Anything I should be concerned about?

Question

A stray cat has grown rather fond of me. For the past three days it literally hasn't left my patio. It was pouring rain out, and I felt bad for it because it was cold, wet, and most likely hungry so I have it a box with a towel in it to sleep in and some cat food. When I feed it it tries to get into the house, however I'm reluctant to do so because I already have a cat, and I was wondering:

If I pet the stray, can any diseases transfer to my cat?

My cat likes to sit at the screen door- where the stray cat is (and rubs on), is there a possibility fleas or diseases can do anything to my cat?

Would the stray even have these things?

Is there anything else I can do for the stray to make it more comfortable until I can adopt it out or send it to the SPCA?

Answer 1

I would suggest the ASPCA; and get a confirmation if they can't find a home that they will call you.

Or take it in to the ASPCA AFTER you get shots, etc.  If it is still not a good fit with your existing cat, you'll still be ahead because the cat will have better health and better opportunity to get a home.

Answer 2

Yes, your cat can get diseases from the stray, incl. respiratory infections, etc. Some are airborne or can be transmitted by you. Wash your hands and even change your clothes after you have handled the stray. Also, you should be careful of them having contact thru the screen. They may also claw holes in the screen trying to get at each other.

If you want to keep the cat, there are low cost spay/neuter clinics available that will also provide testing and vaccinations.

Contact your local ASPCA, Humane Society, or rescue organization before calling your local animal control (run by local gov.) to get help in finding a good home. Animal control often does not have the budget to keep animals indefinitely until they find a home and often have to put animals down. Look for a "no-kill" shelter.

Try to avoid "free to a good home" ads as they sometimes fall into the hands of the wrong people for animal testing or "bait" for dog fighting.  

Answer 3

If your cat is vaccinated then you don't need to worry. Mostly the thing to worry about would be FLV/FIV. If your cat has ALL her vacc.s it'll be fine.

Are you sure you don't want to adopt this kitty yourself? It seems to like you!

Until you can get it to a shelter(PLEASE find a no-kill shelter!) just keep doing what you're doing. Maybe get a something more sheltering than a box. A cat carrier, perhaps?  

Answer 4

Yes to all your questions. Get a box and cut a hole in the side. Then put a water proof cover over the top. Put some flea spray on the cat and worm it. Then just observe and make friends. Most illnesses will become apparent in a couple of weeks. While you are making sure it is healthy you are keeping it safe. Good luck.

Answer 5

If you are considering take the cat in you need to take it to a vet first and have it tested for FIV, distemper, FVR, etc. These are all highly contagious diseases that have high mortality rates. You need to make sure the other cat is healthy before you let it anywhere near your pet.

Answer 6

Please don't give it up to the SPCA. They'll put her down :(. I don't think any harm can be done. Just check for the normal kitty illness sighs, watery, crusty eyes, sneezing with mucus, these are contagious to your kitty if they come into direct contact, however, very easily treated. If you pet the cat, just wash your hands after. While Feline AIDS & Leukemia are quite common, it often runs in larger groups of cats, such as feral cat colonies. It seems like this kitty is just missing from it's home & has found a new one. If you continue to feed the cat, it'll only grow more fond of you. Take her to the vet, or look around for those discount Vet Trucks that come around to get her vaccinated & fixed. Your cat will warm up to her especially if they're interacting through the screen now. Good luck :).

Answer 7

Mostly FIV/FELV unless if your cat is vaccinated (although not fool-proof).  FIV is transmitted through blood and FELV same but also saliva (had a stray and he had FELV and I freaked out b/c had shared dishes and vet told me saliva possibly).  If you pet the stray wash hands after just in case.  Can transmit fleas is they can get through screen.  It's possible your stray has had vaccinations if previous owner had her then dumped her when tired of her (Be responsible pet owners!).  Please take to no-kill shelter or adopt out and make certain new owner will vaccinate and fix.  If she's a sweet cat and likes to be petted it probably had an owner and could be lost.  Ads on craiglist, look in paper etc.  Kitty likes you so you could adopt and fix up and give your cat a playmate.  You sound like you're doing a good thing, food water shelter from rain, that some people wouldn't.  Kudos to you!  Just give her some lovin' and maybe catnip in addition to what you're doing.  And try to get her to vet!

Answer 8

As long as your cat has her vaccination everything should be fine. As long as the stray has no signs of eye infection, sneezing runny nose etc. There shouldn't be anything other than fleas or worms to worry about. If I were you I'd bring the stray inside and quarantine him/her in a spare room/bathroom/basement until you can contact a local rescue and get the cat to a vet.  

Answer 9

You should tell your vet about the stray and yes, the stray can spread diseases to your cat.