Should I take a stray cat to the vet?
If you find a lost or stray cat, the first thing to do is to take the cat to a vet or any Petsmart with a Banfield inside to have it scanned for a microchip (they will do this free of charge). This is usually a rescue, vet’s office, or animal control facility that may have the owner’s information.
Will a stray cat be okay?
Yes. Community cats, also called outdoor, stray or feral cats, are well-suited to living outdoors—usually in close proximity to humans—and can survive winter on their own. They are resilient and able to live and thrive in all varieties of locations, weather conditions, and climates.
What does it mean to have a stray cat?
A stray cat is a cat that has lost his home, or owner due to the owner died or moved away, or someone who just didn’t want a cat anymore. Furthermore, it has been domesticated, and is used to human contact, but is now living in the wild.
Can a stray cat be part of a colony?
Furthermore, it has been domesticated, and is used to human contact, but is now living in the wild. Depending on how long the stray cat has been in the wild, he could have resorted to being feral, and may even be part of a colony.
What to do with stray kittens in the Bay Area?
It may seem counter-intuitive, but the best thing to do for the kittens is not to move them. Keep an eye on them and see if a mother cat comes for them. Mom cats move their kittens often and she may be in the midst of moving them and on her way back to these seemingly abandoned kittens. Or she may be out looking for food.
Are there any diseases that stray cats have?
Probably the most concerning disease that stray cats may have is rabies, and due to the high mortality rate of animals that have rabies, virtually 100%, is also concerning for humans, because they can catch it too.
What does it mean when a cat is a stray?
The word “stray” refers to friendly cats who are social with humans and don’t have a home. They are either lost or have been abandoned outdoors. Sadly, cats do get lost and far too many cats are purposely abandoned outdoors when someone moves away or simply decides they don’t want to care for the cat anymore.
What to do if you find a feral cat or friendly stray?
Contact the shelter in the county where the cat was found, as well as neighboring counties if they are close by. Provide food, water, and shelter. Email SPCA NOVA at [email protected] to see if we can help. We give priority to friendly stray cats, especially if the cat is sick, malnourished, or injured.
Is it possible for a stray cat to starve?
It’s very unlikely they will starve. It doesn’t end there though, as a responsible member of your community there are some things you can do to help stray cats outside of feeding them. Here’s everything you need to know about stray cats, feral cats, and what you can do to help them. What Makes a Cat “Stray”?
What happens if I stop feeding a stray cat?
If you really want to stop feeding a stray but it’s weighing on your conscience, I can help put you at ease. That stray was finding food before they met you, and they will find food after you stop. So, please don’t worry about it. Cats are natural hunters too.