What to do if a stray cat keeps coming to your house?

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Deciding what to do if a stray cat keeps coming to your house? involves a series of careful steps, from determining if the cat is truly a stray to deciding if you can provide long-term care, all while prioritizing the cat’s health and safety. Your actions can profoundly impact the cat’s well-being and the local feline population.

Understanding the Situation: Is It Really a Stray?

Before assuming a cat is a stray and intervening, it’s crucial to gather information. The cat might be lost, abandoned, or simply an outdoor cat belonging to a neighbor. Misidentifying a owned cat can cause unnecessary stress for both the animal and its owners.

Appearance: Observe the cat’s physical condition. Is it well-fed and groomed, or does it appear thin, dirty, and matted? A well-maintained coat often suggests ownership.
Collar and Tags: Check for a collar with identification tags. These tags typically include the owner’s contact information.
Social Behavior: Observe the cat’s behavior around humans. A friendly, approachable cat is more likely to be someone’s pet than a feral cat. Scared, aggressive, or wary behavior indicates a less-socialized animal.
Microchip: If the cat is friendly, take it to a local vet or shelter to be scanned for a microchip. A microchip contains the owner’s contact information, allowing them to be reunited with their pet.

Initial Steps: Safety and Observation

Once you’ve confirmed the cat is likely a stray, your next steps should focus on ensuring its safety and gathering more information. Avoid rushing into decisions; careful observation is key.

Provide Food and Water: Offer the cat fresh water and a small amount of cat food. This allows you to observe its appetite and general health.
Shelter: Offer a safe, dry place for the cat to rest. A cardboard box with a blanket can provide temporary shelter from the elements.
Observe Behavior: Pay close attention to the cat’s behavior. Is it injured or ill? Does it seem comfortable around you? These observations will help you determine the appropriate course of action.
Photograph the Cat: Take clear photographs of the cat. This will be helpful if you need to post “found cat” notices or contact local animal shelters.

Contacting Local Resources

Reaching out to local resources is essential in determining the cat’s history and ensuring it receives necessary care. Local animal shelters and rescue organizations have experience with stray animals and can offer valuable guidance.

Animal Shelters: Contact local animal shelters to report the stray cat and inquire about lost cat reports. Provide them with the cat’s description and location.
Rescue Organizations: Reach out to local cat rescue organizations. They may be able to provide foster care, medical assistance, and help find the cat a permanent home.
Veterinarians: Consult with a veterinarian about the cat’s health and potential medical needs. They can provide vaccinations, deworming, and other necessary treatments.
Online Resources: Utilize online resources such as social media groups and lost pet websites to post information and photos of the cat. This can help reunite the cat with its owner or find it a new home.

Deciding on Long-Term Care: Adoption or TNR

Deciding what to do if a stray cat keeps coming to your house? often involves a long-term commitment. You have two primary options: adopting the cat or participating in a Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) program.

Adoption: If you are willing and able to provide long-term care, adopting the cat is a wonderful option. This involves providing food, shelter, medical care, and love. Be sure you are prepared for the financial and emotional responsibilities of pet ownership.
TNR (Trap-Neuter-Release): If you cannot adopt the cat, TNR is a humane alternative. This involves trapping the cat, having it spayed or neutered, and then releasing it back into its original location. TNR helps control the cat population and reduces the spread of diseases.
- Benefits of TNR:
  - Reduces cat overpopulation.
  - Reduces nuisance behaviors such as spraying and fighting.
  - Improves the cat’s overall health and well-being.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When dealing with stray cats, it’s easy to make unintentional mistakes. Avoiding these pitfalls will ensure the cat’s safety and well-being.

Feeding Without a Plan: Feeding a stray cat without a long-term plan can lead to dependency and contribute to overpopulation.
Assuming Ownership Too Quickly: Avoid assuming ownership of the cat too quickly. Give the original owner time to find their pet.
Ignoring Medical Needs: Ignoring the cat’s medical needs can lead to serious health problems and potential suffering.
Failing to Socialize: If you plan to adopt the cat, socialize it gradually to help it adjust to indoor living.
Not Considering Other Pets: Consider how the cat will interact with existing pets in your household. Introduce them slowly and monitor their interactions.

