Stray Cat, What Am I In For?

Question

Our 16 year old cat passed away last week and on the very same day we became aware of six strays living up the road.  A lady is feeding them but she wants them gone.

One of them is really pretty.  She's less than a year old and we pretty much believe she is pregnant.

I'm arranging for a no kill organisation to come and get them but we are seriously thinking about taking this girl.  We can pat her and today I picked her up and she purred in my arms.  

When we get her we plan on taking her to the vet and have her checked out and then we'll give her a flea treatment. 

How do I go about integrating her into a new house with no other cats and living indoors?  We are afraid she will go crazy when we get her inside and will tear up the place wanting to get out.

Does anyone have any suggestions how we go about this?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I think you should do it. Give it lots and lots of cuddles and love and then maybe she'll be with you for 16 years as well.

Who knows, maybe she'll even have some kittens for you as well.

pag2809 · Answer

It sounds like she'll adjust well to living with people, but I share your concern that she may not be able to become an indoor cat. Why don't you bring her home and start feeding her by your house? Since she's friendly, food and attention will probably keep her there. You can gradually move her food indoors, which I would do while its still reasonably warm and you can leave the door open for a while during these experiments to keep her from feeling trapped. I would say that letting her wander around, investigating at will, and making sure that she knows that she can leave the house anytime she wants should get her through the transition. 

We've had cats pretty much all my life and have brought home more than one stray. (there are two former strays in the house right now)

Isabella789 · Answer

She will do well, do not let her out for two weeks, and get a nametag with your phone number. If she will feel she is fed, loved and safe she will not leave your house. She might go outside wonder for a while but come back.

Our second cat was a stray cat for 2 years, she was fed by someone. After a while  she was brought to the vet office we adopted her, it took her 3 days to feel safe, she does not even try to go out. Do not dewclaw your cat, its very cruel to do so.

cable_kill · Answer

Well, to ease the process, after she has her babies, you need to have her fixed and declawed, if you believe in that. One of my cats was an 8 month old stray who adapted very quickly and very well to indoor life. After a two week or so adjustment period, she will be fine. Good luck!

livachic2005 · Answer

my sister and i once caught a stray cat and brought her home, she was only young
she was pretty wild at being caught but once we got her home and she realised she was safe and was fed and kept comfy
she was fine, we had her for many years
ive just inherited a young kitty thats been mistreated, for the first few days she acted a bit agressive, but once she realised i meant her no harm and was the source of food she settled down
now she snuggles up to me when i sleep and follows me round the house and garden like a dog
I guess cats are like people, they can live in the wild but love to live in comfort if they can, if shes letting you pick her up and purring shes just a regular cat with no home

Joanne L · Answer

just give her lots of love you must also keep her in for at least 6 weeks so she will get to know where she lives. give her a nice bed to sleep in and some toys to play with. dont worry she wont tear your house up. just be gentle with her

ChicaLoca · Answer

She will adjust, just fine!

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Stray Cat, What Am I In For?

7 Answers