A lovely little stray started hanging around our front garden. She looked so sad and hungry that we started leaving food out for her. She's very anxious and jumpy, but has begun to get used to us, and if we sit on the doorstep she will cuddle up to us and loves being stroked. She's very sweet. We want to take her in, have done lots of research as to what we need to do. Contacted our local vet's surgery to find out what she'll need in terms of shots etc. Our local animal rescue will give us a voucher for shots, worming and neutering because we're willing to take her as opposed to dumping her on them, which is wonderful of them.
Just wondering if a stray can become a house cat? Not sure how old she is, hoping that the vet will be able to help us out there. She's fairly little, and has short little legs and tiny paws, so I'm guessing she's a bit stunted. I'd prefer to keep her in the house so she's safe, and when we bring her in she seems to like wandering around, and scratching on the armchair 
. We're trying to let her get used to the house gradually. I'm worried that being in the house full time might distress her though? Any of you cat experts reckon that we could successfully transition her to being a house cat? She currently sleeps on our doormat, and will happily potter around the house, but as soon as she hears a noise she flees for the door (though just stays on the doormat, she doesn't run away completely). Also, if any cat owners could offer any advice as to what else we should do with her that would be brilliant. Thanks so much.
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The litter tray
Taking on a stray cat. Any advice?
ShadowsCollideCantLogInToMN · 21/06/2014 00:38
Maybe keep a weather eye on her in a few years time then just in case that slightly unusual conformation goes along with less than adequate - say - hip joints or other things.
What a cuddle bug. All the best to her in her new life.
She does have short little legs and tiny paws doesn't she? I wonder whether she had a lousy upbringing or whether it's a genetic thing - I suspect the latter. Did the vet give her a clean bill of health?
Such a pretty girl!
She is mad about DP, cozie. She follows him around like a shadow 
.
Just to update you all on our little Nibbles. She has become a totally cuddly little house cat. She is litter trained, and merrily toddles about the house. She has taken to sleeping in the upstairs hall, so we threw down an old duvet at the end of the hall for her and she is delighted with it. We had the central heating on the other day, she loves snoozing next to the radiator. She has somehow learned to open our bedroom door. She woke me up at 5am this morning, having climbed in to the bed, and sat at my feet, tapping me on the foot with her paw. She seems to think that 5am is play time!
What a beautiful cat. So glad that she has found a loving home with you. A really lovely story with a happy ending
Hey shadows oh MAN she is gorgeous! she totally owns you now though I hope you realise that? . My little DaveCat has been like a little lost soul searching for his brother so we have decided to look into rescuing a companion for him after the school holidays. Enjoy your lovely little tyrant!
Bless her, she is. She looks like a demanding puss
She is fab,isn't she, thecat? Thanks so much for your lovely post, I'm actually a bit teary eyed now. This is going to sound daft, but I so love the little Poppet. She is just delightful. And watching DP with her... He's so gentle and tender and caring it makes me love him all the more. Disclaimer: I'm not used to wearing my heart on my sleeve, but the cat is happy and we booked our wedding venue today, so I'm all soppy and filled with love 
.
And thanks so much cozie and everyone else. We've never had cats, and were so worried about looking after her properly. The advice and support here has been amazing (I may be feeling a bit soppy due to the wide eyed little cutie currently purring contentedly in my lap .
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Clingy and snuggly could just be her real nature coming out now that she knows she's at home and has relaxed.
Well done all.
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