How to Care for Street Dogs & Cats

Establish trust with the cat or dog. Owner abandonment accounts for a small percentage of stray cats, but the majority are feral, meaning they were born on the street and have never lived with a human. Street cats and dogs are often frightened or wary of humans. Do not try to pet or hold the animal until it invites contact. Build trust by speaking in low soothing tones, avoiding direct eye contact and offering the animal food or treats.

Prepare your home for the new arrival. Items you will need include feeding and watering dishes, nutritionally complete food, bedding and toys. For dogs, you will also need a collar, leash, brush, training treats and a crate if you choose to crate train. For cats, add a litter box. Designate a dark, quiet room or area for the new pet.

Take the animal to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Have the vet check for and treat parasites such as worms, fleas and ticks as well as diseases such as feline leukemia in cats or parvovirus in dogs. Have the animal vaccinated for rabies and other diseases. If needed, have the animal bathed and trimmed. Schedule a spaying or neutering operation for a future date. Not only will this prevent the unfortunate cycle of animal overpopulation, it will also stop a female from going into heat and a male from spraying to mark his territory.

Introduce the pet to the home. Let him explore his designated area first and become accustomed to it before allowing him access to the rest of the house. If you have children or other pets, keep them away from the new pet until he starts to adjust to his environment. Introduce new changes slowly. For cats, fill the litter box with organic potting soil at first. Feral cats are accustomed to evacuating in dirt, not litter. Gradually mix in standard litter until there is no more dirt.

Register your cat or dog with the city or county. Most localities require proof of rabies vaccination upon registration, and there is usually a small fee. Some areas offer a rebate or discount for spaying or neutering. You should also purchase a personalized tag with contact information in the event that your pet is lost or stolen. You can make these tags at kiosks in most major pet stores or order one from the Internet. Attach the tags to a sturdy collar with a breakaway safety feature for cats. For added security, you can also have the pet implanted with an information microchip. This procedure is performed at a veterinarian's office and is an additional method of identification if your pet is lost without her collar.

Help your pet become accustomed to its new life. Cats, especially, are prone to escape attempts because they have spent all their lives outdoors. Use extra caution when coming in and out, and do not leave unscreened windows open. For dogs, enroll in an obedience training course. Ask your veterinarian or local pet shop for recommendations.