What to Do With a Stray Cat You Can’t Keep?
Finding a stray cat you can’t keep requires a thoughtful and responsible approach: Prioritize the cat’s well-being by exploring options like finding a foster home, contacting local rescues, or, as a last resort, surrendering it to a reputable shelter. This ensures the best possible outcome for the animal.
Initial Assessment and Safety
Discovering a stray cat presents a dilemma. Your initial instinct might be to help, but before taking any action, prioritize both your safety and the cat’s well-being. Assess the cat’s apparent health. Does it seem injured, sick, or overly aggressive? Approach with caution, especially if you have other pets or small children. Wearing gloves is recommended when handling any stray animal.
Identifying the Cat
Before assuming the cat is truly a stray, determine if it has an owner.
- Check for identification: Look for a collar with tags. If there’s a tag, contact the owner immediately.
- Microchip scan: Take the cat to a veterinarian or a local animal shelter to have it scanned for a microchip. This is often the quickest way to reunite a lost pet with its family.
- Lost pet postings: Check online resources such as Craigslist, Facebook groups for lost pets in your area, and websites like PetFBI and LostMyPet. Post a picture and description of the cat in these places, and also create flyers to post in your neighborhood.
Evaluating the Cat’s Temperament
Understanding the cat’s personality is crucial for determining the best course of action.
- Approach Slowly: Speak softly and offer a treat to gauge its reaction.
- Observe Behavior: Is it friendly and approachable, or skittish and fearful? A feral cat, one that is not socialized to humans, will require a different approach than a lost or abandoned domestic cat.
- Consider Handling: If the cat allows you to touch it, gently stroke its back and head. Watch for signs of discomfort or aggression.
Exploring Options: Finding a New Home
What to do with a stray cat you can’t keep? The ideal scenario is finding a loving home for the cat.
- Foster Home: Consider fostering the cat temporarily while you search for a permanent home. This gives you time to assess its personality, provide basic care, and take photos for adoption postings.
- Networking: Reach out to friends, family, and colleagues to see if anyone is interested in adopting the cat. Use social media to spread the word.
- Adoption Websites: Post the cat’s profile on adoption websites like Petfinder, Adopt-a-Pet, and local shelter websites. Include clear photos, a detailed description of its personality, and any known medical history.
- Screen Potential Adopters: Conduct interviews with potential adopters to ensure they are a good fit for the cat. Ask about their experience with cats, their living situation, and their commitment to providing long-term care.
Working with Rescue Organizations and Shelters
If you’re unable to find a home yourself, contacting local rescue organizations and shelters is the next best step.
- Research Local Rescues: Look for reputable rescues in your area that specialize in cats. Be aware that rescues are often overwhelmed and may have limited space.
- Contact Shelters: Contact your local animal shelters, both municipal and private. Understand their policies regarding stray cats and whether they are “no-kill” shelters.
- Provide Information: When contacting rescues or shelters, provide as much information as possible about the cat, including its age, health, temperament, and any known history.
- Understand Surrender Fees: Be prepared for potential surrender fees, which help cover the cost of the cat’s care.
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)
For feral or semi-feral cats, Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is often the most humane and effective solution.
- Trap the Cat: Humanely trap the cat using a specialized cat trap.
- Neuter/Spay: Take the cat to a veterinarian to be spayed or neutered.
- Ear Tip: While under anesthesia, the veterinarian will typically “ear tip” the cat, which involves removing a small portion of the ear to indicate that it has been sterilized.
- Return: Return the cat to its original location. TNR helps control the feral cat population and prevents further breeding.
Common Mistakes
Navigating the situation of a stray cat can be challenging. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Ignoring the Cat’s Health: Neglecting to address any potential health issues can worsen the cat’s condition and potentially spread disease.
- Releasing the Cat Without Sterilization: Releasing an unsterilized cat back into the environment contributes to the overpopulation problem and increases the risk of unwanted litters.
- Assuming the Cat is Feral: Mistaking a lost domestic cat for a feral cat can prevent it from being reunited with its owner.
- Failing to Screen Adopters: Placing a cat with an unsuitable adopter can lead to neglect or abandonment.
- Feeding Without a Plan: Providing food without a long-term plan can create dependency and exacerbate the stray cat problem.
