So you've come across a cat outside. What should you do?

The answer depends on the cat! Cats can have different needs based on many factors. In this quick guide, we'll explain the basics.

In most cases, there is no cause for concern when cats are outside.

Cats have lived outside since their existence and always will, even if some cats live indoors with us. Do NOT take the cat to a shelter! Many shelters still kill most cats or lock them in a small cage for the rest of their lives, even if the cat is friendly. Unless you know that the local shelter has a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) or other life-saving program for cats, do not take the animal to the shelter. If you do not have the time or means to help the cat yourself, contact a local humane organization that should be able to help you. An internet search is very helpful.

Is the cat injured or sick?

An injured or sick cat may have visible wounds, limp, walk oddly, or otherwise appear unwell. The cat may need to be taken to the vet immediately. First, contact a cat-friendly veterinarian in your area and explain the situation. They can help you decide what course of action is in the cat's best interest.

What you can do: If a veterinarian advises you to take your cat to a hospital, do not attempt to handle or pick it up. An injured or sick cat, especially a social cat that isn't socialized, may become frightened and defensive, which could harm you or the cat. Instead, humanely capture it.

Contact a local animal rescue or trap-neuter-return (TNR) organization to see if they rent humane box traps.

(Note: If you want to borrow a trap from a shelter, be sure to ask about the shelter's specific requirements and whether the trap can be used for TNR. Some shelters may require you to bring the cat there after trapping.)

The cat will be killed there or locked up in a confined space for the rest of its life!

Does the cat have a mark on its left ear?

A mark on the left ear is the universal sign that a cat has been spayed or neutered through a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program. If you see a cat outside missing the tip of its left ear, it has an ear tip. This means your job is simple: just let it stay where it is! It's a stray cat, meaning it has no owner and its home is outside. Stray cats are generally not used to people and aren't adoptable. They thrive outdoors, and that's where they belong.

What can I do: Since the cat was spayed or neutered through a TNR program, it may already have a foster who provides regular food, water, and outdoor shelter. If you'd like, you can ask around to find out who cares for it.

Is a cat without a tag a stray cat?

If the cat isn't friendly, it's a stray. It lives and thrives outside and belongs in its outdoor home with its cat family. However, since it has no tag, it must be neutered as part of a TNR program.

Is the cat friendly?

If the cat approaches you, rubs against you, or lets you touch it, it's socialized, meaning it's friendly and used to people. If a friendly cat seems unkempt, disturbed, or underweight, it may be a stray or abandoned cat.

What to do: Ask around to see if it has any family nearby. If you're unlucky, take it to a veterinarian or rescue organization to have it checked for a microchip. If you can't find the cat's family, humanely trap it and take it to a veterinarian to have it spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and checked for health. The cat can go into a cat carrier on its own, but you can also contact your local rescue or TNR group to borrow a trap to humanely capture it.

If your cat is unwell outside and you don't have the resources to help, please DO NOT take it to a shelter. Instead, contact a local humane organization or us.