Essential Guide to Feeding a Stray Cat: Tips & Care

Observing a Stray Cat You've Found

When you come across a stray cat, it's crucial to observe several key aspects to ensure its wellbeing:

Surroundings:

Presence of Other Cats: Check if there are any large cats nearby that might pose a threat.

Mental State:

Activity Level: Note if the cat is lively, vocal, or if it appears listless and depressed.

Clinical Health:

Gastrointestinal Function: Look for signs of fecal contamination around the anal area, diarrhea, or vomiting.

External Parasites:

Fur Condition: Check if the fur is smooth or if there are any signs of parasites, such as fleas.

Body Condition:

Weight: Determine if the cat is underweight.

Oral Health:

Mucosal Color: The gums should be a healthy pink; if they're blue, it could indicate a problem.

Teeth: Ensure all teeth are present and properly aligned.

Determining the Age of a Stray Cat

Stray cats often appear thin and small due to poor nutrition, which can make age estimation challenging. Tooth development can be a helpful indicator:

Under 3 Weeks: Teeth are typically not fully developed.

4 Weeks and Above: Teeth are usually fully grown.

Younger kittens under three weeks can be difficult to care for. If you're new to pet care, it's wise to seek assistance from experienced individuals or families with breeding cats, as these kittens have a high mortality rate.

Immediate Medical Attention for Stray Cats

If the cat is of an age suitable for feeding, it should be taken to a veterinarian immediately. This visit is crucial for checking for infectious diseases, internal parasites, and overall health. Early detection of diseases like feline distemper and heavy parasite infestations can significantly reduce the risk of mortality in kittens.

Preparation for the Visit:

Age Determination: The vet can help determine the age of the kitten.

Feeding Guidance: Consult with the vet on proper feeding methods.

Emergency Treatment: Severe dehydration may require intravenous fluids.

Essential Items for Welcoming a Stray Cat Home

Before bringing a stray cat home, assess whether you can commit the time, energy, and financial resources needed for care. If you decide to proceed, here's a list of essential items:

1. Wet Wipes: For cleaning without bathing.

2. Deworming Medication: To prevent internal parasites.

3. Litter Pads: For the cat's bathroom needs.

4. Cage and Feeding Utensils: For safe containment and feeding.

5. Kitten Milk Replacer and Bottles: For feeding.

6. Kitten Formula Canned Food and Milk Replacer: For weaning.

7. Isolation Area: A quiet space like a balcony.

8. Litter Box and Litter: For bathroom training.

9. Food and Water Bowls: For feeding.

Feeding and Caring for a Stray Kitten

Isolation and Deworming:

Keep the kitten isolated and deworm it according to its weight.

Feeding:

Use kitten milk replacer as a substitute for mother's milk, following the manufacturer's instructions. Test the temperature by dropping a drop on your wrist.

Feed in small, frequent amounts. If the kitten doesn't seek milk, use a syringe without a needle to feed it slowly to prevent aspiration.

Grooming and Hygiene:

Use a wet wipe to gently stimulate the kitten's anal area to encourage urination and defecation.

Clean the area gently and regularly, and change the litter pads frequently.

Nutrition and Growth:

After 12 weeks, when the kitten's appetite and nutrition improve, gradually introduce canned food and solid kitten food.

Teach the kitten to use the litter box and prevent accidental ingestion of nonfood items.

Environment:

Maintain a warm environment, especially since kittens have poor temperature regulation.

Regularly disinfect the area to prevent diseases and protect family members.

Avoid Certain Foods:

Be cautious with foods like ham, milk, and yogurt, which can be harmful to cats.

Vaccinations:

Around 68 weeks, if the kitten is healthy, consider bathing it. Otherwise, avoid bathing to prevent colds.

At around 2 months, if the kitten is in good health, schedule a veterinary visit for vaccinations. Consider a prevaccination health check and follow the vet's advice on vaccinations.

By following these guidelines, you can provide a safe and nurturing environment for a stray kitten, giving it a second chance at a happy life.