How to take care of a stray cat outside
Many people who love cats may encounter stray cats in their neighborhood, especially in winter. Stray cats are cats that have been lost or abandoned by their owners, and they may need help to survive the harsh weather and find a new home. Here are some steps you can take to care for a stray cat outside and make a difference in their life.
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| How to take care of a stray cat outside |
1. Identify if the cat is stray or feral
The first step is to determine if the cat is a stray cat or a feral cat. Feral cats are cats that have never been socialized with humans, and they are usually afraid of people and prefer to live in the wild. Stray cats, on the other hand, are cats that have had some contact with humans, and they may approach you or seek your attention.
You can tell the difference between a stray cat and a feral cat by observing their behavior and appearance. Some signs that a cat is stray are:
- The cat has a collar or a tag that may indicate its owner
- The cat is clean and well-groomed, as opposed to dirty and matted
- The cat is friendly and vocal, and may rub against your leg or meow for food
- The cat tries to enter your home or follow you around
Some signs that a cat is feral are:
- The cat has no collar or tag, and may have an ear tip that shows it has been spayed or neutered
- The cat is dirty and scruffy, and may have scars or injuries from fighting
- The cat is shy and silent, and may run away or hide when you approach
- The cat stays away from your home and other human activities
2. Provide food and water
Whether the cat is stray or feral, it may need food and water to survive, especially in winter when natural resources are scarce. You can help the cat by providing fresh food and water in a safe and sheltered location, such as under a porch or a tree. You can use dry or wet cat food, but avoid giving milk, as it may cause diarrhea. You can also add some tuna or chicken broth to the water to make it more appealing and prevent it from freezing.
You should feed the cat at the same time every day, so that it can get used to your routine and trust you. You should also monitor the cat’s health and appetite, and look for any signs of illness or injury. If the cat is sick or injured, you may need to contact a veterinarian or an animal rescue group for help.
3. Provide shelter
Another way to help a stray cat outside is to provide it with a warm and dry shelter where it can rest and escape the cold. You can build your own shelter using a plastic storage bin, a cardboard box, or a wooden crate. You should insulate the shelter with straw, newspaper, or pillowcases, and cut a small entrance that is big enough for the cat to enter but small enough to keep out predators and wind. You should also place the shelter in a quiet and hidden spot, away from traffic and other animals.
If you want to adopt the cat or find it a new home, you may need to gradually move the shelter closer to your house, until the cat feels comfortable enough to come inside. However, you should not force the cat to enter your home, as it may cause stress and fear. You should also make sure that your home is cat-proof and that you have the necessary supplies and equipment, such as a litter box, a scratching post, and a cat carrier.
4. Contact the owner or a rescue group
The final step to take care of a stray cat outside is to try to find its owner or a rescue group that can help. You can do this by:
- Checking the cat for a microchip or a tattoo that may identify its owner. You can take the cat to a local shelter or a vet to scan for a microchip or a tattoo.
- Looking for posters or ads about a lost cat in your neighborhood or online. You can also make your own posters or ads and put them up in public places or on social media.
- Contacting a local rescue group or a trap-neuter-return (TNR) program that can help you trap, spay or neuter, vaccinate, and release the cat. This can prevent the cat from reproducing and spreading diseases, and improve its quality of life.
By following these steps, you can take care of a stray cat outside and make a positive impact on its well-being. You may also form a bond with the cat and decide to adopt it or foster it until it finds a permanent home. Remember that caring for a stray cat is a rewarding but challenging task, and you should always be respectful and compassionate towards the cat and its needs.