by Jenna Obney

Created on: November 26, 2008   Last Updated: December 23, 2008

When finding a stray cat there are a multitude of options as to what to do.

First of all, do not touch it. You can never be sure if it is friendly, or possibly diseased. Your local shelter or veterinarian should have a 'havahart' trap. These are easy to set up and allow you to capture the stray without endangering yourself or hurting the animal.

While you are on the phone to the vets, shelters, or humane societies, you should ask them if they know of anyone who has lost a cat matching the description. If they do not know of anyone, then you must decide what you are going to do with it once you catch it.

If you don't want to keep it, or can't keep it, then call your local shelter or humane society back and find out their rules and regulations. Most shelters or humane societies will take in strays for no charge. Some of them ask for a small donation to go towards the care of this stray until they find it a home.

If you plan on keeping it then you should first take it to your local vet. Stray cats can have any variety of ailments, including ticks, fleas, feline leukemia, rabies, etc. Once your vet gives it a good bill of health and updates its shots, it is safe to bring home.

Next, put an add in the paper or post fliers in your area with a description of the cat in case someone is looking for it. Even if none of the local animal authorities know of any one looking doesn't mean that someone isn't out there missing their pet. If, after a week or two no one has come forward to claim the cat, it is as good as yours.

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