Difference between revisions of "Handle a Stray Cat"
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[[Category:Animal Rescue]] | [[Category:Animal Rescue]] | ||
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== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
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#*Keep an eye out for lost cat notices on store windows and telephone poles in your neighborhood, and in local newspapers and websites. | #*Keep an eye out for lost cat notices on store windows and telephone poles in your neighborhood, and in local newspapers and websites. | ||
#*Be extra vigilant in winter. Strays are desperate for shelter and food at this time, and pets are unlikely to spend much time outside. Fresh tracks after a snowfall are an easy way to track strays if you get up before heavy traffic begins. | #*Be extra vigilant in winter. Strays are desperate for shelter and food at this time, and pets are unlikely to spend much time outside. Fresh tracks after a snowfall are an easy way to track strays if you get up before heavy traffic begins. | ||
| − | #Try to approach the stray. If you think the cat is a stray, approach slowly while speaking in a soft voice. If the cat acts skittish, try bending down to its level. Hold out your hand and call it with a sweet voice. If that doesn't do it, return to the area later with a strong-smelling food, like tuna or dried liver.<ref>http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/what_to_do_stray_pet.html</ref> | + | #Try to approach the stray. If you think the cat is a stray, approach slowly while speaking in a soft voice. If the cat acts skittish, try bending down to its level. Hold out your hand and call it with a sweet voice. If that doesn't do it, return to the area later with a strong-smelling food, like tuna or dried liver.<ref name="rf1">http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/what_to_do_stray_pet.html</ref> |
#*Try different tones or pitches, as some cats respond better to a higher or lower voice, or even ‘meow’ sounds. | #*Try different tones or pitches, as some cats respond better to a higher or lower voice, or even ‘meow’ sounds. | ||
#*Don't get too close if the cat seems tense or nervous. If the cat feels cornered, it may bite or scratch. | #*Don't get too close if the cat seems tense or nervous. If the cat feels cornered, it may bite or scratch. | ||
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#*Gradually move the feeding spot closer to the trap, and eventually inside it. If the cat won't go inside, try covering the trap with a towel sprayed with cat pheromone spray. | #*Gradually move the feeding spot closer to the trap, and eventually inside it. If the cat won't go inside, try covering the trap with a towel sprayed with cat pheromone spray. | ||
#*Once the cat is eating consistently inside the trap, set it to trigger. | #*Once the cat is eating consistently inside the trap, set it to trigger. | ||
| − | #Decide what to do with the cat once it is trapped. Once you have captured the cat, contact a local shelter to ask about local laws. In some areas, you are required to take lost pets to a shelter so the owner has a chance to find it.<ref>http://slco.org/faq/faqAnimal.html</ref> Make a decision based on the shelter's response and on the cat's appearance: | + | #Decide what to do with the cat once it is trapped. Once you have captured the cat, contact a local shelter to ask about local laws. In some areas, you are required to take lost pets to a shelter so the owner has a chance to find it.<ref name="rf2">http://slco.org/faq/faqAnimal.html</ref> Make a decision based on the shelter's response and on the cat's appearance: |
#*If you do not plan to look after the cat at home, arrange in advance for a shelter or animal control agency to pick up the cat. Keep the cat in the trap in a quiet, dark area while it waits. Minimize the amount of time the cat has to wait, as this is extremely stressful for the animal. | #*If you do not plan to look after the cat at home, arrange in advance for a shelter or animal control agency to pick up the cat. Keep the cat in the trap in a quiet, dark area while it waits. Minimize the amount of time the cat has to wait, as this is extremely stressful for the animal. | ||
