The number of stray cats wandering around your area is likely much higher than you realize, fabCat. It’s hard to pinpoint because, while many kind-hearted humans provide food for stray kitties, there’s still a lack of hands to help neuter, socialize, and find adoptive homes for these cats. So, there’s a good chance that a lost kitty might end up at your doorstep one day. What should you do, and how can you help, fabCat?

Is It a Stray Cat or a Sneaky Escape Artist?

This is probably the first question that pops into your mind. Even if you live in a rural area where letting cats roam freely is more common, a wandering cat tends to catch attention—especially if it’s a feline you’ve never seen before, looking well-groomed and eager to interact with humans. When encountering such a cat, it’s safe to assume they have an owner and might have sneaked out of their home unnoticed.

Truly stray cats, on the other hand, are usually in much worse physical condition than outdoor cats (though this isn’t always the case, as neglect can happen in both scenarios). They may be feral and avoid human contact, or, conversely, they might be extremely affectionate, practically begging to be let inside for warmth and food. Regardless of the cat’s origin, there are a few key points to keep in mind to ensure everyone comes out of the encounter safe and sound.

Found a Cat? Be Cautious

Whether you’re a lifelong cat lover, have grown up around cats, or are someone who regularly helps strays, caution is rule number one when dealing with an unfamiliar cat. You can never be certain whether the cat might turn aggressive, become so frightened that they hurt themself trying to escape or carry diseases that could be passed on to you or your pets. Until the cat has been evaluated by a veterinarian, it’s best to err on the side of caution.

Your first and best course of action is to stay calm. Observe the cat from a distance and assess their behavior. If the cat seems well-cared-for and may have simply escaped, try to take a good photo and reach out to people in your area—someone might recognize them. Facebook groups can also be a great way to locate the owner. In some cases, the cat’s family is found almost immediately.

If the cat appears neglected, sick, or injured, consider contacting a local shelter, foundation, or even animal control to see if someone can take over and take the cat off your hands. 

What to Do With a Stray Cat?

This is always a tricky question. Can you safely let the stray into your home? If you have your pets, the answer is likely no. But does that mean leaving them outside in the cold, where they might run off without receiving help? That’s not a great option either. Here are some steps you can take, depending on your situation:

• Catch the cat in a carrier (if they’re tame and don’t fear you) and take them to the vet to check for a microchip and potential ownership.
• Secure the cat in a separate space. If you have a storage room, shed, greenhouse, basement, or any room that can be fully separated from your pets, it’s a good idea to let the cat stay there temporarily. Provide them with shelter and food, giving you time to either locate their owner, schedule a vet visit, or hand the cat over to a shelter or rescue organization.
• Become a temporary foster home. If you have the time and means to house the cat (in a separate space), the stray could stay with you longer. Take them for necessary medical checks, provide food, a cozy bed, scratching posts, and toys, and search for their owner or a new fabCat hooman to take them in. If the original owner isn’t found, who knows? You might end up adopting the kitty yourself. With safe and gradual socialization with your current pets, this can work.

Have you ever found a stray cat, fabCat? What did you do? Share your stories in the comments—we hope they all had happy endings! 😊