Conclusion
What to do with a stray cat you can’t keep? The answer is multifaceted and requires careful consideration. Prioritizing the cat’s well-being, exploring all available options, and working with local resources are key to ensuring a positive outcome. From reuniting a lost pet with its owner to finding a loving new home or implementing TNR for feral cats, responsible action can make a significant difference in the lives of these vulnerable animals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If I find a stray cat, am I obligated to take it in?
No, you are not legally obligated to take in a stray cat. However, providing assistance, such as offering food and water, checking for identification, and contacting local shelters or rescues, is a compassionate and responsible action. Your local laws may have requirements regarding reporting stray animals. It is best to check those laws.
What is the difference between a stray cat and a feral cat?
A stray cat is a domesticated cat that has become lost or abandoned and is generally socialized to humans. A feral cat, on the other hand, is a cat that was either born in the wild or has been living without human contact for an extended period and is not socialized to humans. Feral cats are typically fearful and avoid human interaction.
How do I safely approach a stray cat that seems scared or aggressive?
Approach slowly and cautiously, speaking in a soft, calming voice. Avoid direct eye contact, which can be perceived as a threat. Offer a treat or food from a distance, and allow the cat to approach you on its own terms. If the cat displays aggressive behavior, such as hissing or swatting, back away and contact a local animal control officer or experienced trapper.
What should I do if I find a stray cat that is injured or sick?
If you find an injured or sick stray cat, seek veterinary care immediately. Contact a local veterinarian or animal emergency clinic. Many veterinarians offer discounts or free care for stray animals. If you are unable to afford the veterinary care, contact a local animal shelter or rescue organization for assistance.
How can I tell if a stray cat is pregnant?
Signs of pregnancy in cats include weight gain, increased appetite, enlarged nipples (often referred to as “pinking up”), and a rounded abdomen. A veterinarian can confirm pregnancy through palpation or ultrasound. If the cat is pregnant and you can’t keep it, contact a rescue organization that specializes in pregnant cats and kittens.
Is it safe to bring a stray cat into my home if I have other pets?
Before introducing a stray cat to your existing pets, quarantine the stray cat in a separate room for at least two weeks. This helps prevent the spread of any potential diseases or parasites. During the quarantine period, have the cat examined by a veterinarian and tested for common feline illnesses, such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).
What are the risks of feeding a stray cat without a long-term plan?
While feeding a stray cat may seem like a kind act, it can create dependency and exacerbate the stray cat problem. Regular feeding encourages the cat to stay in the area, potentially attracting other stray cats. This can lead to increased competition for resources, territorial disputes, and the spread of disease. It’s more responsible to trap, neuter and return the cat, or find it a home.
What is Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), and why is it important?
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is a humane and effective method for controlling feral cat populations. It involves trapping feral cats, sterilizing them, and then returning them to their original location. TNR prevents further breeding, reduces nuisance behaviors (such as spraying and fighting), and improves the overall health and well-being of the cats.
How can I find a reputable rescue organization to help with a stray cat?
Research local rescue organizations online and read reviews. Check their websites and social media pages to learn about their mission, programs, and adoption policies. Look for organizations that are transparent, ethical, and committed to providing high-quality care for animals. Ask your veterinarian or local animal shelter for recommendations.
What should I do if I can’t find a rescue organization or shelter that can take the stray cat?
If you are unable to find a rescue organization or shelter that can take the stray cat, consider fostering the cat yourself while you continue to search for a permanent home. You can also network with friends, family, and colleagues to see if anyone is interested in adopting. Post the cat’s profile on adoption websites and social media platforms.
What are the legal considerations when dealing with stray cats?
Laws regarding stray animals vary by location. Check your local ordinances for specific regulations regarding stray cats, animal abandonment, and animal cruelty. Some municipalities require stray animals to be reported to animal control. It is important to comply with all applicable laws to avoid potential fines or legal issues.
Is it ethical to surrender a healthy stray cat to a shelter, even if it’s a kill shelter?
This is a difficult ethical question with no easy answer. While surrendering a cat to a kill shelter is generally considered a last resort, it may be the best option if you are unable to find any other suitable alternatives. Some argue that surrendering the cat gives it a chance, however small, of being adopted, while others believe that it is better to leave the cat in its familiar environment. Consider all your options and consult with a local animal rescue or veterinarian for guidance.