Tips for a new cat parent?
So we recently brought this stray into our house for a few nights because it was freezing weather and think we want to adopt her. However, we are facing a couple of problems.
1. Both myself and my dad have gotten little sleep. Me because she only sleeps on my bed (refuses anywhere else) and wakes up the moment I fall asleep. In 3 days I have gotten less than 8 hours total of sleep.
2. We are both allergic. I, however, can take Benadryl and it works just fine with the exception of dryness and small rashes on my hands (dander allergy). My dad, on the other hand, can't take Benadryl and is allergic to both the dander and just cats in general (no hypoallergenic cats either).
3. We think she is an abandoned house cat. She has been on our property for 4 months and we only let her inside (for very short periods) in the past 2 weeks. However, she uses a litter box just fine, knows commands, and knows where the food is without having to be shown. We don't know if she is chipped, but I have looked through every FB and Insta page for missing or lost animals and she is not listed as far back as 2 years.
4. We both work and I am in college. For the past few days my dad has been looking after her while I am doing finals and working (he's on LOA). But as of Jan 5, 2026, 1 or both of us will be out of the house from 4am-6pm. Yes, this is when she sleeps mostly (20+ hours a day it seems), but we don't yet trust her alone until we get her actually adopted+groomed.
Any advice would be appreciated. If we were to give her up, the only place we trust is (unfortunately) Pet Smart. All the shelters in our area are over capacity and have become k*ll shelters and I have no one in my life who would take her.
Welcoming a stray cat into your home can be a profoundly rewarding experience, but it also comes with unique challenges that require careful attention and patience. For new cat parents, especially those dealing with allergies and busy schedules, there are a few key strategies that can help make this transition smoother for both you and your feline friend. Managing allergies when you have a pet cat involves consistent cleaning routines. Regularly vacuuming with a HEPA filter vacuum, wiping down surfaces, and washing your cat’s bedding can significantly reduce allergens in your home. Using an air purifier designed for pet dander can also help maintain cleaner air. It’s important to designate certain areas as cat-free zones, particularly bedrooms, so that those who are allergic can maintain a space with less exposure. A cat’s preference to sleep on your bed is common, as they seek warmth and comfort, but it might disrupt your sleep. To address this, try setting up a cozy alternative close to your bed, such as a soft blanket or a heated cat pad, to encourage her to rest elsewhere. Consistency is key—gently moving her to this new spot each time she tries to nap on your bed can help her adapt over time. Since you suspect your cat might be abandoned or feral, socializing her gradually is important. Spend calm, quiet time around her and offer treats and gentle petting if she allows it. This builds trust and reassures her that she is safe in her new environment. Using interactive toys helps provide mental stimulation and can reduce anxiety, preventing behaviors that may stem from stress or boredom. Regarding concerns about leaving her alone for long periods, cats generally sleep 16 to 20 hours a day, so she may be fine while you are out if she has plenty of food, fresh water, and a clean litter box. However, ensure your home is safe and there are no hazards she could encounter. Consider enriching her environment with scratching posts, climbing spaces, and puzzle feeders to keep her engaged during your absence. If adopting her, confirm her health status with a vet, check if she’s microchipped, and discuss spaying/neutering options. Since local shelters are at capacity, researching reputable rescue organizations or foster networks might offer safer alternatives than retail pet stores. Taking in a stray cat involves compassion, adjustment, and ongoing care, but with the right approach and patience, you can build a loving bond and provide a secure home for your new companion.
Congrats and thank you for taking in that baby girl. For the sleep thing , I put a scratch pad or cat tower in my room. I have 3 fur babies ( ages: 3, 5 & 10) and had a mama cat and 4 kittens all together and I got less than 5 hours of sleep. Now that I’m down to the 3 main cats, one wakes me up early and have trouble going back to sleep. As for the leaving for work for both of you soon, I would have the cat in one room with food/water and bathroom until you’re able to trust her (some cats do not like being in closed off spaces/cats don’t like closed doors). I leave for work at 6:30 am and get home around 5:15-5:30pm. Definitely get indoor cat enrichment toys