Bringing an Indian Street Cat Indoors: A First-Month Guide

Indian street cats are hardy and adapt well, but the first month decides whether the cat settles or spends a year hiding under a bed.

Week one: one small room

Give a single quiet room with food, water, litter and a hiding box. A whole house is overwhelming. Sit in the room and read aloud without approaching — let the cat choose the pace.

Vet first

A faecal test, deworming, flea treatment and a check for ear mites and ringworm. Test for FIV/FeLV before introducing to resident cats. Vaccinate once healthy, then sterilise.

Litter training is usually easy

Most street cats take to litter immediately — they already bury. Sand or plain soil in the tray for the first few days helps, then transition gradually.

Expect a slow thaw

Hiding for a week is normal. Do not pull the cat out from under furniture. Feeding at fixed times, hand-feeding small amounts of wet food, and using a wand toy builds trust faster than handling.