Why Do I Befriend Strays So Fast?

Have you ever wondered why you seem to make friends with stray animals so easily? Maybe you’re a natural at understanding their body language, or perhaps you just have a big heart. Whatever the reason, there are some clear things you can do to attract stray animals and earn their trust.

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Understanding Stray and Feral Cats

Before we look at the “how” of befriending strays, it’s important to understand the difference between stray and feral cats:

Stray cats are socialized to people. They are often lost pets or have been abandoned. They are more likely to be comfortable around humans and may even approach people for attention or food.
Feral cats are not socialized to humans and are essentially wild animals. They are wary of people and avoid contact.

Befriending a Stray: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re encountering a friendly stray cat, there are some things you can do to win its trust:

Safety First: Always approach a stray cat with caution. Wear long sleeves and gloves to protect yourself from bites or scratches.
Observe From a Distance: Start by observing the cat from a safe distance to gauge its behavior and comfort level.
Use Food as a Lure: Place some strong-smelling cat food or treats on the ground to entice the cat. Avoid giving them milk or other foods that could upset their stomach.
Be Patient: Building trust takes time. Let the cat approach you at its own pace. Don’t try to force interaction.
Speak Softly: Use a soft, reassuring voice when talking to the cat.
Avoid Direct Eye Contact: Cats see direct eye contact as a challenge. Instead, try slow blinks and look away occasionally.
Read Their Body Language: Pay attention to the cat’s body language. Signs of aggression include hissing, raised hackles, back arching, tail fluffing, flat ears, dilated pupils, and a low posture. If you see any of these signs, back off and give the cat space.
Gradual Physical Contact: If the cat seems comfortable, you can try offering your hand for it to sniff. If it rubs against your hand, you can try gently petting it.
Be Consistent: Visit the cat regularly at the same time each day to establish a routine.

Is it Normal For a Stray Cat to be Friendly?

Yes, it can be normal for a stray cat to be friendly, especially if it was once a pet. Stray cats are often just lost or abandoned pets who are looking for food, shelter, and companionship.

What Does it Mean if a Stray Cat Lets You Pet It?

If a stray cat lets you pet it, it means that it trusts you. This trust has been built over time through consistent, positive interactions, such as offering food and speaking in a gentle voice.

Can Stray Cats Become Cuddly?

Yes, stray cats can become cuddly with time and patience. Just like any cat, they need to feel safe and loved before they will fully relax and show affection.

How Do You Know if a Stray Cat is Attached to You?

A stray cat may be attached to you if it:

Seeks you out for attention. It might rub against your legs, meow at you, or follow you around.
Shows affection. It might purr, head-butt you, or lick you.
Seems relaxed in your presence. It might lie down near you, groom itself, or fall asleep.

Why is the Stray Cat So Friendly?

The sources offer several explanations for a stray cat’s friendliness.

Socialization: Stray cats that have been socialized to humans in the past (perhaps they were once pets) are more likely to be friendly towards people.
Seeking Needs: The cat might simply be seeking basic needs like food, water, and shelter, and is associating you with the provision of those needs.
Personality: Some cats are just naturally more friendly and outgoing than others.

Do Stray Cats Let You Touch Them?

Whether a stray cat lets you touch it depends entirely on the individual cat and its level of trust in you. Some stray cats are more comfortable around people than others. It’s important to always approach with caution and let the cat dictate the pace of interaction.

You Befriended a Stray! What’s Next?

Once you’ve earned a stray cat’s trust, it’s important to:

Check for an Owner: See if the cat has a collar or microchip to try to locate its owner. You can also put up flyers or post on social media about the cat, but be careful not to include too many identifying details in case someone with bad intentions tries to claim the cat.
Veterinary Care: Take the cat to a veterinarian for a check-up, vaccinations, and to be spayed or neutered.
Finding a Home: If you’re able, consider adopting the cat yourself. If not, work to find it a loving forever home.

Beyond Befriending: The Bigger Picture

Befriending stray cats can be incredibly rewarding. Not only does it benefit the cat, but it also helps reduce the population of homeless animals. If you’re not in a position to adopt a stray, consider these other ways to help:

Become a Caretaker for a Colony: This involves providing food, water, and shelter for a group of stray or feral cats. It’s a big responsibility, so make sure you have the time and resources to commit to their care.
Support Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Programs: TNR is a humane way to manage feral cat populations. Cats are trapped, spayed or neutered, and then returned to their colony. This prevents them from reproducing and helps reduce the number of cats on the streets.
Volunteer at a Shelter: Shelters always need volunteers to help care for animals, socialize them, and find them homes.
Donate to Animal Welfare Organizations: Many organizations work to help homeless animals. Your donations can help provide food, shelter, medical care, and other resources.

What Makes Us Connect With Strays?

While the sources do not address the reasons why someone might easily befriend strays, here are some possible explanations:

Empathy: You might have a strong sense of empathy and compassion for animals, which makes you more likely to want to help them.
Patience and Understanding: You might naturally have the patience and understanding needed to earn the trust of an animal that has been through a difficult experience.
Love of Animals: You might simply love animals and find it easy to connect with them, even if they are stray or feral.

By understanding the difference between stray and feral cats, following the steps to safely befriend a stray, and considering the ways you can help, you can make a difference in the lives of these vulnerable animals.