Adopting a stray cat is one of the most generous things you can do for an animal. Giving a home to a little furball of happiness is a beautiful decision, but it also comes with its challenges.
Stray cats usually aren’t accustomed to living with people, so getting them used to a human roommate can be tricky. But with these lifesaving tips, you’ll be able to make your new furry companion feel at home in no time.
1. Be patient
When you open your home to a stray cat, you need to be prepared to take things slow. Remember, this cat isn’t used to a life surrounded by people. She’s the feline version of a loner, which means she’ll need time to adjust to having you around.
That’s exactly why you need to stay patient and let her adjust at her own pace. Don’t stress her out by putting too much pressure on her. I know you want to cuddle and pet her but the chances are she’s not ready for that step just yet.
2. Let her explore one room at a time
Although you may want your new kitty to roam freely around the house, it’s best to hold off on that for now. Showing her the entire house right away can be overwhelming.
Start with one room at a time and observe how your cat reacts. Once she seems comfortable, you can let her explore other areas of the home.
Eventually, she’ll get used to her new surroundings—and that’s when she might transform into a little troublemaker, scratching and breaking things around the house!
3. Don’t prevent your new cat from hiding
When a cat feels scared or uneasy, her first instinct will be to hide. If your stray cat feels the need to retreat to a hidden spot, don’t try to stop her.
As she becomes more comfortable in her new home, she’ll hide less and less. This is a clear sign that she’s starting to trust you and adjust to her new environment.
4. Create a safe space
When you adopt a stray cat, you want to provide her with a safe space where she can eat, sleep, and play comfortably.
Set up a designated area with essentials like a water and food bowl, some toys, and a litter box. Having these items readily available will make her transition to her new home much easier.
5. Be a reliable source of food
Stray cats are used to scavenge for food in various places. To build trust, you need to show your new kitty that she can rely on you. One of the best ways to do this is by establishing a consistent feeding schedule.
By doing so, your cat will learn that you won’t let her down. After all, the way to a cat’s heart is through her stomach!
6. If you have other pets, don’t introduce them right away
If you share a home with other furry creatures, don’t rush to introduce them right away. While you may be excited for them to interact, your new cat might not be ready for that just yet.
Allow her time to adjust to you first. Once she’s comfortable, you can start introducing her to your other pets gradually, one at a time. Monitor their interactions closely, and if you notice signs of stress, separate them and try again later.
7. Keep the stray indoors
You may think it’s best for a stray cat to let her roam outside since she’s used to living outside. However, this could backfire—she might run away.
To help her settle into her new life, keep her indoors for a while. This will give her time to embrace her domestic lifestyle.
8. Don’t pet her until she’s ready
I know, I know… She’s adorable and you’re dying to pet her and have a cuddling session on the couch while the two of you are watching your favorite TV show and munching on some treats. But keep in mind that a stray cat isn’t accustomed to this kind of attention, and she may not be ready for it.
Let her come to you on her own terms and don’t pressure her into doing something she’s not comfortable with. Otherwise, you might see her less-friendly side—and that’s definitely not what you want.
9. Encourage positive behavior
Whenever your new kitty successfully uses the litter box or opts for the scratching post instead of your furniture, reward her with a treat.
Positive reinforcement will help her learn the do’s and don’ts of living in a house and make the adjustment process smoother for both of you.
10. Enjoy the process
Welcoming a stray cat into your home isn’t always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. There will be moments when she hides from you, but there will also be times when she jumps into your lap and starts making biscuits.
Enjoy the journey, and remember that you’ve made a life-changing decision for one special cat. Helping her transition from stray to stay may be challenging, but you’ll feel immense joy when you see how far she’s come—and how much love she brings into your life.