I have always been a dog person and have never really liked cats. However, for the past 2 months a young cat (don't really know the age) has been coming around and has been very kind to me, my wife and my kids. We have all grown to care for the cat but don't really know what to do or where to start. The cat is not scared of us and comes to our home almost every day and purrs like crazy when we are around, or at least I think she is purring. Can someone help us and let us know what we should do to provide for this new family member.... never thought I'd call a cat a family member..... lol...
2007-02-16 15:10:29 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
I had been a dog person and now, I have three cats. I used to train horses. I have also had other pets, guinea pigs and hamsters when I lived in no pet places. I had a pet skunk. Whenever I get a new pet, I read about the animal and will provide two excellent websites about cats.
Your cat does not sound like a feral cat. These are cats that once were pet and have been let loose or got out and did not return. They live in colonies and reproduce. They are not friendly.
If it were me, I would adopt the cat. I do not believe in letting cats outdoors because of the dangers to them. This has been backed up by experts. I have friends whose cats are indoor/outdoor cats. They have told me cats don't wander out of their territory, however, I have my doubts.
If you do decide to take her in, the first step would be to get a litter box and litter and, obviously, cat food and dishes. My cats get both canned and dry food. Some cats only get canned while others only get dry. You would need a brush and, perhaps, a toy or two to start out. Take her to a vet for an exam and shots.
Cats are capable of making many noises including purring which all cats, including the big cats do. Purring sounds like a minimotor running and they can do this when they exhale and inhale. Not all cats purr.
Only one of my cats meows and is quite vocal when she does. This one was a shelter cat who was badly abused to the point where she lost her tail. She is afraid of the other cats and will hiss and growl (cats do that!) when they approach her. She can also let out something like a cross between a scream and a screech. She is affectionate toward me and is the loudest purrer! The other two mew and make other cat sounds which are hard to describe. One time one of my friends was here and my tom cat went into the bathroom and vocalized. My friend thought the door squeaked.
You may have to litter train the cat. There is information on the websites. Cats are very clean and are easily trained.
I don't know if you currently have dogs, but cats and dogs can get along very well. It was on the news recently that a cat who just had kittens adopted a Rottweiler after his mother refused to nurse him. He and the kittens play and nurse together.
I hope things work great out for all of you and your new family member. I am sure it will. :)
2007-02-16 15:54:46 · answer #1 · answered by stevko1901 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well first of all, since it is now an ever so loved "family member", you need to start paying for it. Typical aye?
You need to get the cat spayed or nueter, depending on the sex. Thats FIRST AND FOREMOST most important rule of helping a stray. :) When you take the cat in for that visit, vet's usually have a 'combo shot with spay nueter' deal.. and all that will be done. Next, you'll need to decide ( especially while the cats in for the fixing ) whether or not the cat will be indoor only? Outdoor only? Indoor outdoor? And the after that, you'll need to get some cat food, -all natural cat food is best, but you'll probably want to go cheaper, so Purina or Iams is a great choice. (this way she's more to you than just a cat, considering you'll have just paid and arm and a leg for that vet visit! ) If you decide to bring her indoors at all, you'll need to teach her the litter box rule. And the ONLY efficiant way of doing this, is to lock her in a bathroom, with food, water, and the litter box ( a few toys won't hurt ) for at LEAST 2 days. Make sure everyone visits her in the bathroom, and when her time is up...Let her into a room one a time. Nothing over whelming, that'll turn her totally feral on you. And THEN you have a problem on your hands! After alllll that, you need to love the cat, learn the cat, teach the cat, and love the cat till death do you part.
Happy Meowing Sir~!
2007-02-16 23:49:26 · answer #2 · answered by dreamkillerkitten 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I believe Cats adopt us we don't adopt them ! Feral cats make great pets they've been on their own and now want a home. All my cats have been strays. The last one I took in had 5 Kittens the same night. Just take cat to Vets for Lab Tests and Shots and don't forget the Neutering. As for foods Dry or Canned
no Milk. Good luck, enjoy your new family member.
2007-02-17 06:10:51 · answer #3 · answered by countrygals4 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
its so good that that cat really likes you
i also adopted a stray cat, eventhough i absolutely hate pets, and it has been really rewarding
cats are mysterious and a wonder and once they become loyal to you, there is no turning back
they of course need to be fed well, try taking it to the vet to check whether the cat has an illness
dont give it milk , because the cat can get diarhea
cats need a litter box, 95 percent chance that they will use it
they also want a very comfortable place to sleep in
place a clean cloth in a box,
cats are lovely
its great that you have one
cats are really lucky and once you love them, they would love you forever
2007-02-16 23:17:09 · answer #4 · answered by haringmarumo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good for you! I recently took in a stray cat too! You'll need the essentials like a litter box & litter (If an indoor cat), cat food, food & water dishes.... and you should take the cat to the vet to get a check up and its shots.
2007-02-16 23:21:15 · answer #5 · answered by Linda P 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Offer her some food and pat her. If you want her to join the family then after awhile invite her in to check out the house, making sure the door stays open so she can retreat if she gets nervous. Try and find out if she "belongs" to anyone else in the neighborhood (she might be just visiting). And if she IS a she get ready for kittens.
Once she has joined the house then its time to visit the vet for checkup, shots and spaying
2007-02-16 23:20:48 · answer #6 · answered by kanman1958 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It obviously trusts you, so just feed it, unless you don't want it. DO NOT GIVE IT TO THE ANIMAL SHELTER. That should be your last resort. They put the poor things 2 sleep! Give it to a trusted friend or family member...older women LUV cats.
2007-02-16 23:19:13 · answer #7 · answered by simplypsycho 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you really like it keep it if ur not sure put an add in the paper then have people call u and see if it is there if no answer or wrong desiription in like 30 days keep it-hope this helps
2007-02-16 23:21:02 · answer #8 · answered by funkylilbrat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
GOOD FOR YOU!
2007-02-16 23:15:06 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