by Jennifer Jowsey

Created on: November 29, 2008   Last Updated: October 22, 2011

Cats are not strays by choice. Some have been abandoned by their owners, some have accidentally gotten out and wandered away, and some are born into feral clans. Depending on a cat's circumstances and personality, some may not trust humans and may run or respond aggressively. Stray cats may also be injured or diseased, so approach with caution. The cat could be scared and not realize that you are trying to help.

When you find a stray cat, your options for dealing with it are: ignore it, feed it, rescue it, or take it in.

Ignore it

Some stray cats are accustomed to outdoor life. They can hunt or scrounge to sustain themselves and know where to go for shelter in bad weather. This cat may stop coming around if you attempt to interact with it. There's also a chance that this stray is a neighbor's cat and they have chosen to let it outdoors. In either of these scenarios, it would probably be okay to leave the cat alone.

Feed it

Feeding a stray is a humane thing to do. It'll need its strength to fight the elements, and it may be a mother cat with kittens to provide for. However, leaving food out may attract other animals or other cats. Try to establish a schedule with the cat, feeding it but not leaving food unattended. Also be sure to leave fresh, clean water for the cat whenever possible. Remember to change the water frequently in the winter so it doesn't get frozen.

Rescue it

Contact your local SPCA and area rescue agencies to see their policy on accepting animals. These agencies are frequently understaffed and underfunded, so consider a donation (time, money, food, blankets, towels, bedding, etc) if they accept the cat. If you aren't able to get near the cat to catch it, the agency may be able to loan you a "have a heart" trap. Once the cat is captured, check for an ID tag to see if it has an owner. The SPCA or a vet can also scan for a microchip to try to find its owner.

Take it in

If you choose to welcome the cat into your home, take the appropriate precautions. Take the cat to the vet before introducing it to your home or other pets. If it has fleas or ticks, it's easier to get the cat treated first than trying to get parasites out of your home. Have the cat tested for feline leukemia and FIV; both diseases are manageable, but discuss the situation with your vet if the test is positive and you have other cats. Make sure the cat is vaccinated and spayed or neutered, for their health and better behavior.

Introduce the cat to your house slowly, especially if you have other animals. The cat may be leery of all the new noises and scents of your home. If you have other pets, put a blanket in with your new cat and swap it out with one by the old pets so they can learn each other’s scents. There may be hissing, growling, and even fighting for awhile, but eventually everyone should accept one another in the household.

With the right time and patience, even if a cat is skittish or feral, it may still come around to becoming a loving member of your family.

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