20 Alley Cat Allies © 2025 Alley Cat Allies. All rights reserved. The cat should be INSIDE the closed den or carrier and then placed into the larger space to avoid injury or other difficulties in transferring. If the cat was formerly in a humane trap to travel to the veterinarian, the veterinarian can place the cat in the den or carrier before you take them home. A yardstick, broom handle, or other large, firm object can be inserted in to help open the den or carrier’s door to let the cat out (slide the stick just in front of a carrier’s door to keep it from opening all the way as you latch or unlatch it. Provide food, water, and litter Place the food and water in an area you can easily access, but that is away from the litter box. You will need to provide nutritious food and water regularly, as well as clean any soiled newspaper or litter. To ensure your and the cats’ safety, coax the cat into their den or carrier and close it before opening the larger enclosure. Community cats will usually dart into their “safe space” immediately upon seeing you. Cover the entire setup Use a sheet or other breathable cover that can cover the whole large enclosure to help the cat feel safe. She must be as stress-free as possible to successfully and swiftly recover. Monitor the cat regularly You should have eyes on the recovering cat multiple times a day, and keep regular contact with the veterinarian to ensure recovery milestones are being met and to relay any concerns about the cat’s condition. However, avoid spending too much time in the room—for community cats who are not socialized, your presence could cause stress that hinders the healing process. Provide the best nutrition Throughout the cats’ treatment and recovery process, provide wet food, which is far better than dry for hydration. Try to provide the highest quality wet food that is possible to afford; the cat will need all the nutrients she can to heal. Return the cat back outside ASAP As soon as the cat has recovered enough, return her to her outdoor home and continue any further medications or antibiotics there. Consult your veterinarian on when the cat can safely return to her outdoor home.
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