Expert Tips for Adopting a Stray Cat in the UK

Cats are adorable pets to have at home. They are playful, agile, and endearing animals to have around. Seeing a stray or abandoned cat can move you into caring for the cat in many ways. You may want to take the cat in and make it your pet.

However, there are certain things to remember in adopting a stray cat to ensure a smooth transition for stray cats in adapting to their new home. Establishing a good relationship with people can be tricky and takes time for stray cats, but there are ways that you can make the adjustment easier for them. Read on as we share expert tips and tricks for adopting a stray cat.

Have the Cat Checked by a Vet

If you are adopting a cat that’s been out on its own without proper shelter and care, you need to have a veterinarian check it first for health problems. They would most likely have parasites inside and outside their bodies, such as worms, ear mites, and fleas. A vet will be able to check for signs of parasite infestation and health problems that require immediate attention. Also, a vet can recommend a diet plan, which according to experts at Petsumer.com, can help a stray cat gain proper nutrition. A stray cat is likely to have eaten leftovers, scavenged food, or hunted mice and rats during its time outside of human care, and these food sources often lack nutritional value. A vet checkup is important for the well-being of the stray cat and all those who will be involved in caring for it.

Prepare Hiding Spots for Your Cat

Think about giving security and comfort to your new pet by looking at things from its perspective. During its time outside, a former stray cat may have relied on its instincts for hunting food and finding hiding spots from predators and other hostile animals, including humans. Let your new cat gradually transition from its old lifestyle to that of being a pet and let it keep some of its natural behaviors such as hiding and foraging. Former stray cats will tend to hide more often in the first few days of its stay as it tries to process its new environment. Let it become accustomed to your house by setting up hiding spots at different locations in the house and placing food inside one of the hiding spots. Your cat will soon find a favorite hiding place or a spot in your house where it can rest and feel safe.

Make Sure That the Cat is Spayed or Neutered

Bringing in a stray cat involves letting the cat get familiar with its new surroundings. The first few weeks or months of its stay may generally be indoors, but you’ll also need to transition it to get used to your home exterior and perimeters. Even if you let your cat roam outside the house and within your sight, it can attract other cats and potential mates, which can leave unwanted litters behind. As a responsible owner, you’ll have to prevent it from happening by having your vet spay or neuter your pet cat before bringing it home with you.

Be Patient with Your New Pet

We tend to get excited about welcoming our pets to their new home that we expect them to be immediately comfortable and get close to us. For some pets, it can be possible, but for former strays, it can take time. Transitioning from being an independent cat in a hostile environment to a pampered and loved pet can be scary for a stray and it needs time to process and adjust the change. Nevertheless, continue to provide your new pet a place to sleep, food, and a safe place to move around. Resist the urge to make eye contact or touch them during their first few days or weeks of stay in your house. Let them approach you and get close to you at their own pace. Your new pet will soon reciprocate your love and patience.

Stray cats can be challenging to adopt due to the adjustments they have to make. As a responsible pet owner, you need to make intelligent decisions when it comes to taking a stray into your home. Always consult with a veterinarian regarding this matter to help guide you on what to do. Most importantly, be patient with your new pet and be understanding of their circumstances. Even former strays can learn to appreciate and reciprocate the kindness that’s being shown to them.