Sometimes you come across a cat that, despite living on the street, is very sociable, calm, and affectionate with people. This furry friend has probably been abandoned by its human family and is longing to be part of one again. Giving one of these cats a second chance can change its life and yours too; if you don't know where to start, learn how to help stray cats.
If we decide to take him in, there are a few things we need to consider beforehand to avoid any surprises later. This way, we'll start a great relationship from the beginning. How? With the tips I'm about to give you for adopting a stray cat .
Learn to distinguish feral cats from abandoned ones
While there are many cats on the streets, we must distinguish between feral cats and abandoned ones. Feral cats have never had close human contact (except, perhaps, with the volunteer who brings them food) and, therefore, will be very wary whenever we try to approach them, to the point that they will most likely run away, hide, or even defend themselves if they feel cornered.
In contrast, a lost or abandoned domestic cat usually exhibits different behavior. But an abandoned cat is different . It may be afraid of humans, but it won't take much effort to approach if you gradually encourage it and offer it food. Furthermore, it's easy to find one that comes to you seeking not food, but a little attention and affection, rubbing against your legs or meowing insistently.
It's also important to understand why a feral cat doesn't behave like a domestic cat . During the first few weeks of life (approximately between the second and seventh week), kittens go through a sensitive period in which they learn with whom and where they feel safe. If they have positive human contact during this time, they learn that people are part of their "colony" and can live in a home without problems. If, on the other hand, they grow up on the street without human contact, they will likely never feel truly comfortable in a home.
A feral cat, no matter how well-intentioned, can suffer greatly if forced to live in confinement . In these cases, it is usually more ethical to opt for trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs , providing shelter, food, and veterinary care, while respecting its right to live in the wild. Therefore, before adopting a stray cat, it is advisable to observe its behavior, its physical condition, whether it allows itself to be touched, and to rule out the possibility that it is a fully feral cat.
Be patient with the stray cat
If we ultimately decide to adopt a stray cat, we need to be very patient and begin building a friendship right there on the street. For a few days, we should approach it, bringing it wet food , and even spend time playing with it using wands, rope toys, or simply speaking softly while it eats. The goal is for it to associate us with something positive.
Why do it this way? Because it will be much easier to move him home later, as he will have gained our trust by then. If he is in a dangerous area (busy roads, construction sites, aggressive dogs, extreme cold, or risk of poisoning), we will take him to his new home immediately and work on building trust in a safe environment.
To avoid stressing him out, it's best to keep him in one room for a couple of days , and then let him explore. This room should be his "headquarters": a quiet space with hiding places, high spots, a litter box away from his food, and no excessive noise or visitors. If you need more guidance on taming a stray cat, consult guides on domesticating a stray cat.
If we want to ensure everything goes well, or more or less well, it's highly advisable to plug in several Feliway diffusers around the house. The synthetic pheromones help the cat feel less disoriented by perceiving the environment as safer and more familiar, reducing marking, fear, and tension in the first few days.
An abandoned cat can return to live with humans, provided it is treated with patience and respect. The cat's pace of adaptation is determined by the individual : some will seek your company from day one, while others will need weeks or even months to venture out from under the bed and trust that they no longer have to survive alone on the streets.
Essential veterinary care before and after adoption
Adopting a stray cat also means taking responsibility for its long-term health . The first thing to do, as soon as you can safely transport it, is to take it to the vet for a complete checkup. They will assess its overall condition, weight, hydration level, eyes, mouth, and skin, and check for fleas, ticks, or other external parasites , as well as worms or other internal parasites common in cats that have lived on the streets.
In addition to deworming , the veterinarian will advise you on which vaccines are necessary to protect your cat against common contagious diseases in stray cats, such as panleukopenia, feline coryza, and feline leukemia. In many cases, they will also recommend specific tests to rule out contagious diseases if your cat lives with other cats.
Another key point is sterilization . An unneutered stray cat often has the habit of escaping in search of a mate, fighting with other cats, and marking with urine. Sterilizing not only prevents unwanted litters but also reduces escapes, injuries, yowling during mating season, and many conflicts with other animals and the neighborhood.
Whenever possible, it's highly recommended to have your cat microchipped and register your contact information. This way, if your cat ever gets lost, you can be easily located. Even if it's going to be an indoor cat, cats are expert escape artists, and this safety measure is always a good idea.
What you need at home to help your cat settle in better
To make the transition from the street to your home as comfortable as possible, it's a good idea to prepare several basic accessories before their arrival :
- Cat bedHaving a soft, quiet place to sleep helps him feel protected. Even if he initially prefers to hide in other corners, having a bed will offer him a sense of comfort.
- Sandpit and sandPlace it in a quiet spot, away from food and constant foot traffic. Most cats learn to use it quickly, even if they come from the street.
- ScraperCats use their claws to mark and stretch. A good vertical or horizontal scratching post will channel that need without damaging your sofa.
- Feeders and waterersIt's best to keep the food separate from the litter box and in a place where the cat can eat without feeling watched or cornered. A combination of dry and wet food often helps with the adjustment.
- interactive toys: sticks, balls, fabric mice or tunnels will work for stimulate their hunting instinct and, little by little, strengthen the bond with you through play.
If your cat is used to living outdoors and has a terrace, patio, or garden, it's essential to secure the exits with nets or barriers and adapt the environment to prevent falls or escapes. You can enrich these areas with cat trees, high shelves, and hiding places, allowing your cat to safely observe the outside world.
Respect their timing, their character, and their street origins
Living with a stray cat can sometimes be challenging, as it may have difficulty adapting to its new environment. It's important to remember that the cat comes from a situation where it set its own rules, routines, and schedules, and lived in an open environment rather than being confined to a home. The change from complete freedom to a limited space can be overwhelming.
To help a stray cat adapt to its new life and become a domestic cat and ideal companion, patience and respect are essential. It's crucial to treat it gently and avoid forcing it . If, despite providing adequate space, quality food, and toys, the cat doesn't fully adapt, it's advisable to contact an animal shelter, a feline trainer, or an ethologist who can help you understand the problem and how to solve it.
Contact and approach to the cat should be gradual and respect the cat's pace, not yours. When you see that the cat feels comfortable and receptive, it will be time to move forward a little, but always avoid overdoing it, as that could cause a setback in its adaptation. Every small achievement (accepting a caress, coming out to eat in your presence, playing near you) is a step forward.
Last but not least, patience is a virtue. It's not unusual for your cat to refuse to go outside in your presence even after a few days. It will wait for quieter times of day to explore the house. It may try to escape at first, so it's important to make sure all windows and doors are properly closed. Installing screens or netting is essential to ensure its safety and prevent accidents.
Over time, the cat will adapt, and you will gradually gain its trust . A cat that once lived on the streets can become an affectionate, grateful, and very special companion if its boundaries are respected, its physical and emotional needs are met, and it is accepted that behind its independence lies a story of survival that deserves respect.