| − | #*A stray pet tends to have a dirty coat, and a tendency to meow and make eye contact. It may eventually relax, come up to the front of the cage, or investigate toys or people that come near the cage.<ref>http://www.alleycat.org/resources/feral-and-stray-cats-an-important-difference/</ref> [[#Caring_for_a_Stray_Cat_sub|Continue on]] for advice on finding the owner or adopting it yourself. | + | #*A stray pet tends to have a dirty coat, and a tendency to meow and make eye contact. It may eventually relax, come up to the front of the cage, or investigate toys or people that come near the cage.<ref name="rf3">http://www.alleycat.org/resources/feral-and-stray-cats-an-important-difference/</ref> [[#Caring_for_a_Stray_Cat_sub|Continue on]] for advice on finding the owner or adopting it yourself. |
| − | #*A feral (untamed) cat typically stays in the far back of the cage, may shake or bang the walls, and ignores toys and people.<ref | + | #*A feral (untamed) cat typically stays in the far back of the cage, may shake or bang the walls, and ignores toys and people.<ref name="rf3" /> [[#Handling_a_Feral_Cat|Learn more about how to handle the animal]], along with other ways to confirm that it really is feral. |
===Caring For a Stray Cat=== | ===Caring For a Stray Cat=== | ||
#Handle with maximum caution. Even a friendly cat often panics in a trap. Wear heavy gloves when near the cat, and have a thick towel or blanket ready to throw over the cat if it tries to attack you. Avoid picking it up whenever possible; even if you avoid bites and scratches, the cat may resent the person who handles it.<br><div style="background-color:#D2E9B8; color:#000; margin:0px; width:90%; padding:2px; float:right; border:5px; border-style:solid; border-color:#93B874; {{border-radius|15px}}">If absolutely necessary, transfer the cat to a carrier as follows:<br>1. Set the carrier on its end, with the door at the top.<br>2. Get behind the cat and [[Hold-a-Cat-by-the-Scruff|scruff]] it firmly at the neck with your dominant hand.<br>3. Push down on the cat's back immediately with your other hand, until you can get hold of both back legs.<br>4. Stretch your arms apart as far as you can, lift the cat, and put it rear-end-first into a carrier.<br>5. Quickly close the door on top of the cat. Hold the door down with one hand and brace the carrier between your legs until you have latched the door securely.</div> | #Handle with maximum caution. Even a friendly cat often panics in a trap. Wear heavy gloves when near the cat, and have a thick towel or blanket ready to throw over the cat if it tries to attack you. Avoid picking it up whenever possible; even if you avoid bites and scratches, the cat may resent the person who handles it.<br><div style="background-color:#D2E9B8; color:#000; margin:0px; width:90%; padding:2px; float:right; border:5px; border-style:solid; border-color:#93B874; {{border-radius|15px}}">If absolutely necessary, transfer the cat to a carrier as follows:<br>1. Set the carrier on its end, with the door at the top.<br>2. Get behind the cat and [[Hold-a-Cat-by-the-Scruff|scruff]] it firmly at the neck with your dominant hand.<br>3. Push down on the cat's back immediately with your other hand, until you can get hold of both back legs.<br>4. Stretch your arms apart as far as you can, lift the cat, and put it rear-end-first into a carrier.<br>5. Quickly close the door on top of the cat. Hold the door down with one hand and brace the carrier between your legs until you have latched the door securely.</div> | ||
| − | #Set up a safe place for the cat to stay. Ideally, the room should be escape-proof, quiet, unused, easily cleaned, and almost completely empty. Spare bathrooms and fully-enclosed porches work well.<ref>http://www.alleycat.org/community-cat-care/soothe-a-stray/</ref> Keep the following in this room: | + | #Set up a safe place for the cat to stay. Ideally, the room should be escape-proof, quiet, unused, easily cleaned, and almost completely empty. Spare bathrooms and fully-enclosed porches work well.<ref name="rf4">http://www.alleycat.org/community-cat-care/soothe-a-stray/</ref> Keep the following in this room: |
#*A comfortable seat for you to sit in quietly while the cat becomes used to you. | #*A comfortable seat for you to sit in quietly while the cat becomes used to you. | ||
#*A comfortable hiding place where the cat has a good view of the room. A cat carrier on a high shelf works well. | #*A comfortable hiding place where the cat has a good view of the room. A cat carrier on a high shelf works well. | ||
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#*Keep the door closed. Cats can move very quick and may jump over you to reach the exit. | #*Keep the door closed. Cats can move very quick and may jump over you to reach the exit. | ||
