Pet books go into great detail about choosing your new pet. They talk about choosing breeds or going to the shelter and choosing the right pet. They advise making multiple visits and making sure the animal is comfortable with you before you take it home. They talk about making sure you have the right supplies on hand. It’s all very good advice if you planned on acquiring a new pet like a show cat or any kind of dog. But as any cat’s person will tell you, cats find you. They show up make you feel sorry for them and then proceed to take over your life.

The poor thing is just too sweet or too cute or pathetic to turn away.

It goes something like this; first, you see it in the corner of the yard. Then it’s at the door, half starved with its fur falling out. With a sad tired mew, and eyes that say "I’m not used to this". Sometimes cats are just too brave for their own good. And it’s hard not to feel sorry for a cat that came out on the losing side of a confrontation with a squirrel.

Now what?

First water, dehydration is more immediate concern than starvation. While it is drinking try to determine whether it has any injuries. Does it have matted fur that could indicate scabbing? Is it limping? If it appears injured and you can’t take it to a vet, call the local humane society or animal control office and ask if they or any local shelters can accept an injured animal.

Once the cat has had a drink, offer it a little food. If you don’t have cat food, leftover chicken, tuna or lunchmeat will work. Only give it a little bit, otherwise it could over eat and make itself sick. Don’t leave food out this could attract other animals.

Try to keep very young children and toddlers away from the cat, until you’re sure of its temperament and health. If you have other pets, keep the stray separated from them until it has been to the vet. Cats pass viruses around like kindergarteners do, quickly and universally. Attempt to locate the owner. Place an ad in the local paper, ask around the neighborhood and put up flyers at local groceries, vets offices and shelters. Always hold back something to help you identify the real owner. You don’t want to save the poor thing only to turn it over to someone who doesn’t have its best interests at heart.

If you can’t locate the owner, and the cat wasn’t in good health it’s probably been abandoned or lost. You have three choices - keep it, find it a home elsewhere or take it to a shelter.

A shelter should be a last resort, most are overcrowded and under finical restrictions that limit the number of cats they can take.

Whether you’re going to keep it or find a home for it, give it a good bath and take it to the vet. These actions will test your new friendship but there is no way to avoid either.

Be prepared for the worst. Even the most sweet-tempered and loving cat can become over-stimulated and upset in the vet’s office. Bring a stool sample so the vet can check for worms. The vet will take a few blood samples and test for the feline diseases that may require the cat to be euthanized.

If the blood work is ok, then the cat will need to go back for rabies shots and any other vaccinations required in your area. Talk to the vet about the best time to spay or neuter. If you would like to keep it, but can’t afford a vet, call the local shelters and see if any of them offer vouchers for shots and spay/neuter services. Ask at the pet store which flea shampoo works best. Use warm water, work the shampoo into the fur as much as you can, rinse thoroughly and have lots of dry towels on hand. Give it some treats and let it be for a bit. You will not be its friend until it is dry.

If you can’t keep it but you think it will make a good pet, try family, friends, co workers and church or club members. If you can’t place it with friends, family or person you know, ask the perspective adopter for enough money to cover the cost of the vet bill. This will reduce the risk of the animal ending up in the hands of someone with nefarious intentions.

Jason Ladock

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