Who Adopts Who? How to Make a Stray Cat Feel Safe!

 

Sometimes it seems like homeless cats have radar for people.  Or maybe there's a cat communication network that puts out the word when there's a cat-friendly face and home to be found!

Maybe it's happened to you already - you look out on your porch and there's a furry face looking back at you.  Whether you have no cats or a houseful of them, your next thought is "what do I do now?"

You know you don't want this kitty in harm's way so your instinct is probably to find a secure spot for it to be in while you figure out what to do.  The big first question is whether this cat is feral or a stray.  How do you figure that out?  It may seem obvious - if the cat runs away from you and will not allow human contact - it's likely feral.  If that's the case, there are ways to coax ferals in. 


You can start by feeding them at what they consider to be a safe distance from the door they came to.  Feeding on a regular basis over time will keep the kitty coming to you.  Then, when you sense that the kitty feels safe, slowly move the bowl closer to the door.  The cat will let you know if this is ok or not.  This can take lots of time, patience and commitment.

Once the stray kitty has made it inside the door and is comfortable coming inside, you'll need to keep it isolated for a bit - for its own safety and for your own cats.  Never mix a new cat with your own until the new cat has been to see the vet for a thorough workup that includes shots and testing for FIV and feline leukemia.  If all checks out ok, then you can slowly begin to introduce the new kitty to your own cats.

 Just like bringing a stray or feral cat inside, introductions to new cats should be slow and steady!  Cats are territorial and it's critical that the cats who actually live in your house feel secure and unthreatened by the new arrival.  One tactic that works is keeping the new kitty in one room and letting them all sniff each other under the door.  Another is putting the new kitty in a carrier in the same area as the other cats and letting them experience each other that way.  As a cat person, you'll know what's working and what isn't.  Use your own experience and intuition

As with most cats we adopt, we can't be sure of all they've experienced in the past - what traumas they endured or their fears.  So, be ready for the unexpected.  A cat who "comes indoors" from being a stray or feral, may escape back outside after being a happy indoor cat with you.  As with this whole process, patience and commitment are critical.

Saving an at-risk kitty who suddenly appears on your doorstep can be a wonderful thing for people and cats if handled correctly and with love.   CLICK HERE to read more about the best ways to bring a stray or feral cat in from the cold!