What to do if you adopted a stray cat?

Whether it's a cat you've been feeding for a while in the area where you live or work, or a puppy you've found out of nowhere, adopting a stray cat requires a number of precautions designed to protect both you and the cat. Here are the veterinarian's recommendations when it comes to adopting a cat.

1. Contact your veterinarian immediately

A visit to the veterinarian should be made as soon as possible, preferably on the same day you adopted the cat, before taking it home. The doctor will conduct a clinical consultation during which he will assess the health of the animal and will be able to give a number of recommendations on how to care for it.

Also, on the occasion of the first visit, the doctor will recommend or carry out internal and external deworming, so that you avoid the unpleasant situation in which you start the house with fleas. He will also recommend a series of immunological tests for your cat to look for possible serious feline illnesses. Later, after about two weeks, you can go back to the vet to get her vaccinated.

In a list of general cat care recommendations, your doctor will tell you about spaying your cat. Pregnancy in cats lasts an average of 60 days, which means that females can have up to 3 litters per year. Both females and males exhibit a number of undesirable behaviors during the mating season. In addition, they are susceptible to a number of serious diseases that can be prevented by sterilization.

2. Stop at a pet store

The cat needs a range of accessories to make the beautiful coexistence between you happen in the best possible parameters. So go to the pet store and buy a special tray and sand, bowls for water and food, and special food for cats, depending on the age of your new girlfriend and her physiological condition.

Dry cat food contains essential ingredients for a cat's health and nutritional needs. If you decide to offer her a wet food bag from time to time, she will be all the more satisfied.

Don't forget to get a special dowel sharpener if you want to protect your furniture.

3. Let her get used to her new living environment.

Some cats take over their new home from the moment the carrier door opens. Others are more shy and need more time to explore. Respect your cat's needs and don't put extra stress on her, even if you want to comfort her with petting.

Set up the litter box where you feel most comfortable, replace and fill the water and food bowls, then free your cat from the carrier by initially restricting her access to the space where her accessories are. After you notice that he has inspected the tray, give him access to the rest of the house as well. Let her sniff every nook and cranny, and only then will she be able to settle down in the place that she likes best. This limits the enthusiasm of other family members, especially if it is an adult cat: she needs a little more time to feel at home. The average cat takes about a week to adjust, especially if there are other animals in the house. And don't forget to secure the windows with strong screens attached to the screws!

Bringing a cat home can be a joyful step, accompanied by some particular challenges. Do not forget that the veterinarian is your ally in this endeavor. Respect the nature of your new cat and let him adjust to his new environment at his own pace.

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