#Isolate the cat from other animals in the home. Your safe room should have zero access to the other animals in your household, including being able to smell each other under doors, as disease can pass this way. Change your shoes and clothing and wash your hands and other exposed skin whenever you leave the safe room, to prevent transferring disease to other animals. | #Isolate the cat from other animals in the home. Your safe room should have zero access to the other animals in your household, including being able to smell each other under doors, as disease can pass this way. Change your shoes and clothing and wash your hands and other exposed skin whenever you leave the safe room, to prevent transferring disease to other animals. | ||
| − | #*Cats can transmit diseases to humans as well. If the cat bites you, wash the wound with soap and water and ask your doctor immediately about the risk of rabies, which is fatal without a prompt vaccine. If the cat scratches you, wash with soap and water and visit the doctor if the area becomes red or swollen, or if you get swollen lymph nodes, a headache, fever, or exhaustion.<ref>http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/diseases/cat-scratch.html</ref> | + | #*Cats can transmit diseases to humans as well. If the cat bites you, wash the wound with soap and water and ask your doctor immediately about the risk of rabies, which is fatal without a prompt vaccine. If the cat scratches you, wash with soap and water and visit the doctor if the area becomes red or swollen, or if you get swollen lymph nodes, a headache, fever, or exhaustion.<ref name="rf5">http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/diseases/cat-scratch.html</ref> |
#Allow the cat to calm down for a few hours. Once it has calmed down a bit, enter the room quietly, bringing food and a camera. Try to get a good look at the cat, and ideally a good photo, so you can immediately begin to search for an owner. | #Allow the cat to calm down for a few hours. Once it has calmed down a bit, enter the room quietly, bringing food and a camera. Try to get a good look at the cat, and ideally a good photo, so you can immediately begin to search for an owner. | ||
#*Aggression is not likely, but leave immediately if you notice these warning signs: flat ears; visible eye whites or extra-wide pupils; a crouched, tensed appearance; or slow movement toward you with the head down. | #*Aggression is not likely, but leave immediately if you notice these warning signs: flat ears; visible eye whites or extra-wide pupils; a crouched, tensed appearance; or slow movement toward you with the head down. | ||
| − | #*Hissing and low growling with no other warning signs means the cat is afraid.<ref | + | #*Hissing and low growling with no other warning signs means the cat is afraid.<ref name="rf4" /> Don't approach, but don't be scared of an attack either. |
#Try to locate the owner. Start searching for the cat's owners as soon as possible. If the cat doesn't have tags, try these methods: | #Try to locate the owner. Start searching for the cat's owners as soon as possible. If the cat doesn't have tags, try these methods: | ||
#*Tell your neighbors. | #*Tell your neighbors. | ||
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#*There is a significant risk of injury if the cat is actually feral. If the cat has no collar and it has not meowed or approached you, [[#Handling_a_Feral_Cat_sub|check for signs of a feral]]. | #*There is a significant risk of injury if the cat is actually feral. If the cat has no collar and it has not meowed or approached you, [[#Handling_a_Feral_Cat_sub|check for signs of a feral]]. | ||
#Adopt the cat yourself. If you have made a reasonable effort to find the owner (required by law in some areas), and no one has responded after a month, you could adopt the cat or give it to a shelter. If you decide to let the cat join your household permanently, follow these steps: | #Adopt the cat yourself. If you have made a reasonable effort to find the owner (required by law in some areas), and no one has responded after a month, you could adopt the cat or give it to a shelter. If you decide to let the cat join your household permanently, follow these steps: | ||
| − | #*Have a veterinarian perform a physical check up, test for feline leukemia, FIV, feline distemper, rabies, and worms, and vaccinate or treat as needed. Do not allow the cat to contact other pets in your house until this is done, not even by touching the same clothing.<ref>https://indoorpet.osu.edu/cats/felinelifestressors/bringing-cats-indoors</ref> | + | #*Have a veterinarian perform a physical check up, test for feline leukemia, FIV, feline distemper, rabies, and worms, and vaccinate or treat as needed. Do not allow the cat to contact other pets in your house until this is done, not even by touching the same clothing.<ref name="rf6">https://indoorpet.osu.edu/cats/felinelifestressors/bringing-cats-indoors</ref> |
