Bringing An Outdoor Cat In

Have you started feeding a neighborhood stray lately? Has a cute kitty taken up residence on your porch? It’s very easy to get attached to cats, especially when they decide they want to live with you. Actually, many happy pets were rescued from the streets. If you’re thinking about giving your furry new friend a forever home, read on! Here, a Sarasota, FL vet discusses bringing an outdoor cat in.

Start Slow

If Fluffy has been outside for a while, she may need time to adjust. Give her a quiet, comfy area, where she can relax and settle in. Make this space into a kitty haven by adding lots of toys, soft beds, and cat furniture. Catnip and empty boxes will also be appreciated. 

Get The Vet’s All-Clear

One of the first things you’ll want to do is take Fluffy to the vet. You’ll want to get her checked to see if she is microchipped, in case there’s a family out there missing her. The next step would be to get your kitty examined and caught up on her vaccines and parasite control. We also recommend microchipping and spay/neuter surgery, if these things haven’t been done yet. Don’t let your new furry friend interact with other pets or children until your vet gives the official thumbs up. 

Getting Settled

How the next stage plays out will depend on Fluffy’s past. If she was a former pet who was lost or abandoned, she may be quite friendly. In this case, your furball may not take long at all to feel completely at home and basically take over control of the house. Other kitties, however, will be much more timid, and need time to settle in. That’s fine! Give your pet the time she needs.

Let Fluffy Choose

Kitties are super cute, which can make it hard to resist trying to pet them and cuddle them. Never force attention on your feline buddy! Snuggles can come later. For now, it’s more important to gain Fluffy’s trust. Let your new pet approach you when she feels safe. Offer her treats and toys, and talk to her in a soothing tone, but let her decide when it’s time for cuddles. With patience and good care, you’ll have that motor going in no time! 

As your Sarasota, FL vet clinic, we’re dedicated to offering great care. Please contact us anytime!