What to Do With a Stray Cat (7 Steps) 🐾

Finding a stray cat can feel equal parts heartwarming and stressful. Is the cat lost? Hungry? Hurt? Or just an outdoor pet taking a stroll?

This guide walks you through exactly what to do – step by step – so you can help the cat safely, avoid accidentally “catnapping” someone’s pet, and choose the right next move (owner search, rescue support, or adoption).

Quick answer – what to do in the first 5 minutes:

Don’t chase or grab the cat. Move slowly and speak softly.
Look for signs of injury (limping, bleeding, severe lethargy, labored breathing).
Offer fresh water and step back.
Check for a collar/ID if the cat is friendly.
If the cat is injured or in danger, call a local vet/rescue right away.
If kittens are present, don’t move them yet – mom may be nearby.

What is a stray cat?

A stray cat is a domestic cat who has become separated from their home – through getting lost, being abandoned, or living outdoors for a period of time.

Some strays are friendly and comfortable around people. Others are scared, cautious, and may not allow handling (especially at first).

You may also hear the term community cat for cats living outdoors in a neighborhood – some are strays, some are feral, and some are owned outdoor cats.

A stray cat sitting in the cold on a snowy pavement

Stray cats vs. feral cats (and why it matters)

Understanding the difference helps you choose the safest, most humane action.

Stray cat

Often socialized to people
May meow, approach, rub against legs, or accept food
Might be lost or abandoned
Usually a good candidate for reuniting with an owner or adoption

Feral cat

Typically avoids people, hides, and won’t allow handling
May only come out at night or when humans are far away
Usually does best with Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) rather than being forced into a home

What an ear tip usually means

If the cat has a straight “tipped” ear (a small portion of the ear looks neatly trimmed), it often means the cat has already been spayed/neutered as part of a TNR program. A healthy ear-tipped cat is often best left in their outdoor territory, unless they’re injured or clearly struggling.

What should you do if you find a stray cat? (Step-by-step)

1. Assess safety first (for you and the cat)

Before you do anything else, pause and observe.

a) Check for urgent warning signs

Contact a vet/rescue immediately if you see:

Bleeding or open wounds
Obvious broken limb or severe limping
Difficulty breathing (open-mouth breathing, wheezing)
Extreme lethargy, collapse, or unresponsiveness
The cat is stuck somewhere (garage, drain, fence) or in immediate danger (busy road)

b) Approach the right way

Move slowly and keep your body low (crouch instead of standing over the cat).
Avoid direct staring (cats read it as threatening).
Let the cat come to you. Do not chase.

If the cat hisses, swats, or growls: back up. A scared cat can bite or scratch – even if they’re normally friendly.

aggressive and scared stray cat that is hissing — A scared stray cat hissing

2. Figure out: lost pet, neighborhood visitor, stray, or feral?

Not every outdoor cat needs rescuing. Some are owned and simply roam.

a) Signs the cat may be owned (or cared for)

Clean coat and healthy weight
Confident body language
Comes up to homes/people easily
Wearing a collar (though many owned cats don’t)

Very thin, dirty coat, visible ribs
Constant crying, following you everywhere
Obvious fleas, crusty eyes/nose, sores
Appears weak, cold, or hungry

If you’re unsure, treat it like a “found cat” and proceed with owner-search steps.

stray cat sitting in the woods — A stray cat in the wood

3. Try to find the cat’s owner (do this before “claiming” them)

Even if the cat feels like they chose you, someone may be desperately looking for them.

a) Check for a collar, ID, tattoo, or microchip

If there’s a collar with contact info, call/text the owner.
Microchip scanning can usually be done by a veterinary clinic or shelter (often quickly and sometimes for free – call ahead).

b) Use the fastest owner-search methods

Try these at the same time:

Ask nearby neighbors (especially within a few streets).
Post in local community groups (Facebook, Nextdoor) and “lost pet” pages.
Put up simple “FOUND CAT” posters with a clear photo and contact info.
Check for “LOST CAT” posters in the area.

Tip: When posting publicly, avoid sharing every identifying detail (like a unique spot pattern). Ask the claimant to describe something specific to confirm ownership.

A stray cat sleeping outdoors on the ground

4. Provide temporary care (the right way)

If the cat is safe with you while you search for an owner or wait for rescue help, you can offer basic care.

a) Food and water

Start with water. Dehydration is common.

If the cat seems hungry:

Offer wet or dry cat food if you can.
If you have no cat food, offer a small amount of plain, unseasoned cooked meat (no onions/garlic, no spicy or salty seasonings).

