How to Help Stray Cats: A Kind Guide

Finding a stray cat can be a heartwarming experience, but it can also leave you wondering about the best way to make sure the cat is safe and well. To help a stray cat, you'll want to first make sure that it's actually a stray and not a lost pet, which you can do by checking for a collar, scanning for a microchip, and calling local shelters. You can also offer food and water, but make sure not to scare the cat. If the cat seems sick or hurt, you can also contact a local animal rescue for help.

In this article, we'll explore advice from veterinarians and animal welfare groups to find out the best and most compassionate ways to help stray cats. We'll also talk about the different factors to consider when helping stray cats, including how to assess their health, what risks they may pose, and what options you have for helping them, from short-term care to long-term adoption or relocation. Armed with this information, you'll be better equipped to make good choices and help when you come across a stray cat.

How to Help a Stray Cat

If the cat seems friendly, you can offer food and water, but be careful not to startle or corner the cat, as The Humane Society warns that you should always use caution when approaching a stray animal. You can also create a safe space for the cat to rest that includes a litter box and bedding. For feral cats, the ASPCA suggests providing food, water, and shelter from a distance and avoiding direct contact.

Reach out to local animal control or rescue organizations for help with temporary housing and care. As the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon explains, if the cat is sick or injured, you can humanely trap it and take it to a vet that works with feral cats. Never try to catch or transport a stray cat unless you have the proper training and equipment, as The Humane Society explains that this can result in scratches, bites, or the cat becoming frantic.

With the right support, including food, water, shelter, and medical care as needed, you can help a stray cat until a more permanent solution can be found. However, it’s important to be realistic about the cat’s level of socialization and to seek help if the situation becomes more than you can handle.

Finding the Owner or a New Home

If you think the cat may be a lost pet, take it to a vet or shelter to be scanned for a microchip and checked for a registered owner, advises CARE - Cat Adoption & Rescue Efforts. You can also create and post flyers and online listings with photos and information about the cat to try to find its owner, according to the ASPCA.

If you can’t find the owner, you can foster or adopt the cat yourself or contact local rescue organizations, says the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon. For feral cats, you can contact organizations that focus on trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs to help manage the population. That said, feral cats should only be relocated as a last resort because they are territorial and may not adjust well to a new location, according to Alley Cat Allies.

Socialization and Adopting a Stray Cat

Cats fall on a socialization continuum that runs from highly socialized house cats to completely unsocialized feral cats. Alley Cat Allies notes that semi-feral cats are somewhat social and can be approached but don't want to be touched, which means they need to be socialized slowly and with patience. That said, the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society says that socialization can be successful if it's based on positive reinforcement, desensitization that happens in stages, and the cat's need for personal space.

Adopting a stray cat, especially a semi-feral one, can be a difficult but rewarding experience. Stray Cat Alliance recommends adopting stray cats in pairs or with another pet so they have a companion and can be socialized. At the same time, people who are thinking about adopting a stray cat need to be ready for the financial and time commitments that come with pet ownership, including the costs of veterinary care, supplies, and the time it takes to care for a pet, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Trapping and Transporting Feral Cats

Alley Cat Allies notes that the right equipment for trapping feral cats includes humane box traps and drop traps. These tools enable you to capture the cats without having to make direct contact, which can be stressful and even dangerous for both the cat and the human.

The Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon suggests not feeding the cats for 24 hours before trapping, but to continue to provide water. This will make the cats more likely to enter the traps in search of the bait. The traps should be lined with newspaper and baited with smelly foods like canned mackerel or fish-flavored cat food, as recommended by the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons.

It's important to check the traps frequently and immediately cover any cats that are trapped with a towel or sheet to keep them calm before transporting them, according to Alley Cat Allies. Adhering to the right procedures for transporting the trapped cats, including leaving them in their covered traps and handling them carefully, will help ensure their safety and well-being.

Health Issues and Medical Treatment for Feral Cats

Feral and stray cats suffer from a variety of health problems due to lack of proper nutrition, medical care, and exposure to the elements. The Feline Research Organization reports that feral cats are at risk for malnutrition, parasites, injuries, dental issues, respiratory infections, and viral diseases like rabies and toxoplasmosis.

UnderCover Pet Houses says that feral cats often struggle to find enough food, which can lead to underfeeding and malnutrition, which can compromise their immune system. They are also at risk for parasites, including ticks, fleas, and worms, as well as injuries and abscesses from accidents and fighting.

PetMD explains that trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs are a great way to help control feral cat populations and provide necessary medical care, including spaying/neutering and vaccinations. However, VCA Animal Hospitals warns that feral cats are good at hiding when they're sick, so it's important to keep an eye on them and take them to the vet when necessary. Regular care, including parasite control and check-ups, can make a big difference in the health and longevity of stray cats.

Conclusion: How to Help Stray Cats

When you find a stray cat, it's important to take a thoughtful, responsible approach to ensure the cat's well-being. Proper identification, temporary care, and efforts to locate the owner or find a new home are essential steps. Socialization and adoption can provide a loving environment for friendly strays, but require patience and commitment.

For feral cats, trap-neuter-return programs and ongoing care from a distance are the most humane solutions. By understanding the unique needs of stray and feral cats, individuals can make informed decisions and take compassionate actions.