A stray cat is likely to have lived in a home with people most of its life.Stray cats can be mistaken for cats that have never been socialized with humans.Determining if a cat is a stray can help you decide what to do with it.It can be difficult to tell if a cat is a stray, but analyzing its behavior, looking for signs of an owner, and actively trying to find its owner can help you make that determination.
Step 1: The cat might approach you.
A cat's behavior towards people can be a big indicator of whether or not the cat is stray.Stray cats have once been socialized, meaning they have been around people and most likely lived in a home.If the cat approaches you on its own, stand or sit near it.It is most likely a stray that is lost.To hit it at its level.The cat may be less intimidated by this.The cat may approach houses or cars on its own.Stray cats are more likely to do this.
Step 2: Look at the cat.
If the cat doesn't come up to you on its own, try approaching it.The cat is too scared to come up to you.Move slowly and talk to the cat in a soothing voice.It is most likely a stray if the cat lets you get close or pet it.
Step 3: Determine if the cat is alone.
Stray cats are more likely to travel alone than a group of cats.If the cat is travelling with other cats, watch for it.It is most likely a stray if it is not.
Step 4: You can watch its body language.
Clues as to whether or not a cat is a stray can be found in its body language.Stray cats have the same body language as a house cat.Pay attention to how the cat walks.If it walks with its tail in the air, it is most likely a stray who has been a housecat before.If it often crawls or stays crouched to the ground, and keeps its tail low as a form of protection, it is probably a cat that has never had a home.A stray cat is more likely to make eye contact with you.
Step 5: Listen to the animal.
It is possible to tell if a cat is stray by its vocalizations.Stray cats meow when you speak to them.When you come near them, they may even meow.Most of the time, the cats don't make any sounds.
Step 6: You should look for a collar.
Cats with a home will most likely have a collar.Most pet owners keep a collar on their cat that has their name and a phone number to call in case the cat is lost.Check to see if the cat is wearing a collar if you think it is a stray.A cat that is not wearing a collar does not mean it is a stray.It is possible that the cat lost its collar.
Step 7: Check to see if the cat is well.
The general health of a cat is an indication of whether or not it is a stray.Is the cat well fed?Is it hurt?Is it in distress?It's possible that the cat is a stray and unable to find food or help.These factors can be difficult to analyze.You can't see the cat's ribs and it appears to be at a healthy weight, but it also seems hungry.It is possible that this is a stray cat that is hungry because it is not used to hunting in the wild.You may have found a cat that does not act hungry.It is possible that this cat has always been outdoors.It doesn't act hungry because it knows how to find its own food, but it is not well-fed like a pet cat.If you can, make a judgement that takes both its appearance and behavior into account.
Step 8: Look at its coat.
Stray cats are likely to be dirty and disheveled.They probably won't know how to keep their appearance up on their own since they were kept inside and groomed on a regular basis.Despite the fact that they live in the wild, the coats of the cats are usually clean and well-kept.
Step 9: There is a missing ear tip.
The doctor will sometimes remove the tip of one ear to show that the surgery has already been performed on the cat.This is done so that the cat won't have to go through an unnecessary surgery if it gets lost.It is possible that a cat that has a family and is cared for is missing the tip of its ear.
Step 10: Ask people in your neighborhood.
The only way to know if a cat is a stray is to find its owner.A stray cat might be close to its home.If you want to locate its owner, ask your neighbors if they have lost a cat or know someone who has.You should take a picture of the cat with you.You can find the owner if you post a photo of the cat and a location where it was found on social media.You can reach a bigger audience in less time with this method.If anyone recognizes the cat, you can create a poster with his picture and contact number to call.
Step 11: You should check for a chip.
If you are able to catch the cat, take it to the vet to have it scanned for a chip.Information about the owner and how to contact them can be found on the cat if it is implanted with a chip.
Step 12: Attach a collar.
The owner of the stray cat might not know it has been wandering.Attaching a paper collar to the cat can be helpful in this situation.You should include your phone number or email address if you want the person to reach you.If the cat wanders around during the day but returns home at night, this will let the owner know what it is doing.If you leave the paper collar on for an extended period of time, it could be annoying to the cat.If the cat will allow it, remove it if you haven't received any calls within a few days.
Step 13: Contact the local shelters.
If anyone has called about a missing cat recently, you should check with the animal shelters in your area.If someone has the ability to give you the person's contact information, you can try to find the owner of the cat.It is a good idea to leave a description of the cat, where it was found, and your contact information with each shelter so they can get in touch with you if someone calls looking for a cat that matches your description.
Step 14: You can report the missing cat.
Pets Located.com is an online resource that helps owners find their lost pets.The site continually crosses references to the two databases to try and match up pets that have been reported lost and also found.To find the owner of the cat, enter the information you have in the database.