Finding a Stray Cat


Often, the cats people see in their backyards (or in parks and alleyways) are feral cats. Sometimes a stray cat will be friendly.  She comes to you for food and petting, and may want to come inside.  One must identify if the cat is friendly or feral and act accordingly. 


Feral Cats

The most humane and effective way to control the population of feral cats is through spaying and neutering. Not only does spay/neuter prevent more homeless kittens from being born, it also decreases unwanted behavior like spraying, fighting, howling and roaming. Trapping and killing cats, on the other hand, opens up a niche for more cats to move in and is usually only a temporary fix.

For more information see our Feral Cat page


Stray Friendly Cats

Sometimes a stray cat will be friendly.  She comes to you for food and petting, and may want to come inside.  Try to find the owners.

 

  • Knock on doors in the area where you found the animal and ask people if they know who the cat belongs to
  • Put up flyers in the area announcing that you’ve found a cat
  • Contact local shelters and veterinarians to find out whether anyone has reported a lost cat
  • Have the cat scanned for a microchip at your vet’s office or animal shelter
  • Put an ad in the “lost and found” section of the local newspaper and on Petfinder.com and Craigslist

 

If no one claims ownership, you can keep the kitty, try to find a good home for her yourself, or surrender her to animal control (where she will probably be killed).


You may contact Town Cats to surrender the kitty.  If we have space we may be able to help.  See our information on how to Surrender a kitty.  Please note, we cannot take every cat.  Please try every option before contacting us. 

 

If the cat is not spayed/neutered, please have complete surgery before you send her off to a new home. 
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