There are many animals looking for a new family. It is possible to adopt a stray cat by contacting animal protection associations or even choosing to welcome one that often appears in our home garden.
Cats are very independent animals, they know how to take care of themselves, but at the same time they are also eager to live in a familiar and protected habitat, with someone who takes care of them. Usually stray dogs are very fearful, they run away when you try to move closer or if they feel trapped, for this you must first create a trustful relationship.
Adopting a stray cat is a charity action for lonely animal, but it must be approached step by step, without forcing the cat.
The first visit to the vet
If you have decided to adopt a stray cat, the first thing to do is take him to the vet. Living on the street the cat may have been exposed to animal strife, trauma, contracting serious illness.
The main diseases that a stray cat can be affected are:
FIV, Feline Immunodeficiency Syndrome is an infectious disease caused by a virus like human HIV. It cannot infect humans or other non-feline animals. It is transmitted between cats, especially unsterilized adult males, who live fighting with each other, biting and transmitting the virus. To date, there is no cure or vaccine, but it is important to know if our cat is positive, because periodic checks and vaccinations and good nutrition can extend its life.
FELV or feline leukemia, is a contagious disease, very common among cats and which causes their mortality. The virus is transmitted between cats through saliva, secretions or blood. A part of the cats that are infected manage to eliminate the virus spontaneously. In those where immunity does not develop it can lead to death.
FIP also called feline infectious peritonitis, is a very serious disease of the cat, not transmissible to people or other pets. In most cases it heals spontaneously, in case the virus undergoes a mutation, invades the other organs after the intestine, damaging them. Cats contract the virus through contaminated feces and often young and stray cats are affected.
FILARIASIS is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes. According to some studies, the tiger mosquito is responsible for the spread of the disease. The most serious form of fiariasis is that which affects the heart and lungs. The parasite larvae enter the circulatory system and settle near the vital organs causing cardiac and respiratory disorders.
TOXOPLASMOSIS is a disease caused by small parasites and which affects all mammals, even men. The cat can become infected when it feeds on rodents or contaminated birds. The disease is asymptomatic, but people can contract this parasite by consuming vegetables infected with cat’s stool and badly washed. Even in humans the disease is not dangerous, except in the case in which it is contracted during pregnancy.
In addition to checking existing diseases, the veterinarian will also provide him with all mandatory vaccinations. It would be ideal to identify the cat by an implanted microchip, to be able to find it if he gets lost.
Consider together with the veterinarian if it is appropriate to sterilize him. During the heat, cats run away from home, even more if it is a stray animal. The search for a companion can be lethal to the cat, risking being run over by cars or injured by other animals. It would be better to avoid dangerous situations, with sterilization the cat is more peaceful and avoids many episodes dangerous to his health.
In order to bring a stray cat to the vet, the first step will be to find a suitable way to transport him. The first thing to do is therefore buy a cat carrier. It will also come in handy at other times, for travel by car, train or plane.
It is important to choose a pet carrier paying attention to some essential details for the comfort and safety of your new friend. The latest addition to the Ferplast range is Jet, specifically designed for small pets. It is a plastic container with a rounded shape, equipped with large ventilation grids to ensure correct internal ventilation. The pet carrier is also complete with a totally transparent door, to allow visibility to the animal. It is very robust, with side and front safety hooks that allow you to keep the entrance door tightly closed and avoid accidental opening during the journey.
Be careful when you try to put him inside, if you force him he will forever associate the pet carrier to a negative experience. To get the cat into the pet carrier, you must be very patient, use food to attract him inside and a soft voice. Put a toy inside and a soft fabric, so that it doesn’t feel caged.
There are also pet carriers with an opening on the roof as well, such as Atlas Open by Ferplast, which allow you to insert the cat from above in an easier way, in case he doesn’t want to know to enter by himself.
The first visit to the vet is a first step towards the adoption of a stray cat, it is essential for the health of the cat and for a peaceful life within his new family. We will return to the topic soon, to give you more information and advice to help a lonely and distressed animal.