What to Know Before Adopting a Stray Cat

Of stray cats , there is everywhere in Quebec. Many of us have the irresistible urge to bring them in and offer them a warm home, but this is not a decision to be taken lightly …

What is a stray cat?

Stray cats are animals that were born in the wild or returned to the wild after being abandoned by their owner. These cats had to develop coping mechanisms and are therefore deemed to be more intelligent and expressive than their tame cousins, but they also have a harder time trusting humans. We understand them …

Unfortunately, many people still leave their pets behind when they move. You should know that wild cats, that is to say those who have never experienced interaction with humans, are more difficult to tame than others. Even though they look like two drops of water like your living room cat, they have developed an instinct for survival in the wild and they don’t trust us.

How to tame a fearful cat

Some people who work with feral cat populations believe that only babies 8 weeks old or younger can be tamed and come to life in society. However, there are of course exceptions because, like us, cats all have their own unique character and personality. The longer the cat is left on its own in the wild, the more difficult it will be to tame it, but it is not impossible.

We sometimes notice that cats, even if they are wild, tend to approach us and our house, or even to let themselves be petted. It is these animals that already seem to like us that we are most tempted to adopt. However, cats are by nature independent beings and if they realize that you want to lock them up, they may well become fearful and disappear …

For this reason, you will need to be patient and keep pace with the cat in question. Here’s a step-by-step method that usually works with kitties who have the secret desire to fit in the comforts of your home:

Every day, at the same time and in the same place (outside, a few steps from your front door), have dry food (because it attracts less insects) and fresh water to cat. You can also shake the bag at each meal, which works a bit like a bell that informs him that the meal is served. You can observe it from inside, but don’t stay nearby.
After a week or so, sit still a few feet from the food bowls, but do not try to touch the cat yet and observe its reactions. If he seems scared or worried, move as little as possible.
It is also recommended to make a small shelter for the cat in a quiet and private corner, not far from where you put its food. A cardboard box and an old blanket will do. In this way, the animal will tend to always stay close to your house.
When the kitty seems confident, you can take a few steps closer each day, but it is not yet time to stroke it.
When you’ve managed to get close to the cat (without touching it), try to place the food bowls closer and closer to your house. Also add treats, such as small pieces of cooked chicken, fish, etc.
Gradually, the cat should become more and more confident, come towards you and even let himself be stroked. After a little while, he will understand that you only want him good and will come back into the house on his own to claim your caresses.

What are the necessary precautions?

If you’ve managed to bond with a stray cat and they’ve agreed to be part of your family, there are a few things you need to consider to make sure cohabitation goes smoothly.

Health

A cat that was born and raised in the wild can get germs, illnesses or fleas. You should take him to a vet as soon as possible to have him checked and vaccinated. However, do not even consider declawing him (unless he is really very young). This cat may need to get out and it is not doing him a service to deprive him of his only weapon.

Acclimatization

Just because the cat has agreed to live with you does not mean that he will immediately want to sleep next to you. It is preferable, at least for the first few nights, to offer him a pleasant corner in a small room of the house (the bathroom or the laundry room are ideal), with a litter box, water and the food. As you go, your new friend should recognize their territory and feel at home. Also, try to set up a little routine, such as playing with him always at the same time, petting him after a meal, etc.

Other domestic animals

If you have other cats or dogs in the house, it’s best to isolate your new kitten in a room for a week or two, while you really bond with them. Unless you’ve been traumatized in the past by a bad encounter, your cat shouldn’t have a hard time making friends with your pets, but again, give them time. Everything is new for him!

If you leave the cat in a room separate from the others, he will still be able to hear, smell and learn to recognize his new roommates. And when he has full confidence in you, he will know that these other animals are neither predators nor competitors.

Litter boxes are a necessary evil for cats. They produce all sorts of chemicals that shouldn’t be disposed of in the regular waste as they do their thing. There are plenty of ways to rid the litter box of smells without having to replace the entire fixture, but the more compact size of DIY litter boxes makes them handy and eco-friendly solutions. In addition, adding an enclosure to your existing litter box lets you conveniently clean and maintain this often vacant area. Not only does this save you from having to purchase expensive and frequently useless accessories, but it also cuts down on the number of times the litter box needs to be emptied. Here at catandwood, you can buy a cat litter box enclosure meager price than the other source online.

