy, without going overboard, until you know more. If conditions outside are dangerous to the animal, as would be the case with freezing temperatures or a threat from dogs or wild animals, allow the cat in your basement or garage, with food, water, a litter box, and a make-shift bed. If you're thinking of calling a shelter, instead of "cat-sitting" for the time being, consider that only about 2% of felines in such conditions are ever reunited with their original owners.

4. Don't Give Him Free Roam Of Your Home Without A Vet's Approval

If you've had your ad up for a few weeks, but nobody has answered it, consider bringing the cat to an animal hospital. If you've taken a liking to him and he to you, there might be a match in the making, but it's important to have the animal thoroughly examined by a vet, first. The vet will check for things like fleas, transmissible diseases and conditions owners sometimes relinquish their pets for, such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus or other expensive, life-changing diagnoses. You really never know what a stray cat may have going on, what he's been through or how it could affect you as the new owner, until a veterinarian has gotten to know him better.

5. Enjoy The Cat's Company, But Try Not To Fall Head-Over-Heels Just Yet

It's difficult to decide when to completely claim the animal, especially after paying the vet bill. However, the owner may have been going through an illness, divorce or other major incident and not been able to go out and find the cat. While it looks like you have a green light to keep the cat, don't fully emotionally invest yourself until you've given the original owner sufficient time to find your new feline companion.

6. If No One Claims The Cat, Live Happily Ever After

Document your experience with the cat, including all veterinarian records. Although it's unlikely someone will try and claim the cat after too long, it's still a possibility. Hopefully, you and your new housemate will enjoy many happy years together, provided you keep him indoors (to prevent running away, as well as to keep him safer), get him regular checkups, and keep him on a healthy diet.

Stray cats are too numerous throughout America and despite countless shelters doing all they can, many cats never find "forever" homes or they are, sadly, euthanized. When you find one wandering through your life, give him a shot at finding his owner, first, if there is one, then give him a shot at being yours. Talk to your vet, think it over to make sure it's a decision you can stick with, find an appropriate name, then congratulate yourself, on being a new cat owner or, being owned by your new cat, whichever applies. Contact an animal hospital for more information.


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