How to Help a Lost Cat

Finding a lost cat on your doorstep can be a jarring experience. You no doubt want to help, but it's not always clear what kind of help a strange cat needs. Theymost likely belong to one of three categories. Either they have a home that they wandered away from, they have been abandoned and are now a stray, or they are a feral cat that has never been socialized to humans. It's important to determine which category you're dealing with before taking any action to help. If you're in the position of helping a stray cat, keep reading to learn which actions you should take.

Is the Cat Feral?

If a cat shows up on your property, it's a good idea to observe their behavior from a safe distance before approaching to offer help. Feral cats and kittens have never been socialized to humans and might bite or scratch if you try to touch them — if you're even allowed to get that close.

While a friendly, approachable cat is likely not feral, some non-feral strays are shy and wary of strangers despite being socialized, so it's not always that easy to tell the difference. Alley Cat Allies offers a few signs to help you spot a feral cat:

• Stray or lost cats may approach homes, cars or even people, even though they may hover at a safe distance. Feral cats, on the other hand, are more likely to run away or hide.
• Strays tend to avoid other cats, while feral cats often live in groups.
• Stray cats are likely to look at you and make eye contact, whereas feral cats tend to avoid eye contact.
• Strays are more likely to vocalize or "talk" to you. Feral cats tend to stay silent.
• Strays are primarily active during the daytime, while feral cats, though occasionally visible during the day, are more active at night.
• Strays that are used to being taken care of may have a "homeless look" about them. For example, they may be dirty or bedraggled. Feral cats are used to taking care of themselves, so they often look clean and healthy.

If you think you might be dealing with a feral cat, it's best to keep your distance.You can call your local animal control if you suspect feral cats are living near you, as they are equipped to handle these wild cats.

Is it a Lost or Stray Cat?

After finding a lost cat and determining that they are not feral and is safe to approach, the next step is to figure out whether they are indeed simply lost or if they are a stray in need of a new home. If the cat is wearing a collar with ID, it's very likely that they are lost. In this case, simply call the number listed on theID to let her owner know their cat has been found safe and sound. You can also call the veterinarian listed on the vaccination tag, who should be able to put you in contact with the cat's guardian.

Unfortunately, it's not always so simple. Many people don't bother putting a collar or tags on their cats, so the fact that these are missing doesn't necessarily mean that they are homeless. You can take them to a vet or animal shelter to have them scanned for a microchip, which would have the guardian's contact information — but the lack of a chip also doesn't necessarily mean you're dealing with an abandoned cat.

With no easy way of identifying to whom the cat belongs, the next step is to check lost and found ads. It's also a good idea to ask around the neighborhood to see if anyone is missing a cat, or if anyone has seen "lost cat" posters that describe the cat in question. Be sure to also check the lost and found on websites such as Craigslist, Facebook lost pet groups, lost pet databases such as PetAmberAlert.com and call your local animal shelters. People will often call their local shelters when a pet is lost, so there is a chance that the shelter will be able to help you reunite the cat with the owner.

If none of your searching turns up an owner, the final step is to place your own "found cat" ads. You can utilize your social networks. It could be that someone in your extended network knows where the kitty belongs. Again, calling your animal shelter to let them know that you have found what you think to be a lost cat, so they can contact you if the owner calls in. If you do not have the capacity to care for the cat while you search for the owner, make sure to call your local shelter and ask if you can bring the cat in. Never leave a cat at the door of a local shelter or fire station.