Stray cats: how to approach and care for them

2023 Author: Alex Livingston | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-26 11:39

Many cities are full of Stray cats and often the municipal administrations cannot or do not want to take initiatives in this regard: they limit themselves to capturing and killing the specimens because they do not have the time, money or interest to invest in this problem. Since very little is being done for these animals, which are at risk of dying from accidents, disease or malnutrition, you may feel compelled to help a homeless cat or puppy. Here are some tips for a approach them and take care of them in complete safety.

Arm yourself with a lot of patience as it may take a long time to gain your cat's trust, but eventually you may find yourself with a new friend and with the satisfaction of having helped an animal in difficulty. If a stray cat hangs near your home, try calling him or getting his attention.

To find out if it is a street cat or if it has an owner, look at his fur and try to understand if he is well fed. If it looks like it might have an owner, don't look after it! If, on the other hand, you realize that what you are facing is a stray cat and you want to take care of it even though you can't keep it at home, here's how!

Attract the cat's attention

Learn to distinguish a wild cat from a stray one. A stray is a domestic cat that no longer has a home, while a wild feline is born in the wild and does not trust humans. The latter is generally not tameable because he has not become accustomed to the presence of humans since he was a puppy. You can befriend a stray, while a wild one will likely never adapt to your presence.

Take the right precautions

Wild cats are unpredictable and you have to be careful when trying to be friends with them. The bites of these felines are easily infected, in some cases even severely, so it is advisable to wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants when approaching the animal.

There anger is another source of concern, given that it is not known whether the cat is vaccinated or not. In this case, a little common sense is enough: if the cat hisses or growls, seems sick or behaves strangely, do not try to be friendly with him.

Squat down

If you sit on the floor you will less noise and you will incite less fear. Stay with him for a while and show him that you are not a danger. You should stay at a certain distance, about three meters, so as not to scare the cat.

Offer him food that appeals to his taste and smell

Try to leave him some wet cat food that it has an intense odor; you can also use canned tuna to lure it while you wait for it. Your goal is to get your cat to associate your presence with something good - a free meal. The only thing you have to do on the first day is to leave some very fragrant food at his disposal. After that you can offer him a handful of dry croquettes to make the cat want more.

Whisper sweet, quiet words to him

You could tell him: "Here, kitty", "Come here, kitty" or "Psst psst psst": eventually the kitty will approach you and you should reach out a hand to allow him to smell you. Always remember not to make sudden movements because if he is slowly starting to trust you a sudden gesture would put him on the defensive again.

Keep feeding him and sitting around; in time you will earn his confidence to such an extent that the cat itself will approach for food and some caresses. Don't expect this to happen quickly, nor do you expect him to immediately accept the food you offer him.