Guide to cats: What to do if you find a cat
20th March 2018
Is it injured? Is it a stray or lost? Is it wild or feral?
If you find an injured cat, if it’s safe to do so take it to the nearest vet. If you need assistance, your local RSPCA or Cats Protection will be happy to help.
What is a stray cat?
They are usually domestic cats that do not have (or seem not to have) an owner. They may also give the impression of being stray but are in fact just out looking for extra food, cats are great scavengers after all. They may be a little shy but can often be approached with caution.
How to recognise if a cat is a stray:
- Could be micro-chipped or wear a collar if the cat is just missing or lost
- Possibly friendly and approachable
- Usually alone and in gardens or around houses and possibly trying to get inside
- Could appear disorientated and only appeared recently
- Ear will be complete
What is a feral cat?
A cat that is not domesticated or socialised with humans and is in effect ‘wild’. They tend to be unfriendly, hide from humans and are fearful as they see us as a threat. Feral cats should be approached with extreme caution.
How to recognise if a cat is feral:
Unless it is a previously domestic cat that has ‘gone wild’ it is unlikely to have been micro-chipped
- Not friendly or approachable
- Could be solitary but often live as part of a group or colony of other feral cats
- Likely to live in a permanent place but isolated and away from houses
- If they have been captured, neutered and returned they will have had their left ear tip clipped.
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