Add Trim Around the Cat Door

(Image credit: Excited Cats)

If you’ve ever been concerned about cats entering your home, a tiny, almost invisible cat door may be your answer. Use pine, birch, or oak trim to construct a cover to fit over your cat door. The door itself is simple to find at any hardware store or thrift store, and it can do most of the doorway opening sizes. You can also download some DIY plans for this project to get you started. Cover Your Cat Wall Wall-mounted cat toys can be a super fun way to play with your cats, but they can get a little distracting if you’re trying to focus on the task at hand – keeping the litter box area in good shape. Keeping them off the floor lets you keep an eye on them and helps prevent them from jumping on a nearby human or pet.

Put a Litter Box Inside a Large Basket

Image by All the Little Details via Pinterest.

This DIY is an easy DIY to make. Just take an empty basket, make a door, add wheels, and you’re done!
You will need about five boxes and wire wool. First, cut the wire wool to size and push it into the box. Then, put in a bag of litter and load the basket with small paper towels. Finally, roll it around until it looks good.
For a nice finish, you can add a handle to the basket. DIY Kitty Styling Station
For this nifty hack, insert the litter box into a tall cupboard, using an anchor point at the top and bottom of the door. Ensure the top of the closet is at least 4 inches off the floor so that the foot does not contact the litter box.
Using screws, create an extra shelf inside the cupboard where the litter box is stored.

Build a Mini Cat House Litter Cover

(Image credit: Laura Gummerman)

This feline-friendly version of a litter box is the perfect addition to your home. Wacky Adornments to Match Your Cat’s Personality These buttons and baubles will take a boring litter box design to a whole new level. Practical DIY Feline-Friendly Cat Litter Box This clever DIY project requires a few simple supplies, including a box cutter, spray paint, scrap wood, and one vinyl sticker. Proper Utensils for Any Cat Litter Box These feline-friendly tools are excellent for decluttering the litter box and cleaning up any extra messes your cat leaves behind. A Perfect Feline Storage Solution With a purpose-built tray, you’ll never have to deal with a dirty litter box again.

Keep the Litter Cabinet Organized

(Image credit: IKEAhackers)

Whether your cat is scared to go inside their new home or they just haven’t been able to adjust, it’s best to keep their litter box separate from the rest of the house until they adapt to their new environment. By creating a unique cabinet in their new home, you can display their litter box prominently and keep it neat. You can even make this clean and organized space within your existing cabinet to add a pop of color to the otherwise drab fixture. In addition, incorporate other decorative pieces that will give your wardrobe a cozy feel, such as a decorative rug, cutesy souvenirs, or decorative art. Add the Option of Shading the View Having a hidden litter box in your home can be very important to some people, and your cats are no exception.

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Paint a Pattern on a Basic Litter Box Cover

(Image credit: sugarandcloth)

One of the most accessible and attractive DIY litter boxes we’ve seen is the metal-wrapped cat litter box. You can give the top of this litter box an eye-catching touch by painting it in the pattern of your choice. This makes it an excellent choice for any color scheme or theme you might have in mind. You can also grab a glue gun and craft another colored bottom for a different feel. Once you’re done painting, you can seal the whole thing in polyurethane for protection. Invest in Pet Litter Container Enclosures If you don’t want t o make any modifications to your cat litter box, you could always upgrade to something that comes with its own enclosure. There are plenty of options out there to choose from, but there is only one downside — they can be expensive.

Remove Drawers and Install a Hinged Door

(Image credit: TrueValue)

This homemade tin cabinet, built by Chris Coyne for Cat In The Boardroom, features a space-saving design with a “hinged door” that can be used to hide your litter box. After using this quick and easy kit, your little buddy can easily get in and out of the cabinet. Don’t worry about what smells are going to come out because all of your cat’s excrement will be contained in the litter box, keeping them safe from a bad case of the runs. Broom & Box Corner Not every guy is going to want to spend the money on a custom-made litter box, and you might not want to spend a ton of time building something for your home. You can always add a small corner bin and broom to help keep dirt and odors at bay. Get this DIY built-in for $20 in wood and another $12 in paint.