#*If the cat is not fixed, have it spayed or neutered to improve its health and behavior. Look for low-cost spay/neuter clinics if the cost is a burden. | #*If the cat is not fixed, have it spayed or neutered to improve its health and behavior. Look for low-cost spay/neuter clinics if the cost is a burden. | ||
#*Gradually [[Introduce-a-New-Cat-to-the-Family|introduce the cat]] to the rest of the house and its members, one room or animal at a time. | #*Gradually [[Introduce-a-New-Cat-to-the-Family|introduce the cat]] to the rest of the house and its members, one room or animal at a time. | ||
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===Handling a Feral Cat=== | ===Handling a Feral Cat=== | ||
#Confirm the cat is feral. Feral cats were never pets, and have not learned to meow or make eye contact with humans. Their coats are usually clean and well-kept compared to strays', since feral cats are used to taking care of themselves. Also look for these tell-tale signs: | #Confirm the cat is feral. Feral cats were never pets, and have not learned to meow or make eye contact with humans. Their coats are usually clean and well-kept compared to strays', since feral cats are used to taking care of themselves. Also look for these tell-tale signs: | ||
| − | #*Feral cats found alone are often unneutered males (tomcats). These have a more muscular, stockier build and fuller cheeks than neutered pets.<ref>http://icatcare.org/advice/understanding-your-cat/social-structure-cat-life</ref> Some tomcats have a spiky coat and a greasy or hairless area at the base of the tail ("stud tail").<ref | + | #*Feral cats found alone are often unneutered males (tomcats). These have a more muscular, stockier build and fuller cheeks than neutered pets.<ref name="rf7">http://icatcare.org/advice/understanding-your-cat/social-structure-cat-life</ref> Some tomcats have a spiky coat and a greasy or hairless area at the base of the tail ("stud tail").<ref name="rf3" /> |
| − | #*One clipped ear tip is the international sign of a spayed or neutered feral.<ref>http://icatcare.org/advice/rescue/how-do-i%E2%80%A6-ear-tip</ref> | + | #*One clipped ear tip is the international sign of a spayed or neutered feral.<ref name="rf8">http://icatcare.org/advice/rescue/how-do-i%E2%80%A6-ear-tip</ref> |
| − | #*Female ferals often live in small colonies around dumpsters or other food sources. When found alone, they can be difficult to tell apart from strays. A pregnant or lactating cat (with enlarged nipples and breasts) is usually feral.<ref | + | #*Female ferals often live in small colonies around dumpsters or other food sources. When found alone, they can be difficult to tell apart from strays. A pregnant or lactating cat (with enlarged nipples and breasts) is usually feral.<ref name="rf7" /><ref name="rf9">https://www.medicanimal.com/Understanding-the-signs-and-stages-of-pregnancy-and-advice-on-caring-for-your-pregnant-queen/a/ART111488</ref> |
| − | #Have the cat fixed. If the cat does not have a clipped ear, take it to the vet to be spayed or neutered. Always fix the cat before release so it displays fewer obnoxious behaviors (such as spraying or howling) and does not increase the feral cat population. If the shelter or vet clinic is part of a trap-neuter-release (TNR) program, it might perform the surgery for free. Bring the cat to the clinic promptly so the cat is not confined to the trap for more than 12 hours.<ref>http://www.alleycat.org/community-cat-care/pre-trap-setup/</ref> | + | #Have the cat fixed. If the cat does not have a clipped ear, take it to the vet to be spayed or neutered. Always fix the cat before release so it displays fewer obnoxious behaviors (such as spraying or howling) and does not increase the feral cat population. If the shelter or vet clinic is part of a trap-neuter-release (TNR) program, it might perform the surgery for free. Bring the cat to the clinic promptly so the cat is not confined to the trap for more than 12 hours.<ref name="rf10">http://www.alleycat.org/community-cat-care/pre-trap-setup/</ref> |
| − | #*If you decide to become more involved in a TNR program, invest in a transfer cage. This is a trap and cage with doorways that hook together, so the cat can walk into the larger space without escaping.<ref>http://icatcare.org/advice/rescue/how-do-i%E2%80%A6-handle-cat-trap</ref> | + | #*If you decide to become more involved in a TNR program, invest in a transfer cage. This is a trap and cage with doorways that hook together, so the cat can walk into the larger space without escaping.<ref name="rf11">http://icatcare.org/advice/rescue/how-do-i%E2%80%A6-handle-cat-trap</ref> |
