How to Care for a Rescued Cat

Rescued cats come from a variety of backgrounds. Some are abandoned by their owners in the streets, others have been abused or neglected. Because of the possible lack of proper socialization at a young age or fear of people, rescued cats require more patience and gentle handling than other cats. Whether you find a cat wandering the streets with no collar and identification, or adopt a cat from a rescue organization, your cat will need care and love to help it adjust to its new home.

Things You'll Need

  • Cat carrier
  • Food and water dishes
  • Cat food
  • Cat bed
  • Blankets
  • Litter box
  • Cat litter
  • Cat treats
  • Cat toys
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Take the rescued cat to a veterinarian for an exam, to get treated for parasites and to get its required vaccinations. If you found the cat roaming freely, the doctor also can check to see if it has a microchip to identify its owner. Prevent the cat from roaming freely in your car or escaping by placing it into a cat carrier to transport it to the veterinarian's office.

    • 2

      Place the cat in a quiet spare bedroom with a litter box, food and water dishes and a comfortable place to sleep, such as a cat bed or soft blankets. Allow the cat to adjust to its new space over the course of a few days before letting it out into the rest of your home.

    • 3

      Train the cat to use its litter box. Fill the box with one to two inches of cat litter and put it in a corner spot that the cat can freely access at all times. Bring the cat over to the litter box and place it inside, allowing it to smell and explore the box. The website Cats of Australia &the World recommends bringing the cat back over to the box after a meal or upon waking, when it is likely to eliminate. Dig in the box with your finger to show the cat what to do. Praise the cat if you see it using the litter box to eliminate.

    • 4

      Feed the cat a nutritionally balanced food specifically for cats twice each day. The website Petfinder recommends taking away the food after 15 minutes if the cat does not eat and returning again in a few hours with a fresh meal. If the cat appears thin, with its ribs showing, feed it a series of smaller meals several times a day until its stomach adjusts to the food. Follow the recommended serving on the canned or dry food you choose to feed the cat.

    • 5

      Sit with the cat in the room, quietly reading or watching television. Allow the cat to come over to you, and give it a treat if it comes over to reward it. Each time it spends time with you, give it a treat to reinforce the positive contact.

    • 6

      Play with the cat using cat toys to engage its attention once it comes to you on its own. This helps to bond you and your cat, keeps it well-exercised and prevents boredom.