How to Help a Stray Cat Safely: A Step-by-Step Guide

At Ms. Kitty’s Animal Sanctuary, we know how hard it is to see a cat wandering the streets alone. Your first instinct may be to scoop them up and take them home—but wait! While that compassion is commendable, it’s important to approach the situation with care for both your safety and the cat’s well-being.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help a stray cat safely and effectively:

Step 1: Observe From a Distance

First, determine whether the cat is truly a stray, feral, or just an outdoor pet that’s lost or allowed to roam.

• Signs it may be a stray/lost pet: friendly, approaches humans, appears confused, has a collar.

• Signs it may be feral: fearful, avoids contact, hides or runs away, active mostly at night.

Observing their behavior helps determine the next steps and what kind of help they need.

Step 2: Offer Food and Water

If the cat seems hungry or scared, offer food and clean water. Keep your distance and let them come to it on their own terms. Avoid trying to pet or pick them up right away—especially if they seem skittish.

Tip: Canned food or tuna can be particularly enticing.

Step 3: Look for Identification

If the cat is calm and approachable, check for a collar or tags. If they have one, contact the owner. But remember—never chase or grab a frightened cat. It can backfire and injure you both.

Step 4: Secure the Cat Safely (If Possible)

If the cat allows you to get close, gently place them in a secure carrier. Do not attempt to transport them without proper containment—they may panic in a car or unfamiliar place.

If the cat is too fearful:

• Use a humane live trap (we can loan one if you contact us!)

• Cover the trap with a towel to calm the cat once caught

  
  

Step 5: Visit a Vet or Shelter

Once the cat is secure:

• Have them scanned for a microchip

• Check for injuries or signs of illness

• Spay/neuter if not already done

You can take them to a local vet, animal control, or a rescue organization like ours for assistance.

Step 6: Make a Found Pet Report

Post flyers in your neighborhood, list them on local Facebook groups, Nextdoor, or Petfinder’s lost and found. Someone might be desperately looking for their cat.

Step 7: Consider Your Next Steps

If the cat isn’t microchipped and no owner comes forward:

• Can you foster or adopt them?

• If not, reach out to us at Ms. Kitty’s Animal Sanctuary, and we may be able to help place the cat into a loving foster or permanent home.

  
  

What NOT to Do

• Don’t rush to grab or corner the cat.

• Don’t assume every cat outdoors is a stray - some are outdoor pets (although we strongly advocate for keeping cats indoors for safety).

• Don’t feed and forget - cats need more than food; they need safety, medical care, and a forever home.

  
  

Together, We Can Help One Paw at a Time

Every stray cat helped is a life saved. If you're unsure what to do, don’t hesitate to contact us. At Ms. Kitty’s Animal Sanctuary, we’re here to guide you through the process, because every cat deserves a chance at love and safety.