#*You can also learn to tell whether the cat is fixed directly: follow these guides for [[Tell-if-a-Cat-Is-Spayed|female]] and [[Tell-If-a-Cat-Is-Neutered|male cats]]. Since this often requires handling the cat, it is not recommended until you have experience under trained supervision. | #*You can also learn to tell whether the cat is fixed directly: follow these guides for [[Tell-if-a-Cat-Is-Spayed|female]] and [[Tell-If-a-Cat-Is-Neutered|male cats]]. Since this often requires handling the cat, it is not recommended until you have experience under trained supervision. | ||
| − | #Keep the cat overnight. Cats usually need 24 hours to recover from the surgery, but some females take 48. Keep the trap or cage covered and move it to a temperature-controlled room, since cats recovering from anesthesia cannot regulate body temperature. Keep the room as quiet as possible and do not allow any other people or pets to enter. Monitor the cat closely:<ref>http://www.alleycat.org/community-cat-care/post-surgery-care/</ref> | + | #Keep the cat overnight. Cats usually need 24 hours to recover from the surgery, but some females take 48. Keep the trap or cage covered and move it to a temperature-controlled room, since cats recovering from anesthesia cannot regulate body temperature. Keep the room as quiet as possible and do not allow any other people or pets to enter. Monitor the cat closely:<ref name="rf12">http://www.alleycat.org/community-cat-care/post-surgery-care/</ref> |
| − | #*Feed kittens shortly after they wake up, and adult cats eight hours after they wake up. To do this, open a small gap in the trap door and slide in a little food and water on a plastic lid, without putting your hand inside. If you cannot do this safely, don't do it; the cat will manage. The cat might not eat right away.<ref | + | #*Feed kittens shortly after they wake up, and adult cats eight hours after they wake up. To do this, open a small gap in the trap door and slide in a little food and water on a plastic lid, without putting your hand inside. If you cannot do this safely, don't do it; the cat will manage. The cat might not eat right away.<ref name="rf12" /> |
| − | #*Call the clinic's emergency number (or the number they asked you to call) if the cat is bleeding, has trouble breathing, vomits, or does not wake up.<ref>https://www.operationpets.org/post_op.php3</ref> If the cat vomits while asleep, gently tip the trap at a slight angle so the vomit runs away from the cat's throat.<ref | + | #*Call the clinic's emergency number (or the number they asked you to call) if the cat is bleeding, has trouble breathing, vomits, or does not wake up.<ref name="rf13">https://www.operationpets.org/post_op.php3</ref> If the cat vomits while asleep, gently tip the trap at a slight angle so the vomit runs away from the cat's throat.<ref name="rf12" /> |
| − | #Release the cat. An adult feral cat can almost never be socialized enough to become an indoor pet. Bring the trap back to the same location you trapped it, open it, and wait until the cat walks out on its own.<ref>http://www.alleycat.org/community-cat-care/returning-the-cats/</ref> | + | #Release the cat. An adult feral cat can almost never be socialized enough to become an indoor pet. Bring the trap back to the same location you trapped it, open it, and wait until the cat walks out on its own.<ref name="rf14">http://www.alleycat.org/community-cat-care/returning-the-cats/</ref> |
#*Disinfect and rinse the trap thoroughly before using it for another animal. | #*Disinfect and rinse the trap thoroughly before using it for another animal. | ||
| − | #*If you do not want the cat living in your neighborhood, take it to a shelter. Cats rarely do well when released in a new location, but shelter staff should know how to increase the chance of success.<ref>http://www.alleycat.org/community-cat-care/relocation-the-last-resort/</ref> | + | #*If you do not want the cat living in your neighborhood, take it to a shelter. Cats rarely do well when released in a new location, but shelter staff should know how to increase the chance of success.<ref name="rf15">http://www.alleycat.org/community-cat-care/relocation-the-last-resort/</ref> |
