How to Get a Stray Cat to Trust You: 9 Tips & Ideas

We domesticated cats thousands of years ago, and they make great pets for people worldwide. However, not all cats are lucky enough to have a good home and a loving family. Stray cats can be scared and cautious of humans, making it difficult for people to offer them help. If you come across a stray cat in your neighborhood, keep reading for several tips and tricks to help you build trust so you can get them off the street.

The 9 Tips for Getting a Stray Cat to Trust You

1. Observe From a Distance

The best way to start building trust is by observing the cat from a distance. This will help you understand their behavior and personality without appearing threatening and scaring them away. Look for patterns in their behavior, like when they come around when they sleep and eat, and when they're off doing other things. This information can help you build trust later.

2. Offer Food and Water

When the cat is comfortable with your presence, you can try offering food and water. Place the bowls in a quiet spot where the cat is likely to visit. Use a wide shallow bowl for the water that won't bump their whiskers as they drink, and use a regular saucer for food. Stray cats often struggle to find food and water, so providing it can be a powerful way to build trust.

3. Speak With a Soft and Gentle Tone

Yelling at the cat or making loud noises is a great way to scare them off. When you first approach a stray cat, use a soft and gentle tone, and speak calmly and reassuringly to help them feel more comfortable with your presence.

4. Avoid Direct Eye Contact

Many animals, including cats, consider direct eye contact to be a threat. When watching your stray cat, try to avoid prolonged direct eye contact as much as possible until the cat seems comfortable with your presence.

5. Let the Cat Come to You

One of the biggest mistakes that you can make when building trust with a stray cat is trying to approach them too quickly. It can take quite a while for a stray cat to become familiar with you, so in the meantime, sit quietly and be patient. Eventually, the cat will approach you, and you can begin forming a bond.

6. Offer Treats

Most cats love treats, and you can start offering them once the cat seems interested in discovering who you are. Put the treats on the ground or a plate, and avoid trying to feed them with your hands.

7. Provide a Safe Space

Cats can feel vulnerable in unfamiliar territory and often struggle to find a safe place to sleep. Setting up a shelter, like a cardboard box stuffed with straw, in a quiet area can help the cat feel more comfortable and build trust.

8. Be Patient

It can take a long time for cats to be comfortable with your presence, especially if they have been alone for a while. So, let the cat set the pace, and avoid trying to force them to do anything that they are not comfortable with. In time, the cat will come around and start to become more friendly. They will also likely begin looking for you at certain times of the day, like when it's time to eat.

9. Contact a Local Animal Shelter

If you cannot provide food or a safe space for a stray cat or they don’t seem to be getting comfortable with your presence even after several weeks, it might be a good idea to call the local animal shelter. The staff there can provide the cat with care and attention until they can find them a good home.

Other Tips & Tricks

• Be Patient: Remember that some cats will take longer than others to build trust. Don't get discouraged if a cat takes a long time to come near you.
• Be Careful: Stray cats can carry diseases and parasites, so always take the proper precautions when attempting to handle them. Wear gloves, and wash your hands and clothes after touching the cat or their belongings.
• Vet Checks: If you decide to keep a stray cat, take them to the vet for a checkup. They will likely need vaccinations, and it's also a good time to have them spayed or neutered.
• Stay Consistent: Cats love routine, so be consistent, and visit them at the same time every day to help build trust.
• Be Invited: Plant lavender or chamomile in your yard, as this will calm the cats and help them feel more relaxed.
• Humane Traps: If the cat is injured, you might want to consider using a humane trap to capture them so you can take them to the local vet or animal shelter for help.

Conclusion

Building trust with a stray cat requires patience and kindness, but it isn't too difficult. Most cats are dehydrated and hungry, so providing them with food and water will have a big impact, as will creating a safe space for them to hide out and rest. Always respect the cat's boundaries, or you might scare them off. If you cannot care for the cat, consider contacting your local animal shelter for help.

Featured Image Credit: Vlad Bagacian, Pexels