Taking in a stray animal can be challenging, especially if you are new to pet ownership. Fortunately, with the right tips, you can prevent illness in your animal and enjoy a healthy, happy companion. Here’s what you should do if you take in a stray cat, and how a spay or neuter clinic can help. 

3 Tips for Adopting a Stray Cat

1. Check for Identification or a Microchip

A stray cat may already have a family looking for it. Before you try to adopt an animal, check for existing identification. In addition to looking for a collar, feel the cat for the signs of microchip placement. Microchips are typically the size of a grain of rice and located right between the shoulder blades. If you find an animal with a microchip, take it to a veterinary or neuter clinic to look up its identity and home. 

2. Schedule a Wellness Visit 

If the pet is unowned and nobody claims it, schedule a wellness visit to have the pet vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed or neutered. By visiting a neuter clinic, you can help male cats avoid diseases like testicular cancer while making it less likely the animal will roam away from home. Meanwhile, spaying helps female cats avoid uterine cancer and helps keep them at a healthy weight. 

3. Give Your New Pet Time to Get Comfortable

All animals have an acclimation time, so give your cat a chance to adjust to their new surroundings. On average, this could take about a month. Stick to a regular feeding schedule so the cat learns you’re a reliable source of food, and be patient when initiating physical contact. When the cat feels comfortable and safe with you, it will come to you and allow you to pet it.

If you are looking for a low-cost way to spay or neuter your cat, come visit us at Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic. For more than seven years, we have been dedicated to ending euthanasia through responsible pet ownership practices. We also offer low-cost vaccinations. Schedule an appointment online or call (203) 690-1550.