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One way or another, stray cats always find a way to end up somewhere around an owner’s home. It can come around frequently and make itself acquainted and familiar with your home, and you see it almost every single day. Does this mean that it has grown to become attached to you?
Yes, after a certain amount of time, stray cats may get attached to one person. A stray cat will develop a bond with a human over time where they will feel comfortable being with them.
Some stray cats typically prefer to be on their own and try not to bond with most humans. However, if cared for properly, then it just might end up becoming your best friend. So, how is it possible that stray cats can get attached to you, despite their anti-social behavior? Allow us to explain!
- If you are wondering what the best products are for your cat, check out this article that will break down all my recommendations for you: Things To Buy For A Cat Right Now!
Bonding with a Stray Cat
Some stray cats spend most of their time trying to find an environment where they can not only feel comfortable but receive loving and caring attention. Once a stray is taken into the home, they will develop this bond gradually over time with their owner.
To learn more about stray cats’ bonding and if they show affection, check out our article: Click Here.
A study was conducted to show if strays can bond with their owner at Oregon State University. According to CNN, the study would have the owner leave a room they were in with their cat for two minutes to see if the cat would miss them.
During the time the owner was gone, the cat would explore their surroundings in the room. After the owner returned, the cat would return to their owner to play with them.
Research showed that 65% of cats were found to have a robust and secure bond with their owner. This study shows that a cat with proper care will turn from a solitary, reclusive creature to an open and loving one.
Stray Cats Wandering
Stray cats will roam wherever they please until they find an environment that is suitable to their needs. This means they are searching for a home that will accommodate what they are looking for.
According to East Shore Vet, “They tend to select a family as their own who offered food and shelter according to their taste. Today, many stray cats that roam freely throughout their imaginary territories of about 200 acres each choose their families the same way.”
This is only one of the reasons why they might choose your home. One thing that is difficult to do when it comes to cats is trying to read their intentions because they are unpredictable creatures.
One way to figure out how they choose you as an owner is to look into the multiple reasons they might choose to come around. Here is a list of reasons why you might find a stray cat around your home.
Speaking of stray cats wandering around…many people wonder if stray cats bury their poop. Check out our article to find out the smelly answer: Click Here.
Stray Cat Comes and Goes
They say that curiosity kills the cat. However, when it comes to searching for a home, it could lead their curiosity to be satisfied with all nine lives! Cats are solitary creatures that like to explore the environment that they are in. A stray might choose to come around for one of the following reasons:
- They see something that catches their eye (a toy, a blanket, etc.).
- They smell something that catches their attention.
- They might hear something that will compel them to enter your home.
What Does it Mean When a Stray Cat Comes to Your House?
As we mentioned earlier, stray cats can tend to wander. Coming across a stray would be beneficial for them in more ways than one. The best convenience a stray can find in coming around your home is if you have food outside.
Food or water that is already available outside of your home will lure them into coming around more often. They will also show up more if they can find somewhere to rest that will be comfortable and cozy for them.
Do Stray Cats Want a Home?
Stray cats are likely abandoned, or they are lost. Some of them may be trying to find their owner, while others only seek protection. Either way, they want to be in an environment where their lives will not be in jeopardy from the outside world.
Their experiences may cause stray cats to be highly distrustful of people, but in the end, they probably do want a safe place to call home.
Cats are Spiritual Beings
Cats are known to be spiritual creatures. For those who may be superstitious, a stray showing up to your front door can either bring you good or bad fortune.
Any of these reasons could be why you might come across a stray around your home.
What to Do if You Find a Stray Cat
You know the reasons why a stray may show up, but the next question is what to do if you find one? If a stray continues to come around your home, at that point, you’ll want to start caring for its needs, especially since there is no telling how long it has been since it’s been adequately taken care of.
There are several things you can do for a stray cat:
- Set out food and water for them frequently.
- Give them time to get used to your presence. Then attempt to get closer to them over time.
- Make the cat feel welcome with warm and kind words.
- If you don’t wish to keep the cat, lure it in with a trap with food in it and take it to the shelter.
One thing to note is that if you put food out for a stray cat, you need to be conscious of other creatures, such as raccoons. To learn more about if cats and raccoons get along, check out our article: Click Here.
These are some of the steps you can take to either make the stray feel welcome at your home or prepare it for another home.
Sick Stray Cat
You can leave food and water for the cat to eat, and you can talk to them, but it is not recommended that you touch them. There is no telling where a stray cat has been, and there are possibilities that it can be carrying around a disease that might make you sick.
According to the Boston Public Health Commission, cats’ claws and mouths can carry various viruses and bacteria that can be harmful to you. The various diseases that they may carry can be detrimental to your health. Some of these diseases include:
- Q Fever
- Tapeworm
- Salmonella
- Rabies
- Ringworm
If you choose to keep a stray cat around, it is recommended that you take it to the vet to ensure that it does not have any of these illnesses. You also do not want to touch them with your bare hands because of this. Make sure that you either have gloves on or put them in a trap.
To read more about if stray cats carry diseases, check out our informative article: Click Here.
Benefits of Stray Cats
Not all strays will be apprehensive and aggressive. When nurtured and cared for properly, cats can make the best furry friend to have. Aside from it being a sweet and lovable companion, here are some reasons why stray cats can make a fantastic pet and friend:
- They can keep pests away and under control.
- They are good for hunting mice.
- They are good for teaching children to be compassionate.
Stray cats can especially be beneficial if you are struggling with depression and loneliness. Giving the stray enough love and care will not only make them love you in their eyes, but you may earn the perfect friend in the end!
Conclusion
Stray cats seek more than just food and shelter when they are roaming around in the world. They also seek someone who will show them genuine love, sanctuary, and compassion as well. Treat the stray right every time, and you will have a unique and loyal friend for life!
If you enjoyed this article, check out a few others:
- Will Stray Cats Drink Antifreeze? Scary Info Here: Click Here.
- Can Norwegian Forest Cats Go Outside? (Practical Reasons): Click Here.
- Exotic Shorthair vs American Shorthair (New Big Analysis): Click Here.
Here are some of my favorite cat products
In addition to checking out some other More Meows articles, I hope you’ll check out some of my favorite cat products as well. These are affiliate links, so if you end up using them, I’ll get a commission at no extra cost to you. These are the products I really do find most helpful.
Litter Box: I started out with normal, traditional litter boxes for my cat. Then, I tried this automatic litter box on Amazon (affiliate link), which helped reduce the litter upkeep. Finally, I am now a believer in the Litter-Robot 3 Connect on Amazon (affiliate link). This robotic litter box is not for everyone based on the price tag, but for me the benefits (very little upkeep, works efficiently, clean, mobile app) far outweighed the cost.
Cat Tree: I have purchased a couple of this Amazon Basics Cat Tree on Amazon (affiliate link). My cat spends a lot of time on and around this cat tree, which I position near my sofa. She uses the scratching posts on this cat tree multiple times a day, which means she is not scratching the sofa instead.
Cat Water Fountain: I love this cat water fountain on Amazon (affiliate link). There are three main benefits to having a water fountain like this for your cat. The first benefit is that it keeps water running so that your cat doesn’t need to drink still water. The second benefit is that it filters the water. The third benefit is that it will keep your cat hydrated!
