First cat and from northern NY!

Hi,

I'm from northern NY and just found this forum. I just took in my first cat on Friday. She is a stray that has been hanging around the area for the past few months. 

Anyone know what breed she is? 

I'm going to call the vet tomorrow morning and get her in for exam, shots, wormed and spayed or neutered as I'm not 100% sure what sex she is. I named her Katie so I hope she is a girl.

Any tips?

Susie

Awww!  Welcome to TCS!

I'm no expert on these things; but I think she would be considered a Domestic Long Hair, or DLH.  Most cats dont seem to have identifiable breeds like dogs do.

Your definitely on the right track getting her to a vet to get checked out and shots and all that good stuff.  Have you been able to put her in a carrier before now?  Sometimes that is the hardest part of getting to the vet!  My 2 don't mind them too much.  I leave them out with comfy towels in them for them to just lay in when they want.  I've had other cats I had to trick into them though.   Kitty treats were all it usually took for one. hehe

These forums might be helpful to you: http://www.thecatsite.com/f/14/our-feline-companions.  In there are the sections for Health, Behavior and a few others.  We also have one for Caring for Strays and Ferals that might be good for you; especially if your new kitty was a stray for long: http://www.thecatsite.com/f/9/caring-for-strays-and-ferals.  If you have questions feel free to post in those areas too so more people can see them.  Especially people who are familiar with taking in strays.

Thank you for bringing this sweet baby into your home and caring for her!  She has a much better shot at a good life with you now!

Thanks for the welcome and advice.

I just brought her into the house on Friday so I haven't put her in a pet carrier. I borrowed my daughter in laws. The towel and treat ideas are good. She is a very sweet, quiet, nice cat so far. I hope she doesn't go changing. Do they show their true character right off?

I'm trying to decide on dry cat food right now.
Susie

Sometimes.  Sometimes they take a bit to settle in too.  Did you interact much with her when she was outside?  I wonder if she was abandoned or something like that.

I had never interacted with her while she was outside except for Friday when I went to the neighbors ramp to feed her a little. The neighbor started feeding her but didn't want to take her in and had to go away for five days. 

She is doing well. She is a tad kiddish with noise. I think she has settled pretty good already. 

I'm not sure if she was abandoned or what. She seems really nice and not like a total outdoor/wild cat. 

I'm going to go take a nap with her now.
Susie