How to Bring a Stray Cat From Outside to Inside

Cat lovers often see stray cats and kittens around their properties. These cats are usually abandoned or lost pets that now live outdoors fending for themselves. Stray cats are different from feral cats. Feral cat only know life outdoors. Some people offer food to the stray cats, while others catch them and take them to a shelter. A few people adopt the stray cat and bring it into their home. But to bring an outside cat indoors requires some preparation to make the transition as stress free as possible for the cat.

Things You'll Need

  • Water and off bowl
  • Cat food
  • Litter box
  • Bedding or blanket
  • Outdoor cat enclosure
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Instructions

    • 1

      Observe the cat for a few days. It is important to know if the cat is a neighborhood pet that goes outdoors, a feral cat or a stray cat. All cats will trust you if you feed them. To tell the subtle differences between the cats keep in mind that neighborhood cats usually get feed at home so won't eat or eat much. Feral and stray cats are hungry but the stray cat is more friendly and will allow you to pet it whereas the feral cat is far more cautious or skittish.

    • 2

      Prepare a room in your room for the cat to live in. This is a temporary measure but still necessary. In the room have fresh water, food, a litter box and a bed or blanket for the cat. Make certain no other animals are in this room.

    • 3

      Take the cat to the vet as soon as possible. A medical exam is important to rule out any contagious diseases the cat can spread to other animals in the home. Have the cat sprayed or neutered if it is not fixed already.

    • 4

      Treat the cat for any aliments he may have. Most stray cats have fleas and/or tapeworms. The vet will diagnose any problems and prescribe a course of treatment. Keep the cat separated and in its own room until it is free of fleas and other parasites.

    • 5

      Allow the cat into the rest of the house once it is healthy. Only after the cat gets a clean bill of health from the vet should you allow it access to the rest of the house and the other animals..

    • 6

      Confine the cat to the indoor. Stray cats that are use to the outdoors will make numerous attempts to get back outside. Put secure screens on all windows. Make certain the cat is out of the way when opening or closing the front door. Fill a spray bottle with water and spray the cat every time it approaches an open door. Have an outdoor cat enclosure so the cat is enclosed but also outdoors.