Spaying/Neutering Options and Considerations

Spaying or neutering is a vital step, regardless of whether you adopt the cat or participate in TNR.

Option	Description	Benefits	Considerations
—	—	—	—
Full Adoption and Care	Taking the cat into your home and being its permanent owner.	The cat has a safe, loving home with regular care. You get a companion.	This requires a long-term commitment of time and resources. Compatibility with existing pets and family must be considered.
Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR)	Humanely trapping, sterilizing, and then returning the cat to its original location.	Controls population, reduces roaming and fighting. Improved health for the cat.	Requires careful trapping and potentially assistance from local TNR programs. Requires a consistent feeding location to monitor the cat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the signs that a stray cat is sick or injured?

If what to do if a stray cat keeps coming to your house? includes dealing with potential illness, look for signs like labored breathing, limping, excessive sneezing or coughing, runny eyes or nose, vomiting, diarrhea, or a loss of appetite. These signs indicate a need for immediate veterinary care.

Is it safe to approach a stray cat?

Approaching a stray cat can be risky, especially if you don’t know its temperament. Approach slowly and cautiously, offering your hand for the cat to sniff. If the cat hisses, growls, or appears frightened, back away and avoid direct eye contact.

Can I get diseases from a stray cat?

Yes, stray cats can carry diseases that are transmissible to humans, such as rabies, ringworm, and parasites. Always wear gloves when handling a stray cat and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. Consult a doctor if you develop any unusual symptoms.

What should I do if the stray cat is pregnant?

If the stray cat is pregnant, provide her with a safe and comfortable place to give birth. Contact a local animal shelter or rescue organization for assistance with finding a foster home or arranging for spaying after the kittens are weaned. Never attempt to spay a pregnant cat without veterinary guidance.

How can I tell if a cat is feral versus simply scared?

Feral cats are typically not socialized to humans and will avoid contact. They may hiss, spit, or run away when approached. Scared cats, on the other hand, may be more likely to freeze or hide, and may eventually warm up to humans with patience and gentle handling. Feral cats often require TNR (Trap-Neuter-Release), while scared cats may be candidates for adoption if properly socialized.

What are the legal considerations when dealing with stray cats?

Laws regarding stray animals vary by location. Some areas have ordinances that require stray cats to be reported to animal control. Check your local regulations before taking action.

How do I introduce a stray cat to my existing pets?

Introduce a new cat to your existing pets slowly and gradually. Keep them separated initially and allow them to get used to each other’s scents. Supervise their interactions and separate them if they become aggressive.

What are the costs associated with caring for a stray cat?

Caring for a stray cat can involve significant costs, including food, veterinary care, vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and supplies. Consider the financial implications before taking on the responsibility of caring for a stray cat.

What is the difference between a stray cat and a feral cat?

A stray cat is a domestic cat that has been lost or abandoned and is used to interacting with humans. A feral cat is a wild cat that has never been socialized to humans and typically avoids contact. Understanding this difference is critical in determining how to approach and handle the cat.

How can I trap a stray cat safely?

Trapping a stray cat requires patience and the right equipment. Use a humane trap and bait it with tempting food. Check the trap frequently and release the cat immediately if it is injured or distressed. Consider contacting a local TNR program for assistance and guidance.

What food is best to give a stray cat?

Start with wet cat food as it is easier to digest and helps with hydration. Ensure clean, fresh water is always available. Avoid giving the cat milk, as many cats are lactose intolerant. Gradually introduce dry cat food if desired.

What are the long-term effects of not spaying/neutering a stray cat?

If what to do if a stray cat keeps coming to your house? ends up with ongoing care, the decision around spaying/neutering must be made. Not spaying or neutering a stray cat can lead to uncontrolled breeding, contributing to cat overpopulation and increased numbers of homeless cats. It also exposes the cat to a higher risk of certain health problems, such as uterine infections and mammary cancer in females, and prostate problems and roaming/fighting in males. Spaying/neutering is essential for the health and well-being of the cat and the community.