Hide the Litter Box Under the Sink

(Image credit: DigsDigs)

Get creative and make a cabinet or shelf that hides the dirty litter. A cabinet that offers cat access to food and water is a great idea. It’s a simple and effective idea that requires minimal investment. Make a Cat Tree A cat tree can also be a great hideaway for your litter box. Once built, it can be a safe resting place for your kitty for an extra special treat! You can create a perfect space for your little cat with this awesome floor mat inspired by cat furniture. Vintage Themed Cat Hideaway When we think of cats, we imagine them sleeping under a cozy blanket or lounging in front of the fireplace. A rustic cabin built like a classic log cabin can be an excellent home for cats. But this type of cabin that’s built of a large number of planks and logs can cause some noise.

Install a Cat Door in Wardrobe Cabinet

(Image credit: Rover)

If you have more than one cat, this clever trick is for you. This clever installation keeps cats safe from predators when they’re in the house and gives them access to the outdoors. You’ll need a wardrobe cabinet (like this one from Ikea) and a pet door (such as this one from Cover) installed. Install the door and store the litter in the cabinet with a special cat litter tray. Check out more great DIY bathroom makeovers and dog accessory ideas. Litter Box Bench for Cats and Dogs Cats and dogs both like to scratch, but we’ve found a simple solution that will protect your hardwood floors. Litter boxes can usually fit on top of our regular footstools, but they’re usually designed for larger animals.

Drape Fabric Around an End Table

(Image credit: sawsonskates)

A tabletop cat box is a brilliant solution when the tray on your cat-chaired end table is littered with mail, keys, and other items. Simply purchase a pet-proof litter box tray from the store and wrap it in a fabric panel. For a cleaner look, add an inexpensive clear vinyl sticker. The logo will look cute next to the tray’s paint. Transform a Den If you’re downsizing or moving, you can easily pick up a sturdy faux-wood rectangular platform, like this one from House Spirit. Add a piece of plywood below to provide the perfect base for the bed of your choice. We love the more rustic look of this cat box. It was made with reclaimed wood.

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See also Can Dogs Eat Peaches?

Add Curtains to a Console Table

(Image credit: Dimples and Tangles)

Just like the console table above, this DIY console table was a great way to hide a big task from our furry friends. Instead of having to clean up the litter box all the time, you can now hide the litter box inside the console table, keeping it safe from the mess. Undercover Litter Box Many DIY builders were quick to spot the clever utility of hiding a litter box in a drawer. Using a 2-drawer side and bottom dresser from IKEA, all you need is some hardware and furniture tape. As with many other home furniture DIY, this project will take a bit of time and patience. Thin-Lined Cat Bin There’s something special about looking through a cat-safe trash can. This DIY hack, which fits easily in the lid of your trash can, helps you keep the cat-toilet area clean and easy to clean.

Build a Custom Kitty Litter Box

(Image credit: Ikeahackers)

The Three Blind Mice Co. did a great job recreating this mint green masterpiece. This made-in-the-U.S. original shelter is a work of art that will delight you and your kitty alike. In the meanwhile, your animal friend will continue to enjoy a comfy and private seat. If you’re looking for something more modern and a little brighter, you can opt for this geometric-designed option from Campsite. It’s a great decor piece that has a lot of charm, but at the same time, the litter box does not look out of place. We also love that there are contrasting colors and textured materials to give the design some pizzazz. It looks like it belongs at a museum and will definitely add a lot of personality to your home.

Use the Inside of a Bench for Kitty Litter Storage

(Image credit: Foter)

This clever and affordable indoor bench is simple to build from spare wood. Once you’ve fashioned the hideaway box, you simply need to construct a shelf inside the bench to hold the litter. The floor also needs to be sealed, so you don’t track litter around the house. Cool Ways to Make a Small, Accent Crate a Little More Personality Choose a Cool Cat Litter Box Image Although it’s not as pretty as the modern, orange-and-black patent design below, this simple DIY outfitter keeps the lid accessible. Use an adhesive clamp to glue the lid to the platform before adding a shelf to store a scoop and a litter tray inside.

