5 Tips For Adopting A Stray Cat
The stray cat who has been lingering around your porch and yard has officially stolen your heart and you are interested in adopting him. Before you completely consider the cat your own, be sure to follow these five tips for responsible stray cat adoption:
Make Sure the Cat is Really a Stray
Before you get too attached to the idea of keeping your newfound cat, you want to make absolutely sure the cat doesn't have a family looking for their furry best friend. The best option is to take the cat to the vet to have it scanned for a microchip. If there is no microchip, you will want to post flyers around the neighborhood and on any local online message boards.
Get Vaccinations
Once you determine that the cat is truly a stray, it's time to take them to the vet for a checkup and vaccinations, ensuring they will stay healthy and be protected from communicable feline diseases. Your veterinary office will make suggestions regarding the cat's weight, overall health, recommended diet, and whether they need any medical procedures such as a teeth cleaning, which is common with strays.
Have the Cat Spayed or Neutered
Next, you will need to schedule an appointment to have your new cat spayed or neutered. This will help prevent certain diseases, help you avoid an unexpected litter of kittens, and make it easier to keep your cat inside and safe, since cats that go into heat are notorious for finding ways to escape. Overall, getting your newly adopted cat spayed and neutered is the responsible thing to do.
Register Your Cat
Many cities and counties require that your cat is officially registered as a pet, and this can usually be done at your vet. As part of the registration process, be sure to have your cat microchipped and have a name tag mad for your cat that includes your name, address, and phone number. This way, if your new cat escapes it will be much easier to find him and get him safely home.
Get Your Home Ready
Spending some time making your home comfortable for your cat will make for a more comfortable transition. Some necessities include high quality cat food, food and water bowls, and a comfortable cat bed and blanket. A scratching post, cat toys, and a few healthy treats are also great things to have on hand to keep your new cat extra happy.
By following these tips, you will adopt your beloved stray cat the right way and start your life together on the right foot. Check out places like Apple Valley Animal Hospital for care tips and guidance.