poison ivy oil and strays

vickync

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My neighborhood is covered with poison ivy due to birds dropping seeds after eating the berries.   I would like to adopt a stray that rolls on the ground and has been living outside for months.   What do others do before bringing a stray cat into your home and exposing yourself and other pets to possible poison ivy on the stray?  Anyone encounter this problem in making an outdoor cat an indoor-only cat?  
 

denice

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Anytime you bring a new cat into your home the cat needs to be isolated for a period of time.   This is done for introductions to the other kitty's in your home and in the case of a stray to protect the other cats from any possible disease and parasites.  I would use a spot treatment for fleas before bringing him in.  I take it this is a stray and not a feral.  

Ideally a bath would get rid of poison ivy oils but a cat that isn't used to being bathed won't be happy about that.  You certainly wouldn't endear yourself to the kitty.  You can get pet wipes to wipe him down with or you can use a damp towel.  Many people with allergies will do this every few days to keep down the dander that triggers their allergies.

You will need to get the kitty to a vet for a checkup and deworming..
 
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