How to Properly Adopt a Stray Cat: Health Check and Essential Knowledge for Cat Care

If you plan to adopt a stray cat, there are three key points you need to pay special attention to:

1. Conduct a Health Check

Stray cats may be infected with ear mites, fungi, or some infectious viral diseases, such as “herpes virus,” “calicivirus,” “chlamydia,” “mycoplasma,” and “feline panleukopenia.”

2. Pretend You Don’t Have a Cat

After bringing the cat home, avoid being too affectionate at first. Since cats are naturally shy, excessive closeness can trigger stress responses. If you feed it regularly, the cat will perceive that you have been hunting for it outside and bringing back prey, which will naturally make it more affectionate toward you. Once the cat becomes familiar with you, it will greet you enthusiastically at the door, meowing whenever you come home.

3. Prepare the Necessary Supplies

To properly care for a cat, you must prepare a litter box, cat litter, and cat food.

• For a kitten, you should also prepare some kibble, canned food, or goat milk powder. After the new cat arrives, observe its mental state, appetite, as well as its bowel and urinary habits.
• For an adult male cat, check for small clumps in its urine, and also inspect for respiratory problems such as asymmetrical eyes or watery eyes. Additionally, check the skin for black specks, scabs, or areas of redness.