Dear Porky and Buddy,
There is a stray cat who has been hanging around my house for the past several weeks, well OK, I’ve been feeding her, but I can’t really help myself. I have asked all my neighbors, put up flyers in the usual places, checked the lost and found listings to try to find her owners, but no luck with that. So I am thinking I will get her to a vet and let her move in. She is a really nice cat. I call her Tilly. The only problem with that plan is that I don’t let my cats outside, as I think it is much safer for them and I am not sure how she will adjust to that. Do you have any ideas about how to help her adjust to such a drastic change?
Ed
Dear Ed,
Let’s put this in perspective.
The “drastic change” you are worried about is a warm house, regular meals, your affection, and safety.
We suspect that Tilly will think she has suddenly won the stray cat lottery!
Sure she may want to go out again because she is accustomed to that, but only for something to do.
So give her something to do!
It sounds like you have other cats.
That’s something to do.
We have lots of tips for introducing her to your resident cats, but that’s another column.
You probably already have a plethora of cat toys that are just as much fun as mice, and they last longer.
That’s something to do.
We assume you have windows that she can look out.
That’s something to do.
And we suspect you have already bought her a nice comfy new cat bed.
You know as well as we do that cats do more napping than almost anything else.
In short, once Tilly gets used to the pleasures of having a home again, why would she want to leave?
We would suggest that when you bring her in for the first time, you give her a room of her own to start out in.
Keep her there with her own food, bed,and litter pan so she has some time to adjust to being in the house with you.
As she begins to get comfortable with you, then you can gradually introduce her to other parts and residents of the house.
We think she will do just fine, and kudos to you for your kindness!
The Oswego County Humane Society provides spay/neuter services and assistance, fostering and adoption of animals in urgent need, humane education programs, and information and referrals to animal lovers throughout Oswego County.
Located at 110 W. Second St., Oswego, NY.
Phone: (315) 207-1070.
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.oswegohumane.org
Because People and Pets Are Good for Each Other!
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