Can Sims Adopt Stray Cats? A Comprehensive Guide to Rescuing Felines in The Sims 4
Yes, Sims can absolutely adopt stray cats in The Sims 4! This is a heartwarming feature of the Cats & Dogs expansion pack, allowing your Sims to take in homeless felines and provide them with a loving home. The process involves building a friendship with the stray cat, and once a certain relationship level is reached, the “Adopt” interaction becomes available. This article will guide you through the process and answer some common questions you might have about adopting stray cats in The Sims 4.
How to Identify a Stray Cat
Identifying a stray cat in The Sims 4 is quite simple. When you mouse over any pet out in the neighborhood, a nameplate will appear. If the pet is unowned, the word “Stray” will appear in red font on their nameplate. This is a clear indicator that the cat is available for adoption.
The Adoption Process: Befriending and Adopting
Adopting a stray cat is not as simple as clicking a button; it requires patience and interaction. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Initiate Contact: Start by interacting with the stray cat. The first interaction available will likely be “Pet.” This begins the relationship-building process.
- Build a Relationship: The key to adoption is a high relationship level. Successful “Pet” interactions provide short-term relationship points (STR). Keep interacting with the cat until you reach a high enough STR level.
- Increase Friendship: Friendly interactions are crucial. You can increase the relationship bar quickly by using friendly interactions such as:
- Feeding treats: Keep treats handy and offer them to the stray cat.
- Playing with a laser pointer: This is a fun way to build a relationship quickly.
- The “Adopt” Interaction: Once you have reached a sufficient relationship level, the “Adopt” social interaction will appear. Click on it, and the stray cat will become a part of your household!
Adopting in Different Sims Games
The Sims 1
In The Sims 1, adopting a stray cat is similar to the process in The Sims 4, but with some differences. You start by using the “Pet” interaction, earning 5 short-term relationship points per successful interaction. Continue interacting until you hit 50 short-term relationship points, and then the “Adopt” option will appear.
Stray Cats: Characteristics and Behaviors
Breed
It is worth noting that the majority of stray cats are Domestic Short-Haired cats, accounting for approximately 96% of cats in the United States. These cats may also be referred to as house cats or alley cats, although “alley cat” sometimes refers more specifically to feral cats. They are not recognized as a specific breed by major registries.
Pregnancy
Identifying a pregnant stray cat in The Sims 4 is similar to real life. Look for the following signs:
- Noticeable Weight Gain: The cat will gain weight in a few weeks.
- Swollen, Pink Nipples: This usually becomes noticeable around three weeks into the pregnancy.
- Morning Sickness: The cat may experience vomiting.
- Increased Appetite and Sleep: The cat will likely eat more and sleep more often.
- Personality Changes: The cat may become more affectionate.
- Nesting Behavior: As the birth approaches, the cat might start looking for a safe place to give birth.
Important Considerations for Stray Cats
Veterinary Care
It is important to know that you cannot take a stray cat to the vet in The Sims 4 unless they are part of your household. However, you can use wellness treats to help with illness. These treats can be purchased at the vet clinic. If you want to get the cat spayed or neutered, you have to adopt the cat first and bring it to the vet as a household member.
Managing Strays on Your Property
If you are having a problem with stray cats on your property, you can manage their presence in the game. You can build a fence around a portion of your yard that you want your own pets to use and lock the doors to restrict stray access.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Adopting Stray Cats in The Sims 4
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further enhance your understanding of adopting stray cats in The Sims 4:
1. Can I adopt a stray cat that is sick?
Yes, you can adopt a sick stray cat. However, you will have to adopt them before you can take them to the vet. In the meantime, you can give them wellness treats purchased at the vet clinic.
2. What happens if I don’t take my adopted cat to the vet?
Your adopted pet can recover on their own; however, they will be miserable while they are sick. It is best to bring them to a vet to be treated.
3. Can stray cats breed with my pets?
Yes, once you become friends with a stray cat, you can “Encourage to Mate With” another pet, including your own or another stray or neighbor’s pet.
4. How do I get my pet to get pregnant in The Sims 4?
Ensure your female pet is in heat, and that there are no more than seven members in your household. Also make sure they are on the home lot. This will increase the chances of pregnancy.
5. What do I do if my pet runs away?
Pets sometimes run away, especially if they are ignored or have the Independent Trait. They will eventually return home.
6. What does an orange icon on my pet mean?
An orange icon usually means that your pet needs help. Check to see if there is an option to “Ask What’s Wrong.” If there is no option, make sure all their needs are met.
7. What do the thought bubbles mean for my pet?
The thought bubbles represent your human Sim learning what their pet’s noises and body language mean.
8. Why can’t I adopt a stray right away?
You must first build a relationship with the stray by using friendly interactions such as petting, feeding treats, and playing with a laser pointer.
9. How do I catch a stray cat to bring to the vet?
In the Sims 4, you can’t catch a stray to take to the vet unless you adopt it first. However, you can buy wellness treats for a stray if they are sick.
10. What happens if I don’t give my adopted pet enough attention?
If pets are ignored, they might run away.
11. What is the rarest color for a cat in The Sims 4?
While the game doesn’t specify a “rarest” color, albino cats are generally considered rare in real life.
12. Can Sims work as vets?
Sims can own and run a veterinarian clinic but cannot work as a vet in a traditional career.
13. What is the most common breed for stray cats in The Sims 4?
The most common breed is the Domestic Short-Haired cat.
14. Can I have a stray cat live in my house without adopting it?
No, you cannot have a stray cat stay inside of your house permanently without adopting it first.
15. What should I provide for a stray I am trying to adopt?
If you have managed to entice a stray into your home before adopting, provide a designated room with food and water bowls, a litter box, and high places where they feel safe. This can encourage them to stay and allow you to improve the relationship faster.
Conclusion
Adopting a stray cat in The Sims 4 is a rewarding experience. It allows your Sims to give a loving home to a needy animal. By following the guidelines above, you will be well on your way to successfully adopting stray cats and experiencing all the joy that comes along with having a pet in your Sim’s life. Remember to build a strong relationship with the stray, and soon you will have a new, loyal companion.