When we see a cat outdoors, our first instinct may be to think it’s a stray. However, it’s often the case that the cat has a loving home nearby and is simply out exploring. So, how can you tell what kind of help the cat might need?

Step 1: Assess the Cat’s Condition Take a moment to observe the cat’s overall health:
• Does the cat look clean and well-fed? Does it have bright eyes and shiny fur? If so, the cat probably has a caretaker.
If the cat appears healthy, DO NOT take the cat to a shelter.
• If the cat looks dirty, thin, or injured, or if there is mucus around the eyes or nose, it could be lost, abandoned, or in need of care.

Step 2: Check for a Microchip Take the cat to any local vet to have it scanned for a microchip. This process is free and can help reunite the cat with its owner. If no microchip is found, inform local shelters that you’ve found a cat and provide them with a good photo, a description, and the exact location where the cat was found.

Step 3: Post on Social Media Share the cat’s photo on social media platforms like Nextdoor, local Facebook groups, and local lost-and-found pet groups. You can also reach out to local veterinary offices and message boards. Don’t forget to post on Lost Pets Georgia.

Step 4: Spay/Neuter the Cat If the cat isn’t already sterilized, please get it spayed or neutered. Georgia has a serious pet overpopulation problem, and tens of thousands of cats are euthanized in shelters each year. If the cat is pregnant, it’s important to get her spayed before she has a litter—cats can become pregnant as early as 4 months old.

Step 5: Temporarily Care for the Cat While you search for the cat’s family, consider keeping the cat temporarily. If the cat doesn’t get along with your pets or children, it’s okay to keep them separated. If all pets are spayed or neutered, they are more likely to get along. With a little time and patience, many pets can learn to coexist.
For tips on introducing cats and managing behavior, visit Fundamentally Feline and Positively.com.

Step 6: Manage Allergies If you or someone in your household has allergies, consider taking allergy medication. Many people with pet allergies can live with pets by taking a Zyrtec daily and washing hands and bedding regularly. Studies also show that children exposed to pets early are less likely to develop allergies.

Step 7: Re-home the Cat Ask friends, neighbors, and family members if they are interested in adopting the cat. Be patient—it might take some time to find a suitable home. Before placing the cat with an adopter, make sure to screen them thoroughly. It’s important not to post the cat on Craigslist, as some pets are vulnerable to abuse when placed this way.

Step 8: Address Behavioral Issues If the cat has behavioral issues, they can often be managed with proper training. Ensure that all pets are spayed or neutered, as intact animals may not get along with those that have been sterilized. For advice on managing pet behavior, visit Fundamentally Feline and Positively.com.

Step 9: Contact a No-Kill Rescue Group If you are unable to find a home for the cat, consider contacting a no-kill rescue group. Many of these organizations are run by volunteers trying to save animals despite limited resources. Visit SPOT Society for a list of Atlanta-based rescue groups. Be patient while waiting for a return call—it may take a few days.

Step 10: Caring for an Outdoor Cat If you are unable to find a suitable home for the stray cat, consider letting the cat live outdoors and providing care for it (after spaying or neutering). Even cats that are FIV+ or FeLV+ can safely live outdoors. For more information on FIV and FeLV, contact us at shelter@forsythpets.org.