What to do if you adopted a stray cat?

Whether it's a cat you've been fostering for a while in the area where you live or work, or a puppy you found in who knows what desperate situation, adopting a stray cat requires a number of precautions designed to protect both you and it. Here are your 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 adopt the cat, before taking it home. The doctor will conduct a clinical consultation, during which he will assess the animal's health and will be able to make 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 infest the house with fleas. He will also recommend running a series of immunological tests on your cat to screen for possible serious feline diseases. Later, in about two weeks, you can go to the vet again to get her vaccinated.

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

2. Stop at a pet store

A cat needs a number of accessories for a beautiful coexistence between you to occur in the best parameters. Therefore, go to the pet store and buy a special tray and sand, bowls for water and food, as well as special food for cats, depending on the age of your new friend and her physiological state.

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

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

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

Some cats take ownership of 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 additional stress on her, even if you want to calm her down with affection.

Place the litter box in the area you think is most appropriate, replace the water and food bowls and fill them, then release the cat from the carrier, initially limiting her access to the area where her accessories are located. Once you notice that he has inspected the litter box, give him access to the rest of the house. Let her sniff every nook and cranny, and only then will she be able to settle down in the place she likes best. This limits the enthusiasm of other family members, especially if it is an adult cat: it takes a little longer to feel at home. On average, it takes a cat about a week to adapt, especially if there are other animals in the house. And don’t forget to secure the windows with strong screens secured with screws!

Bringing a cat home can be a joyful experience, but it comes with some unique challenges. Don't forget that your veterinarian is your ally in this endeavor. Respect your new cat's nature and allow her to adjust to her new environment at her own pace.

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