Stray puppies and kittens often endure tough circumstances, facing hunger, lack of shelter, and exposure to various diseases. As an NGO, we get requests everyday to take in healthy stray puppies or kittens and sometimes people even drop them at our shelter gates without taking any kind of consent.
At this point we want to talk about how to take care of them instead of dropping them at a place where the chances of their survival would be low. By providing them with care, you can change their lives for the better—and experience the joy that comes from helping these young and vulnerable animals. Whether you’re rescuing a stray puppy or a kitten from the streets or collaborating with an animal welfare organization, this guide will help you navigate the important steps to care for stray puppies and kittens.
1. Immediate Actions After Rescuing a Stray
When you find a stray puppy or kitten, it’s important to act quickly but gently.
- Provide Food and Water: Offer a small amount of food and fresh water. Be careful not to overfeed, especially if they seem malnourished. You can use online vet services or find local veterinarians/ shelters who can provide the care they need.
- Approach Slowly: Stray animals can be frightened or injured. Move calmly and quietly to avoid startling them.
- Check for Injuries: Look for any visible injuries or signs of distress. If the animal appears hurt, your first priority should be getting them to a veterinarian.
2. Health Check-Ups and Vaccinations
Proper healthcare is crucial for stray animals, especially since puppies and kittens are highly susceptible to diseases. After rescuing them:
- Visit a Vet Right Away: A thorough health check will help identify any issues like parasites or infections. If you are in Pune, you can call us on 8459592034 for any help or references.
- Vaccination Is Essential: Vaccines protect against serious diseases such as rabies, parvovirus, and feline distemper. The veterinarians will assess the healthy of the streeties and tell you when they should be vaccinated and dewormed.
3. Creating a Safe and Comfortable Space
Stray animals often long for warmth and safety. Here’s how you can help them adjust:
- Provide Shelter: Set up a cozy area with soft bedding and a warm blanket, ensuring they have enough room to move around comfortably.
- Keep Them Indoors: To protect them from infections, keep puppies and kittens indoors until they’re vaccinated and dewormed.
4. Nutrition for Puppies and Kittens
Proper nutrition lays the groundwork for their recovery.
- Choose Age-Appropriate Food: Puppies and kittens need specific nutrients to thrive. You can find high-quality pet food at local stores or online. If the animals are very young (less than 2 months old – you can get samolac or ventripro kitten/ puppy for their feeding). For animals older than 2 months, you can consider either packaged food according to their age or start shifting them on home cooked food like boiled eggs, vegetables, etc. Reach out to a vet to understand how and when to feed them.
- Feed in Small Portions: Start with small amounts to prevent overfeeding, gradually increasing as they get used to regular meals. For more tips, you can visit online platforms like Tailz for specific pet care resources.
5. Socialization and Training
Once the puppies and kittens are healthy, socialization is key to helping them become well-adjusted pets. At this stage, if you don’t want to keep them any further, start looking for adopters or foster homes where these young ones can be sent.
- Socialize Gradually: Introduce them slowly to other pets and people to build their confidence.
- Basic Training: Teach simple commands like sit, stay, and come for puppies; kittens benefit from having a designated litter area and engaging playtime.
6. Considering Adoption or Rehoming
While caring for strays is rewarding, finding them a permanent home ensures they have a stable and loving environment.
- Adoption: If you’re unable to keep them, consider finding someone trustworthy who can provide lifelong care.
- Collaborate with NGOs: Work with organizations like Saahas for Pune, YODA, MH14, Animal Aid, etc to help rehome stray animals.
Caring for stray puppies and kittens is an act of kindness that not only saves lives but also deepens our connection with animals. With the right care, these vulnerable strays can become happy, healthy companions.