There are over 30 million stray, abandoned, and feral cats in the US alone.A lack of time, money, and interest are some of the reasons why many towns are unwilling or unable to take any action.You may feel compelled to help a wild cat or kitten yourself because there is little help to stray cats and their risk of death from injuries, disease and poor nutrition.It can be rewarding to befriend and help a cat in need, but you need to be patient because it may take some time.
Step 1: There is a difference between a stray and a feral cat.
A stray cat is someone's former cat that no longer has a home, and a cat born in the wild that is wary of humans and generally isn't adoptable due to not being adapted to humans.You may be able to befriend a stray cat, but it's probably not a good idea to have a cat in your house.It is an excellent civic duty to capture a stray cat around your home and bring it to the vet for vaccinations and to be neutered.The cats can be released back where they were found.They will not be able to reproduce and contribute to the cat population.
Step 2: Safety precautions should be taken.
As you try to befriend a wild cat, you will need to practice some safety precautions.If you want to befriend the cat, you will need to wear long sleeves and pants.A cat with unknown vaccine status is a concern.Common sense and caution should be used.Don't try to befriend the cat if it starts to growl, looks sick, sneezes or coughs, or acts weird.Call animal control to get out of the house.
Step 3: befriend the cat
You can befriend the cat if it appears healthy and doesn't act mean towards you.Wait for the cat to reach its spot, and find a place where it usually stays.If you can, lie down or crouch.The cat will find you less intimidating if you do that.Stay there for a while.The cat won't hurt you.You don't intimidate the cat if you are 10 feet away.
Step 4: Cat food can be offered.
If you are waiting for the cat to arrive, leave out some smelly cat food or even a can of tuna.You want the cat to associate you with a free lunch.You don't have to leave out smelly food the first day.Keep the cat coming back for more with a little dry kibble after this.Cats don't like to eat as much as dogs.Give them attention if offering food doesn't work.They will approach you if you have toys or moving things.
Step 5: Continue to put small pieces of tuna close to you.
Move your spot closer to the cat every day.Your scent will be on the cat food if you hold it in your hand for a while.It isn't going to deter the cat from eating it, but it may cause it to associate you with food, which is good in general.Put your hand in the cat's mouth.You're too close if the cat starts hissing, whisking its tail back and forth, or its ears go back.Slowly pull your hand back.
Step 6: Show the cat some respect.
The cat should get close to you when you put out your hand.Continue feeding the cat and sitting nearby, and eventually it will come up to you for food and gentle pats.Don't expect this to happen quickly.Don't expect them to eat the tuna right away.It can be seen as a sign of aggression if you stare at the cat.Less is more when it comes to befriending a cat.Sit quietly and ignore the cat.You can make yourself more attractive by scattering treats close to your feet.If the cat does not approach you, don't be discouraged.Some cats are happy to be in your presence.
Step 7: The cat's owner is not known.
Do you know if anyone has lost their cat?Cats can get lost if they get outside.Make calls to local veterinary clinics and pet stores to see if anyone is missing a cat; taking a photo with your phone and making up fliers or posting to social media sites can also help reunite a stray cat with its owner.If the cat is not stray, it won't have an owner to return to.
Step 8: Get the cat checked out by a doctor.
Once you are able to approach the cat and pet it, you should make an appointment with your doctor to have it neutered or spayed.If funds are tight, you should call your local humane society to see if there are any funds available to help.A small amount of blood will be drawn from the cat to test for leukemia.If the results are positive, you will have the option of isolating the cat from other cats for its life or death.If it is negative, a fecal sample will be taken to see if the cat has parasites.Fleas and ticks will be checked by the vet and treated if needed.The vaccine will be given and the sterilizing operation will take place.A chip may be placed under the skin.This is an excellent choice.
Step 9: The cat or kitten can be found in a home.
You will have a pet that is healthy to take home.You will be proud to know that you saved another cat's life on the street.Either adopt the cat yourself or find a loving home for it.