Instructions
Begin by gaining the cat's trust. If it comes around your house, leave food outside. Begin to be present after the cat feels comfortable eating the food. Watch through a door or window and speak to the cat in a soothing voice for several days, then stand outside when you leave the food. When the cat is comfortable in your presence, begin to pet it or offer food out of your hand.
Capture the cat in as humane and stress-free a way as possible. If it lets you pick it up, put it in a cat carrier while speaking to it calmly. If you cannot touch the cat or pick it up, call your local animal shelter or vet to discuss safe trapping options. They may be able to lend you a cage or recommend a person with experience in and equipment for trapping strays.
Take the cat to the vet immediately upon capturing it. Have it vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and tested for transmissible diseases. It may be necessary to board the cat for a few days while waiting for the test results.
Quarantine the cat in one room of your home for the first few days, with its own food bowl and litter box, especially if you have other cats. Allow the cats to sniff and hear one another through the door before introducing them.
Bring the outdoors in to provide the cat with a safe version of its former environment. Have cat grass available for it to nibble and a window for lounging. Provide catnip toys and plenty of playtime in which the cat is allowed to run and jump.
How to Take Home a Stray Cat
Giving a forever home to a stray or feral cat is an act of compassion and love. However, for all its rewards, bringing home a stray is not without risks. This is especially true if you have other cats in your house. Ensuring the stray's health is essential, as certain illnesses such as feline leukemia can be spread to healthy cats. To ensure a smooth transition from the streets to domestication, familiarize yourself with the proper procedure for taking home a stray cat.