While your first instinct might be to scoop them up and bring them inside, it’s important to consider a few factors before taking action when you spot a cat outdoors. Not every cat you see outside needs help, and many of them already have a safe and happy home. Here’s what to do if you find a cat outdoors.
Step 1: Assess the Situation
The first thing to do when you spot a cat outside is to observe its behavior and physical condition from a distance. This can help you determine if the cat needs immediate assistance or if it’s simply a neighborhood feline enjoying some outdoor time.
- Does the cat look healthy? A cat with a clean coat, well-fed appearance, and calm behavior is likely someone’s pet or a community cat used to being outdoors. In this case, they might not need your help.
- Friendly or fearful? A friendly cat that approaches you easily may belong to someone nearby. In contrast, a fearful or skittish cat might be feral, meaning it’s not socialized to humans and likely lives outdoors full-time.
- Is the cat injured or in distress? If the cat appears to be injured, sick, or in distress, it might need immediate attention. In this situation, it’s best to contact your local animal shelter or veterinarian for advice on how to safely approach and help the cat. If you live in Arlington County or Falls Church City, please call (703) 931-9241.
Step 2: Look for an Owner
If the cat seems healthy and isn’t in immediate danger, it’s time to find out if it has an owner – it’s possible they live nearby.
- Check for a collar and ID tag. If the cat has a collar with a tag, contact the owner using the information provided.
- Ask around the neighborhood. Take a photo of the cat and speak to neighbors and post about the found cat on local community forums or social media groups. Someone might recognize the cat and help reunite it with its family.
- Use a microchip scanner. If the cat has no visible ID but is friendly enough to handle, take it to a local shelter or veterinary clinic to check for a microchip. This can help you find the owner’s contact information quickly. Arlington County Animal Control officers carry microchip scanners, so feel free to call us at (703) 931-9241.
Step 3: Consider the Cat’s Lifestyle
Some cats you see outside may be what’s known as “community cats,” which are unowned cats that live outdoors in a specific area. They might be feral (wild) or stray (lost or abandoned but once socialized to humans).
- Feral or Community cats: These cats are not used to human contact and generally prefer to live outdoors. They may be part of a managed group or colony cared for by local residents. In most cases, feral cats are happiest living outside and don’t need to be brought to a shelter. AWLA has a robust Community Cat Program.
- Stray cats: These cats may have been lost or abandoned but are still familiar with people. They are more likely to approach you or meow for attention. If you suspect the cat is a stray, you can follow the steps above to find the owner.
Step 4: Helping the Cat
If you determine the cat needs help and you can’t find the owner, you have a few options to ensure the cat gets the care it needs.
- Provide food, water, and shelter. While you’re trying to figure out the best course of action, you can offer food and a safe space for the cat to rest. Be sure to place these resources in a quiet area to avoid stressing the cat.
- Contact local animal services. If you’re unable to care for the cat yourself, reach out to your local animal shelter or rescue organization for advice. They can guide you on the next steps, whether it’s bringing the cat to the shelter or helping with trap-neuter-return (TNR) efforts for community cats. Arlington County and Falls Church City residents can call (703) 931-9241.
Step 5: Consider Long-Term Care
If you’re unable to locate the cat’s owner and decide to adopt the cat yourself, make sure to bring it to a veterinarian for a thorough check-up. Your vet can check for a microchip, ensure the cat is healthy, and provide vaccinations or other necessary treatments.
If the cat turns out to be a community cat, the best way to help is through TNR, where the cat is trapped, spayed or neutered, and then returned to its outdoor home. This humane approach helps control the population of community cats while allowing them to live their lives outdoors where they are happiest. If you are interested in learning more about TNR please click here.
Remember, Not Every Cat Needs to be Rescued
While it can be tempting to assume every cat outdoors is lost or in need of a home, that’s not always the case. Understanding a cat’s behavior and knowing how to assess the situation can help you make the best decision for both the cat and the community.
If you’re ever unsure about what to do, don’t hesitate to AWLA for guidance. Together, we can ensure that both owned and community cats get the care and support they need.
