Yes, it is highly recommended to take the stray cat to the vet, especially since you have other pets. Here's why and what to expect:
Why a Vet Visit is Crucial:
* Disease Prevention: Stray cats can carry various diseases, some of which are zoonotic (transmissible to humans) or can spread to your other pets. These include rabies, toxoplasmosis, feline leukemia (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), panleukopenia (feline distemper), and various parasites like fleas, ticks, roundworms, and hookworms.
* Hidden Illnesses: Even if a stray cat looks healthy, they could be carrying parasites or infectious diseases that aren't immediately apparent. Symptoms of some diseases, like feline leukemia, can take months or even years to show.
* Microchip Check: The vet can scan the cat for a microchip, which could help locate its original owner if it's lost and not a true stray.
What to Expect at the Vet:
* Health Check-up: The vet will perform a general examination to check for any visible injuries or health issues.
* Parasite Screening and Treatment: They will likely recommend a fecal sample to check for intestinal parasites and treat for fleas, ticks, and ear mites.
* Disease Testing: The vet will test for serious infectious diseases like FeLV and FIV.
* Vaccinations: The cat will receive necessary vaccinations.
* Deworming: They will be given a dewormer.
* Spaying/Neutering: If the cat isn't already spayed or neutered, the vet will recommend this.
Before and After the Vet Visit (especially with other pets):
* Quarantine: It's essential to keep the stray cat isolated in a separate room (like a bathroom or spare bedroom) away from your other pets, even if it looks healthy. This prevents potential disease transmission.
* Safe Transport: Use a cat carrier to safely transport the cat to the vet. You can acclimate the cat to the carrier by putting food inside it for a few days before the trip.
* Gradual Introduction: Once the vet clears the new cat and they have a clean bill of health (which might take about two weeks or more if there are health issues), you can begin a slow introduction process with your existing pets. This can involve feeding them on opposite sides of a door or exchanging items with their scents. Be patient, as it can take time for cats to adjust to each other.