Clear Signs A Stray Cat Has Adopted You

Tens of millions of cats in the United States don't have homes for one reason or another. With so many stray cats roaming around in neighborhoods, it's not uncommon for a human to find one, get attached, and eventually adopt it. That is, if no owner comes forward. In the minds of the cats, however, they're the ones doing the adopting. 

Unlike feral cats, strays have closely interacted with people before, usually as a pet, but have either been abandoned or run away from home. Some of these furry drifters paw-select their next humans by hanging around their houses and showing them affection. Once you realize a cat has adopted you, you can certainly adopt the cat back after following a few steps.

For a stray cat, its entire neighborhood is its turf. It offers dozens of sleeping opportunities under vehicles and bushes. Puddles serve as hydration stations, and mice, birds, and insects become meals. One major thing lacking, though, is love — love in the form of a soft lap to cuddle up on, toys, a comfy bed, daily meals without hunting, and 24/7 safety. If you find a stray cat, it likely remembers these luxuries from its past and is now seeking them in you. Here are the signs to look out for.

A neighborhood stray cat spends its days going from one street to another, but sometimes it spends a little more time at a certain spot. If that spot happens to be your porch, driveway, or yard, the cat might be telling you it feels safe there and wants something from you. It might fancy the hiding places that your front bushes offer or the view and shade from your porch. But more likely, it wants some food; perhaps it's been catching the aroma of your nightly dinners and has been hoping you'll share a bite.

Another way a stray cat might let you know that it's adopted you is by showing you affection. Many strays don't fear humans, so they have no problem approaching one or letting one approach them. Some cats rub against humans' legs, for example. Maybe you've seen your neighborhood cat do this or roll on its back as if requesting a belly rub. Or maybe it just meows incessantly as if to say, "Hi there. I'm friendly and cute, so please pet me now, human."

If you happen to encounter a sociable stray like this in your neighborhood a block or two from your home and you return the affection, it might try to follow you home. Want the opportunity to see Mr. or Ms. Kitty again at your home? All you have to do is feed it some healthy cat food, and it will likely return the next day for another meal.

Can you keep a stray cat that you found? It's a question many people ask after finding and eventually bonding with a cat. The short answer is yes, but first, make sure the cat doesn't already have a home. Look for a collar, tattoo, or other form of identification. If you don't see one, see if the cat will allow you to pick it up so you can take it to be scanned for a microchip. If you don't have a carrier or the cat won't let you pick it up, contact your local animal shelter for assistance. You may also want to post "found cat" ads on social media to help reunite the cat with its owner if it has one.

Wait a couple of weeks to see if someone comes forward. If, after all your efforts, no one claims the cat, consider it your new furry friend. Most veterinarians and other cat professionals will tell you that it's best for a cat to live indoors instead of outdoors. However, successfully transitioning an outdoor cat to an indoor cat takes time and plenty of TLC, especially if it's never lived indoors. Be patient, and you could have a happy life with the cat for years to come.

Remember, the cat's decision to return to you daily indicates that it trusts you. It's already chosen you as its person, so be patient with the process, and make your home as inviting and safe as possible with plenty of toys and catnip, which is not bad for cats like some folks might believe. Be sure to also take it to the vet to be examined, vaccinated, and spayed/neutered (if necessary), and enjoy your new BFF.