Adopting a Stray Cat

Are you considering adopting a stray cat? Maybe you know someone who is trying to help an adorable homeless kitty find a loving forever home. Or, possibly, a cute, hungry furball just showed up on your doorstep one day, and you’ve grown attached. Strays can actually make great pets. In fact, many loving, pampered housecats were once strays. Read on as a local Pickerington, OH vet offers tips on taking in a stray.

Veterinary Care

The first thing you’ll want to do is take your new feline friend to the vet for a thorough exam. Fluffy will also need vaccines, parasite control, and a microchip. If your kitty hasn’t been fixed yet, spay or neuter surgery is also in order. Make sure your vet gives the all-clear before letting your new furbaby interact with other pets or children.

Starting Out

When you first bring your kitty into your home, put her in a quiet room with a litterbox, food, beds, and toys. This will give Fluffy a safe, quiet spot to adjust to her new domain. If you have other pets, make introductions slowly, over the course of several days.

Keeping Kitty In

We strongly recommend keeping cats indoors. Cats that go outdoors are exposed to some very serious hazards, such as cars, predators, and weather. Your feline buddy is also much more likely to get hurt or lost if she is allowed to roam. It may take some time for Fluffy to accept the fact that she is now an indoor-only pet. Sweeten the deal by offering every luxury a cat could want: soft beds, toys, good food, an interesting window view, and, of course, lots of TLC.

Let Love Grow

While some friendly strays will immediately make themselves at home, others are more timid. Your feline friend may be nervous and uneasy at first. Give Fluffy time to adjust. Don’t force attention on your furball: let her come to you when she wants to be petted. Talk to your kitty, pet her, and play with her every day, using interactive toys. You may have that little motor going sooner than you think! Many pets know when they’ve been saved, so don’t be surprised if your furry pal becomes extremely affectionate.

Do you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health or care? We can help! Call us, your Pickerington, OH animal hospital, anytime!

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Location

Office Hours

Practice Hours

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-2:00 pm

Sunday:

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm (Kennel Only)