What to do if a cat came into the apartment? - briefly
If a cat comes into your apartment, remain calm and avoid sudden movements. Gently guide the cat towards an open door or window, allowing it to leave on its own.
What to do if a cat came into the apartment? - in detail
If you find yourself in a situation where a cat has entered your apartment, it is important to handle the situation calmly and carefully to ensure the safety of both the cat and yourself. Here are some steps you can take:
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Stay Calm: Cats are very perceptive animals and can sense fear or anxiety. Remaining calm will help the cat feel more at ease and reduce the likelihood of it becoming aggressive or scared.
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Close Doors: To prevent the cat from wandering into other rooms where it might get lost or stuck, close any doors leading to other parts of your apartment. This includes bedrooms, bathrooms, and closets.
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Provide a Safe Space: Cats often seek out small, enclosed spaces when they feel threatened. If possible, open a closet door or provide a box with a blanket inside where the cat can hide until you are able to remove it from your apartment.
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Contact Animal Control: Reaching out to local animal control services is often the best course of action. They have trained professionals who can safely and humanely capture and relocate the cat. Explain the situation calmly and provide them with your address so they can assist you promptly.
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Do Not Attempt to Capture the Cat Yourself: Unless you are experienced in handling cats, it is generally not recommended to try and catch the cat yourself. Cats can become very frightened and may scratch or bite if they feel cornered.
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Avoid Loud Noises: Keep the environment quiet to avoid startling the cat. Loud noises can cause further distress and make the situation more difficult to manage.
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Prevent Damage: If the cat seems to be causing damage, such as scratching furniture or knocking over items, try to gently guide it away from those areas without making sudden movements. You can use objects like towels or blankets to redirect its attention.
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Offer Food and Water: If you have some food and water available that you think the cat might eat, placing a small amount in a safe area can help keep the cat calm and hydrated while waiting for professional assistance.
By following these steps, you can ensure that both you and the cat remain safe until the animal control services arrive to handle the situation.