Stray cats are much the same as pet cats - at some point in their lives, they'll likely have been cared for by
people, typically living in a home, but are now free-living and spending a lot of time outdoors. Each stray
cat will have a different story - they may have been abandoned, they may have become lost or they may
have moved away from their home because they weren't happy
Many cats are happy as strays, but without somebody responsible for helping to keep them safe and
well-fed, they can end up with injuries or nasty health problems. Here's what to do if you find a stray,
feral or lost cat.
Initially, you should try to find the owner. Cats roam over a wide area and sometimes they can be
mistaken for strays even when they have owners. Ask around to see if anyone knows who the cat belongs
to. If it's possible to transport the cat, you can ask a vet to scan for a microchip. You can also create
'found' posters and advertise on social media and other online resources such as Pets Located.
If you're not able to find; the owner and want to take temporary responsibility for vaccinating and
neutering the cat, please do so - you¿d be potentially saving a little life. If you're willing to help but
worried you can't afford it, you can contact your local RSPCA branch to see if they can help or try other
animal charities such as Cats Protection.
Unless she appears to be sick or injured, there's usually little to worry about. She'll probably have a home
and owner nearby, or she may be in a healthy stray. We understand you may be worried about the cat
and want us to help, but it's highly unlikely we would be able to collect a healthy pregnant mum.
If the mum cat looks sick or injured and in need of urgent medical help, the quickest way to help her is to
phone your local vet. If you find the cat in a dangerous location, such as next to fast-moving traffic,
please don't put yourself in danger - call our helpline on 0300 1234 999 or the emergency services.