Buzz
Many urban areas are home to a significant number of stray cats. In the United States alone, there are an estimated 70 million wandering felines. Unfortunately, many local governments lack the resources, time, or interest to do anything beyond capturing and euthanizing them. There are few resources dedicated to rescuing these animals, and they are at risk of dying from injuries, diseases, and malnutrition, which may lead you to feel compelled to intervene and assist. This process requires great patience, but the sense of satisfaction that comes from befriending and helping a vulnerable cat is truly rewarding.
Steps
Call the cat closer to you
Distinguish between a lost cat and a feral cat. A lost cat was once a pet but no longer has a home; a feral cat is born in the wild and is highly wary of humans, unable to adapt to life as a pet.
- Lost cats tend to be more social and open to interaction with humans, whereas feral cats are much harder to domesticate, even though they are aware of your presence.
- Whether it's a lost cat or a feral one, you should catch them and take them to a veterinarian for vaccinations and sterilization. After being treated, a feral cat can be released back into the area where it was found. You will feel relieved knowing the cat is no longer able to reproduce, preventing the population of stray cats from growing.
Implement preventive measures. Feral cats often exhibit unpredictable behavior, so it's essential to take precautions when trying to approach them. Cat bites can become infected and/or serious, so it's advisable to wear long sleeves and pants while attempting to befriend a feral cat.
- Another concern is rabies, especially in cats whose vaccination status is unknown. When helping a feral cat, it's crucial to be cautious and use common sense. If the cat starts hissing, growling, or shows signs of illness (such as runny eyes or nose, sneezing, coughing, or difficulty breathing), or behaves unusually, avoid interacting with it. Contact a veterinary service to send a professional to your location.
Start bonding with the cat. If the cat appears healthy and isn't showing defensive or aggressive behavior, you can attempt to approach it. Find a spot where the cat frequently appears, and wait nearby until it comes closer.
- If possible, try sitting or lying down, or crouch down. In this position, the cat will perceive you as less of a threat. Stay still for a while and let the cat know you mean no harm.
- To avoid scaring the cat, maintain a distance of about 3 meters.
Feed the cat. You can place some tempting food (wet food) or a can of tuna to attract the cat while you wait for it to approach. The goal is to associate you with positive experiences, like free meals.
- On the first day, simply set out the food. After that, you can switch to dry food to encourage the cat to return more frequently.
Continue placing tuna near you. As the cat comes to eat each day, move the food about 15 cm closer to yourself. Holding the food in your hand will transfer your scent onto it. This won't deter the cat from eating, and it can help the cat associate you with food, which is a positive step. Extend your hand for the cat to sniff.
- If the cat starts hissing or flattens its ears, it means you’re getting too close. Slowly and gently retract your hand.
Show affection towards the cat. Eventually, the cat will come closer, and when it does, you can extend your hand for it to sniff. Continue feeding the cat, sit quietly nearby, and remain still. Over time, the cat will trust you and come closer for both food and affection. Don’t expect this to happen immediately; even don’t expect the cat to eat the food right away.
Feral cat care
Search for the cat's owner. Ask your neighbors if anyone has lost a pet. Cats that venture outdoors can get lost or wander off. You can also contact local veterinary clinics and pet stores to check if someone is missing a pet; take a photo of the animal and post it online to help locate its owner.
- If the cat is not lost but a feral one, it does not have an owner to return to.
Take the cat to the vet. After approaching and comforting the cat, it's important to take it for a checkup and spaying/neutering. If funds are limited, you can contact local animal rescue groups to find out if they offer financial assistance for such procedures.
- The cat will need a blood test for feline leukemia virus. If the result is positive, the vet will discuss treatment options, including isolating the cat from others or euthanasia. If negative, the vet will test for intestinal parasites and prescribe the necessary medication.
- Additionally, the vet will check for external parasites, administer necessary treatments, give vaccinations (for rabies, viral diseases, and feline leukemia), and perform spaying/neutering. If required, the vet will also insert a microchip under the cat’s skin, which is an essential procedure.
Find a home for the cat. After ensuring the cat is healthy, vaccinated, and spayed/neutered, you can bring it into your home. Your efforts will be rewarded by saving a street cat from its tough life. You may choose to adopt it yourself or help find a new owner.
Advice
- If you adopt a cat, consider purchasing toys for them. Pets can entertain themselves with noise-making toys, scratching posts, or yarn balls when you're unable to play with them.
- If the cat’s fur is glossy and they are eating well, make sure they don't belong to someone else.
- If the cat is afraid of you, leave them alone. Provide food, and eventually, the cat will approach you on its own.
- If the cat blinks slowly at you, return the gesture. This behavior means 'I love you' in cat language, indicating that the cat fully accepts you and is ready to be your pet. However, if they stare intensely at you, back off and look away. This gaze signifies 'Stay out of my territory.'
- If the cat is young, there may be a litter of kittens nearby. Be extra cautious!
Warning
- Remember, adopt a cat only if you are prepared to care for it for life; otherwise, find it a new home. If you're looking for a new home for the cat, find another owner instead of taking it to an animal shelter. Shelters are often overcrowded, especially with cats, and some may have to euthanize animals if there is no space. Even if the cat you bring doesn't face euthanasia, you may be indirectly causing another cat to lose its life.
- Always wash your hands after handling the cat, until you take it to the vet.
- Do not post the cat's information online. While you may find its owner, you could also attract individuals who trap and hoard cats in cramped conditions or sell them for experimentation. If you choose not to share online, do not post pictures or descriptions. The real owner will accurately describe the cat's features.
- Do not run towards a cat that is standing still. This is seen as aggressive behavior, and the cat may scratch or bite you.
- If the cat becomes aggressive, do not attempt to approach. Even if you have control, it remains a feral cat and may be difficult to tame.
