Learn how to deal with stray cats humanely and effectively with these tips from Alley Cat Allies.
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Introduction
While it’s always nice to have a pet, sometimes dealing with a stray cat can be more trouble than it’s worth. Stray cats usually don’t have owners, which means they’re not used to being around humans. This can make them skittish and difficult to approach. In addition, stray cats may not be spayed or neutered, which can lead to them spraying urine or producing too many kittens.
If you’re dealing with a stray cat, there are a few things you can do to make the situation more manageable. First, try to gain the cat’s trust by offering it food and water. Once the cat is comfortable around you, you can attempt to catch it and take it to a local animal shelter. If you’re unsuccessful in catching the cat, you can still help by spaying or neutering it if possible. This will help reduce the number of unwanted kittens in your neighborhood.
The Dangers of Stray Cats
Stray cats can be dangerous for a number of reasons. They may be sick and could spread disease to humans or other animals. They may also be aggressive and attack people or other animals. If you see a stray cat, it is best to stay away from it and call animal control.
Rabies
Rabies is a virus that affects the nervous system of mammals. It is most commonly spread through the bite of an infected animal, but can also be spread through contact with saliva or other body fluids. The virus can cause severe brain damage and death in humans and animals, and is considered a serious public health concern.
In the United States, rabies is most often found in wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. Cats are also susceptible to the virus, and stray or feral cats are at a particularly high risk. If you come into contact with a stray cat, it is important to take precautions to avoid being bitten or scratched. If you are bitten or scratched by a cat, seek medical attention immediately.
If you have a pet cat, make sure it is up to date on its rabies vaccinations. It is also a good idea to keep your cat indoors to help protect it from exposure to the virus.
Feline Leukemia
Feline leukemia is a serious disease that can be deadly for cats. It is caused by a virus that is passed from cat to cat through contact with saliva or other bodily fluids. The virus attacks the cat’s immune system, making the cat more susceptible to other diseases and infections. There is no cure for feline leukemia, and it is often fatal.
If you have a stray cat that you are considering taking in, it is important to have the cat tested for feline leukemia first. If the cat tests positive for the virus, it is best to find another home for the cat where it can be treated and monitored by a veterinarian.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
While most cats are healthy and pose no threat to humans, there are some diseases that can be passed from cats to humans. One of the most serious of these is Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).
FIV is a virus that attacks a cat’s immune system, making them more susceptible to other infections and illnesses. It is similar to HIV in humans, and while it is not currently considered fatal in cats, it can lead to a decline in their health and eventual death.
There is no cure for FIV, and it is considered a serious public health concern as it can be passed from cats to humans through contact with saliva or blood. The virus can also be passed from mother to kittens during pregnancy or birth.
If you have stray cats in your area, it is important to take precautions to prevent them from coming into contact with your own cats. If you must handle a stray cat, always wear gloves and wash your hands afterwards. If you are bitten or scratched by a stray cat, seek medical attention immediately as you may be at risk for contracting the virus.
How to Deal With Stray Cats
Stray cats can be a nuisance, but there are ways to deal with them. You can try to catch them and take them to a shelter, or you can try to scare them away. You can also try to build a good relationship with them by feeding them.
Call Animal Control
If you have a stray cat problem, the first step is to call your local animal control. They will be able to help you determine if the cats are truly strays, and if so, they will work with you to find a solution. In some cases, animal control may be able to take the cats in and find them new homes. In other cases, they may be able to provide you with resources to help you care for the cats yourself.
Calling animal control is always the best first step when dealing with stray cats. They will be able to help you determine what to do next.
Set Up a Trap
If you have stray cats coming into your yard, you may want to consider setting up a trap. This is a very effective way to catch a cat, and it is also very humane. You can purchase a trap at your local hardware store, or you may be able to rent one from a company that specializes in animal control.
The best time to set up a trap is at night, when the cats are most active. You will need to baited the trap with something that will attract the cat, such as canned tuna or chicken. Once the cat is in the trap, you can then take it to your local animal shelter.
Take the Cat to the Vet
If you have found a stray cat, the best thing you can do is take it to the vet. The vet will be able to check the cat for any diseases or illnesses and will also be able to give it the necessary vaccinations. They will also be able to tell you if the cat is already spayed or neutered. If not, they will be able to do this for you as well.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a number of ways to deal with stray cats, and the best method depends on the individual situation. If the cat is friendly and you are able to keep it as a pet, that is obviously the ideal solution. If you are not able to keep the cat yourself, there are a number of options for finding it a new home. Failing that, there are still humane ways to deter stray cats from your property.