Convert a Bedroom Dresser into Litter Box Storage

(Image credit: HGTV)

This roomy, modern home entertainment center is completely full of storage for the comforts of your cats. You can buy a litter box, but you’ll probably want a good place to keep it during the day, too. When it comes to luxury cat furniture, the bed on this bed will offer a private, cozy spot to sit and snuggle. If you want to combine the two, just add some blanket. Turn a Pillow into a Cat Litter Box Cover It’s the perfect pillow for relaxing, but we have a better use for this pillow: as a cat box cover. It’s lightweight and functional, and there are several locations for litter box access (under the pillow, inside the pillow cover, and inside the head of the pillow). You can even extend the box out and use a bag of litter as a drop-in litter.

Repurpose a Tote for a Larger Litter Box

(Image credit: Barbara Adamcik)

Most people think of portable totes as places to store shopping bags, but this one is a better place to store the litter box. Watch this story for more details. Fix the Stinky Carpet With Paint Did you know you can paint your carpet? You can even find a pre-applied sealer to give your long-neglected carpet a shiny new look. The best part? It’s cheap and easy! Even Without a Carpet, it’s Still Easy to Hide a Litter Box By adding layers of paint, and you can create the illusion of a carpet in your home. This home design blogger is giving her downstairs bath a new look with a completely covered area. Add Litter Box Jars to a Rope Climb You can also create a climbable cat tree using climbing rings and big boxes. Watch this quick DIY to see how this system works.

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Add Playful Decals Outside the Cat Door

(Image credit: Pets Lady)

Since the idea behind this hidden cat door is to prevent the litter box from getting scuffed up by being outside, a fun way to give the box a happy home is to create a play area for your cat. You can create a bright, colorful design to help your cat feel playful and stop them from scratching and marking up the door too much. Just choose your favorite decals online and watch them appear on the bottom of the door for an added touch of cuteness. Use Tape to Hide the Box From Extruders The best solution for this pesky issue of cat litter clogging up countertops, cabinets, and other hard-to-reach places? Use tape. You’ll find the best tape-in many department stores and drug stores for both home and office use.

Put the Cat Door on the Top of a Cabinet

(Image credit: Ikeahackers)

Make a litter box space hidden from sight. This ingenious solution uses a window ledge as a litter box door. With a few small upgrades (like screws) and wooden crates or crates with metal covers, your cat can enter and exit the litter box area with ease. Buy a trash can to conceal a litter box. Install a trash can and/or food dish on top of an entertainment center. The extra space and well-designed design make this litter box a practical option. Lay a sheet across a kitchen table to hide the cat litter box. Lay down a waterproof or thick plastic sheet to camouflage the litter box. Lay the sheet over the top of the table, then set up the litter box.

Create a Cat Walk to Remove Excess Litter

(Image credit: instructables)

Place this striking catwalk in the middle of your home or office to give your feline friends a private, comfortable place to take care of their business. It’s especially great for relieving the stress on your paws. Simply cut a piece of furniture in the shape of a U. Using long nails or screws, secure the ‘U’ on the wall or ceiling, creating a catwalk. Then, just add some cushioning for maximum comfort. Keep a Trim around the Toilet to Protect Your Porch No matter how you feel about litter boxes, and you have to admit they are useful. They’re low maintenance and cheap to buy, plus you can set one up at your front door to keep garbage out and for easy clean-up. This clever solution involves building a box to shield your front steps from the litter.

Cat need to access their own private space

(Image credit: instructables)

A new coat of paint on a baseboard or piece of furniture is a great way to transform the look and feel of a small space, and this DIY looks amazing and comes with surprisingly low maintenance. To create the cubby, first drill two holes in the baseboard, then attach two more small screws with the included hex key. Next, simply drill two holes for the metal stakes, attach them to the baseboard, and use the included screws to secure them in place. Repeat this process two more times around the baseboard for a total of four new holes. This simple custom make will hide the handle of your litter box and will allow your cat to access their own private space, so it can do its business without annoying you.

What is a stray cat?

How to tame a fearful cat