I’ve noticed a possible stray cat in my garden, what should I do?
The first thing to establish is whether the cat belongs to someone or is a genuine stray or feral cat. If you have only seen the cat once or twice, it may be a new cat in the area exploring their surroundings. If the cat keeps returning or stays in your garden overnight, it may be lost or be without an owner. If the stray is friendly or confidently tries to makes it’s way into your house, it’s a good indication that they belong to someone or have at some point been socialised around humans.
If they are wearing a collar and tag, you may be able to get close enough to note down the owner’s details. Cats can be nervous creatures, so don’t try and handle them if they seem scared or distressed as they might bite or scratch. Try asking your neighbours if they know who the cat might belong to, they might be a new addition or belong to a new family that’s just moved in. If you’re still not sure, take a few photos and post them on a local community group on Facebook and see if an owner comes forward. You could also call local vet practices or rescue centre to see if anyone has reported their cat missing.
Should I feed them?
We would not recommend feeding any unknown cat that comes into your garden. This could encourage them to return to your garden and reduce the chance of them finding their way back to their actual home. They may also be on a special diet for a medical condition such as diabetes or kidney disease so feeding an unknown diet could cause them harm. It’s very difficult to ignore a hungry cat that might need your help, but remember, even well fed cats usually won’t turn down a free meal! The best way to help them is to try to find their owner or get them looked after by a rescue centre.
I can’t find an owner, what do I do?
If you have established that there is no local owner, speak to your local cat rescue centre to see if they could help. They may be able to provide a suitable carrier or trap in order to safely contain and transport the stray to them. They can scan the cat for a microchip and hopefully find their owner or proceed with finding a suitable home for them and providing them with the care they need.
Can I just keep that cat?
We strongly recommend following the above steps and trying to find an owner or contacting a rescue or rehoming centre who can take the cat in until the original owner or a new owner is found. If you are interested in adopting a new cat, there are lots of rescue centres that have cats in need of loving homes:
It’s worth putting yourself in the position of the owner whose cat may be missing – you’d be devastated if someone found your cat and kept them rather than trying to track you down. There is a legal requirement now for cats to be microchipped, so finding their owner should be a lot easier.
What if the cat looks sick or injured?
If you believe the cat requires veterinary care, speak to your local practice for advice. If the cat is not approachable, you may need to seek the help of a rehoming centre or the RSPCA to safely catch and transport them.
Call us on 01435 864422 if you are concerned about an injured stray cat.