#Assist the feral cat. If you would like to help the cat, you can leave out food and water near the location where you trapped it. Feral cats are especially vulnerable in cold climates, and may benefit from a [[Build-a-Cat-House|shelter]] and a source of liquid water (a heated water bowl) in winter. | #Assist the feral cat. If you would like to help the cat, you can leave out food and water near the location where you trapped it. Feral cats are especially vulnerable in cold climates, and may benefit from a [[Build-a-Cat-House|shelter]] and a source of liquid water (a heated water bowl) in winter. | ||
| − | #[[Tame-a-Feral-Cat|Tame the feral cat]]. If the cat shows some friendliness toward humans, or is no more than four months old, it may be possible to adopt it as a semi-tamed pet.<ref>http://www.alleycat.org/community-cat-care/socializing-kittens/</ref> The first step is to take it to a veterinarian for deworming and vaccinations. After that, a [[Introduce-a-New-Cat-to-the-Family|slow introduction]] to your household, one room at a time, may succeed in socializing the animal. Keep in mind that this is very difficult for fully feral, adult cats, and you may need to release the cat if it doesn't work out. | + | #[[Tame-a-Feral-Cat|Tame the feral cat]]. If the cat shows some friendliness toward humans, or is no more than four months old, it may be possible to adopt it as a semi-tamed pet.<ref name="rf16">http://www.alleycat.org/community-cat-care/socializing-kittens/</ref> The first step is to take it to a veterinarian for deworming and vaccinations. After that, a [[Introduce-a-New-Cat-to-the-Family|slow introduction]] to your household, one room at a time, may succeed in socializing the animal. Keep in mind that this is very difficult for fully feral, adult cats, and you may need to release the cat if it doesn't work out. |
== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
*Stray cats are often dehydrated. Offer small amounts of canned cat food or tuna with a little extra water added. This ‘soup’ will often result in a rapid improvement in a cat's health and appearance. | *Stray cats are often dehydrated. Offer small amounts of canned cat food or tuna with a little extra water added. This ‘soup’ will often result in a rapid improvement in a cat's health and appearance. | ||
| − | *If you encounter a sick or injured stray while driving, pull safely off the road and signal other cars to slow down. If you can, block the cat's access to the road or lure it into your car with food. Call animal control instead of trying to transport the cat yourself, since it may become frantic and interfere with your driving.<ref | + | *If you encounter a sick or injured stray while driving, pull safely off the road and signal other cars to slow down. If you can, block the cat's access to the road or lure it into your car with food. Call animal control instead of trying to transport the cat yourself, since it may become frantic and interfere with your driving.<ref name="rf1" /> |
*If stray cats are a common sight on your local roads, keep a cat carrier and pillowcase or [[Use-a-Cat-Comfort-Bag|cat comfort bag]] in your car. If you encounter an injured cat on the road and can safely access it away from traffic, carefully wrap the cat in the pillowcase, put it in the carrier, and take it to a veterinary clinic or humane society. Contact the facility in advance to ask about cost: some 24 hour emergency clinics or well-funded humane societies treat injured strays for free. Many other facilities do not have the money and will charge you for the medical bill if you bring the cat in. | *If stray cats are a common sight on your local roads, keep a cat carrier and pillowcase or [[Use-a-Cat-Comfort-Bag|cat comfort bag]] in your car. If you encounter an injured cat on the road and can safely access it away from traffic, carefully wrap the cat in the pillowcase, put it in the carrier, and take it to a veterinary clinic or humane society. Contact the facility in advance to ask about cost: some 24 hour emergency clinics or well-funded humane societies treat injured strays for free. Many other facilities do not have the money and will charge you for the medical bill if you bring the cat in. | ||
*Watch for signs of loose cats in your neighborhood, such as shredded garbage bags, night howling, or nervous behavior from your own pets (especially watching the door or window). | *Watch for signs of loose cats in your neighborhood, such as shredded garbage bags, night howling, or nervous behavior from your own pets (especially watching the door or window). | ||
