How to adopt a stray cat, transition to indoor, and manage scratching?

Question

I have a general question about a very friendly stay cat at my apts that I think is a male and probably 1-3 yrs old. He's super friendly, I think he must have been owned at some point. I've been feeding him and really want to maybe adopt him. My concerns if I do this are how would a cat this age used to roaming free handle becoming indoor only? I won't do indoor/outdoor. Also, he has his claws and Inam borderline against declawing even when kittens, surely wouldn't do it to a full grown cat. Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | 6 lbs

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM · Accepted Answer

Most cats who lived outdoors can easily adapt to become an indoor cat, They may ask to get out in the beginning, but eventually they will settle to stay inside. Check if Midnight is neutered, and if not, then that would be the first thing you will need to have done or he will stink up your apartment. Also take him to a vet for an exam to make sure he is healthy. There is no need to declaw a cat, You can have the vet techs show you how to clip the toe nails. If you provide him with a scratching tree or scratch boxes he should not scratch up your furniture. There are also plastic nail covers that can be glued onto the nails which prevent the cat doing damage. I have 5 cats and none have ever scratched up my furniture and they are not declawed, Cats can be taught to use a scratch box, Put cat nip on it and your kitty will be in heaven.

How to adopt a stray cat, transition to indoor, and manage scratching?

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