by Adopt a Pet, | March 19, 2024
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You can take a stray cat to the vet, and should do so if you are comfortable with it. A stray cat is one that is homeless or lost, versus a feral cat that is unsocialized and cannot be handled by people. By taking a stray cat to the vet, the veterinarian will be able to scan for a microchip and check the overall health of the cat.
In this article:
Scanning for a microchip
One of the most important reasons to bring a stray cat to the vet is to check if the cat is microchipped. If they are chipped, the owner of the cat can be contacted. If they are not chipped, you can ask your vet about the proper next step. Different regions have different rules — for example, some areas require you to report the cat to animal control, while other areas may insist you bring the cat to an animal shelter for a holding period.
What kind of vet care does a stray cat need?
When a cat lives most of their life with humans and then becomes homeless or lost, they may have a hard time because they aren’t used to fending for themselves. They may be malnourished, have a matted coat, or not have the proper up-to-date vaccinations that protect them from other cats with FiV, wildlife with rabies, etc. Your vet can evaluate any ailments the cat may have and begin treatment.
Rehoming a stray cat
Many times, stray cats are used to and enjoy human interaction, making them good candidates for adoption. Once you are sure that you’ve followed the proper procedure in your area for dealing with a stray cat, you can choose to adopt them or rehome them.
If you choose to help them find a new home, one helpful resource is Rehome. You can create a profile for the cat that will appear on Adopt a Pet for millions of potential adopters to see. You’ll also find tips for interviewing potential adopters, a contract for the legal transfer of ownership, and much more.
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