Stray Cat vs. Feral Cat:
A stray cat is a cat that has previously had a home/been socialized and will be more friendly/inviting than a feral cat.
How to tell if a cat is stray:
- Observe their behavior. If they willingly approach you and initiate contact, or if you approach the cat and they allow contact, they are most likely stray. Stray cats also tend to walk with their tails up in the air (a sign of friendliness), make eye contact and purr/meow. Feral cats tend to stay low to the ground, refuse eye contact, and do not make much noise. A single cat is more likely to be stray as feral cats tend to travel in large colonies(WikiHow).
- Signs of ownership. Owned cats may have a collar or appear clean/well groomed with little injuries or evidence of distress.
- Ask around. Others living in the area or those who visit the area regularly may be able to tell you whether or not the cat belongs to someone. You can also report the cat online to see if it belongs to someone or bring it to a shelter to see if it has been microchipped(WikiHow).
Helping Sick/Injured Cats:
Always be cautious around a cat you believe to be sick or injured. They may be aggressive or defensive, but the goal is to be as calm and gentle as possible. Check for visible signs of injury or common symptoms of illnesses such as rabies. As soon as you have a cat safely in your care, take them to the nearest vet and get them seen to right away.
Helping Cats in Harsh Conditions:
The common house cat is not suited for the harsh conditions of winter. You can easily and effectively help these furry friends by providing food, water, and shelter from the cold. A quick and easy way to build shelter is to use old storage tubs and insulate them using Styrofoam or blankets!
For more information regarding interacting with stray cats, you can check out the Webliography.
Alina's Stray Cat Advice and Rescue 