Avoid:

Milk (many cats are lactose intolerant)
Seasoned table scraps (onion/garlic and heavy seasoning can be harmful)
Bones, cooked skin/fat trimmings, or anything spoiled

b) Provide a safe place (outdoors or indoors)

If you’re not ready to bring the cat inside, you can still offer shelter:

A simple outdoor cat house (store-bought or DIY) protects from wind and rain.
A covered porch can work in mild weather.
In colder months, a heated cat bed or insulated shelter helps – just make sure cords and access are safe.

If you do bring the cat indoors:

Use a small, quiet room (bathroom, laundry room, spare room).
Provide a litter box, water, and a soft blanket.
Keep the cat separate from your pets until a vet can advise (parasites and illness are common in strays).

c) Build trust (don’t rush it)

Sit quietly nearby and let the cat set the pace.
Use calm voice and slow blinking.
When the cat is comfortable, gentle play with interactive cat toys can help you bond.

dirty stray cat sitting on the pavement in the city — A stray cat with dirty fur sitting on the pavement in the city

5. If you find kittens: do this first

Kittens change everything – because mom may still be caring for them.

If kittens look clean, warm, and quiet:

Don’t move them immediately.
Watch from a distance for 1–4 hours if possible.
Mom often leaves to find food and returns later.

If kittens are cold, crying nonstop, or mom doesn’t return:

Contact a local rescue or vet for guidance.
If you must intervene, keep them warm (a towel and a warm water bottle wrapped in cloth – never direct heat).

Important: Very young kittens need specialized feeding and can decline fast. When in doubt, call a rescue/vet the same day.

6. Contact local animal welfare organizations (and know what to ask)

Once the cat is safe and you’ve started an owner search, reach out for support:

Local rescues and shelters
Community cat/TNR groups
Animal control (depending on your area)

When you call, share:

Where and when you found the cat
Whether the cat is friendly or fearful
Any signs of injury/illness
Whether you can temporarily house the cat

Ask:

Do you have space for intake?
Can you scan for a microchip?
Can you help with trapping if the cat won’t approach?
What’s the recommended process in my area for found pets?

a stray cat in the wood — A stray cat in the wood

7. Considering adoption? Here’s the responsible way to do it

a) Before you adopt

Do a solid owner search (posters + local groups + microchip scan).

Ask a vet about:

Vaccines
Deworming/flea treatment
Spay/neuter
General health check (and any recommended tests)

b) Set your home up for success

A quiet “starter room” helps the cat decompress.
Litter, scratching post, hiding spot, food/water station.
A predictable routine (cats relax faster with consistency).

c) The reality check (so you don’t get surprised later)

Budget for:

Food and litter
Annual vet visits and vaccines
Spay/neuter (if needed)
Unexpected illness/injury

If you’re ready for the commitment, you’re not just “saving a cat” – you’re gaining a companion.

What NOT to do with a stray cat

Don’t chase or corner them. That increases fear and the chance of injury.
Don’t assume it’s homeless (many owned cats roam).
Don’t introduce the cat to your pets immediately.
Don’t feed milk or seasoned leftovers.
Don’t ignore medical red flags. If the cat looks unwell, contact a professional.

two stray cats outdoors — Two stray cats sitting outdoors

Checklist (save this)

If you find a stray cat:

Don’t chase or grab the cat. Move slowly and speak softly.
Look for signs of injury (limping, bleeding, severe lethargy, labored breathing).
Offer fresh water and step back.
Check for a collar/ID if the cat is friendly.
If the cat is injured or in danger, call a local vet/rescue right away.
If kittens are present, don’t move them yet – mom may be nearby.

FAQ

How can I tell if a cat is stray or just an outdoor pet?

You can’t always tell at a glance. Start with an owner search (microchip scan + local posts) and look for signs of care like good body condition and confidence around homes.

Should I take a stray cat to a shelter?

If you can’t safely keep the cat while you search for an owner, contacting a shelter/rescue is a good option. Call first – some may be full and can direct you to alternatives.

What if the stray cat won’t let me touch it?

Don’t force it. Provide food/water and contact a local rescue or community cat group. They may recommend humane trapping, especially if the cat needs medical help.

Can I keep a stray cat if no one claims it?

Often yes – but rules vary by location. Many areas have a “found pet” process or recommended holding period. If you plan to adopt, do a microchip scan and document your owner-search efforts

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What is a stray cat?