| − | *You may have heard rumors that people try to claim strays in order to illegally sell them to research laboratories. This is true, but very rarely happens with cats, at least in the United States. In 2007, U.S. dealers collected fewer than 300 cats from individuals, and not all of these were thefts or cons.<ref>http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/pets_experiments/qa/questions_answers.html</ref> Still, if you're trying to find a new home for a stray, visit the potential home in person and back off if anything seems fishy.<ref>http://www.chicagonow.com/raining-cats-dogs/2013/08/rehoming-pets-on-craigslist/</ref> | + | *You may have heard rumors that people try to claim strays in order to illegally sell them to research laboratories. This is true, but very rarely happens with cats, at least in the United States. In 2007, U.S. dealers collected fewer than 300 cats from individuals, and not all of these were thefts or cons.<ref name="rf17">http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/pets_experiments/qa/questions_answers.html</ref> Still, if you're trying to find a new home for a stray, visit the potential home in person and back off if anything seems fishy.<ref name="rf18">http://www.chicagonow.com/raining-cats-dogs/2013/08/rehoming-pets-on-craigslist/</ref> |
== Warnings == | == Warnings == | ||
| − | *If you do give the cat to the shelter and no one claims the cat, they may euthanize it (in other words put the cat to sleep). If this is not your intention, make sure to drop the cat off at a ‘no-kill shelter’, instead of one that euthanizes unclaimed pets.<ref>http://www.aspca.org/adopt/adoptable-cats-your-local-shelter</ref><ref>http://www.adoptapet.com/animal-shelters</ref> Encourage cat owners you know to think about adopting another cat to provide homes for cats that would otherwise be euthanised. | + | *If you do give the cat to the shelter and no one claims the cat, they may euthanize it (in other words put the cat to sleep). If this is not your intention, make sure to drop the cat off at a ‘no-kill shelter’, instead of one that euthanizes unclaimed pets.<ref name="rf19">http://www.aspca.org/adopt/adoptable-cats-your-local-shelter</ref><ref name="rf20">http://www.adoptapet.com/animal-shelters</ref> Encourage cat owners you know to think about adopting another cat to provide homes for cats that would otherwise be euthanised. |
| − | *If the cat bites you, immediately wash the wound with soap and water, then contact your doctor. A feral cat or unvaccinated stray could transmit rabies. Rabies is 100% fatal in humans, but can be prevented with a prompt rabies vaccine.<ref>http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/rabies-in-cats/332</ref> Your doctor can advise you based on how common rabies is in your area. | + | *If the cat bites you, immediately wash the wound with soap and water, then contact your doctor. A feral cat or unvaccinated stray could transmit rabies. Rabies is 100% fatal in humans, but can be prevented with a prompt rabies vaccine.<ref name="rf21">http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/rabies-in-cats/332</ref> Your doctor can advise you based on how common rabies is in your area. |
*Stray and feral cats are prone to disease if they are not vaccinated and wormed. Symptoms of illness can include: runny nose and eyes, sneezing and coughing, difficulty breathing or loud sounds when breathing, sunken eyes, protruding bones and thin body condition, flaky or dry skin, hair loss, vomiting, diarrhea, refusal to eat or drink, and difficulty moving or moving a few steps then laying down again. Any of these signs indicate the animal needs medical attention soon. | *Stray and feral cats are prone to disease if they are not vaccinated and wormed. Symptoms of illness can include: runny nose and eyes, sneezing and coughing, difficulty breathing or loud sounds when breathing, sunken eyes, protruding bones and thin body condition, flaky or dry skin, hair loss, vomiting, diarrhea, refusal to eat or drink, and difficulty moving or moving a few steps then laying down again. Any of these signs indicate the animal needs medical attention soon. | ||
*Remember that cats carry diseases, like FIV and FELV. Theses can transmit these to other cats and can cause very serious health problems. Before taking in a cat, you should make sure you take care of your own first! This includes protecting them from strays and ferals, and having them fully vaccinated. | *Remember that cats carry diseases, like FIV and FELV. Theses can transmit these to other cats and can cause very serious health problems. Before taking in a cat, you should make sure you take care of your own first! This includes protecting them from strays and ferals, and having them fully vaccinated. | ||
