Help! I've found a stray cat. What do I do?

When you come across a friendly cat, there is always someone in your neighbourhood caring for this cat who loves them - sometimes even multiple people! In every urban community, there are both pets, cats who are allowed outside and semi-owned or ‘community’ cats living happily amongst us, with people caring for them who are not their owners. Remember, not all straying cats are lost pets!

You can find great information about living with and helping cats in your community in this great PetRescue article 'Help, I've found a stray cat/kitten. What do I do?'

Rescue groups who work with cats in your local area may also be able to provide additional support or assistance . You can use our Rescue Directory Map to find groups local to you.

Remember, in most cases, the worst outcomes for cats and the people who love them result from taking the cat to your local shelter or council. Research shows that lost pet cats are more likely to find their way back home themselves than if they are picked up and taken into care, with only 5% of cats who enter council facilities or shelters being reunited with their owners.

Even if the cats are unowned, if they are healthy cats in good condition, don’t attempt to trap them and take them to your council or shelter. There are better ways of managing and reducing cat numbers, like the Australian Pet Welfare Foundation’s Community Cat Program model. Alley Cat Allies also has some great information and resources to help if you want to be a great ally for cats in your community

Now more than ever, it is important that we support cats where they are in the community to keep them out of shelters and get as many cats desexed as we can - desexed cats are happier and healthier cats who create fewer issues for their neighbours!

The sad truth is that council facilities and shelters are generally not safe places for kittens and cats, with thousands killed each year. PetRescue is trying to change this, and we’d love your help. Read more about our Safe & Sound Pets campaign here.