Q&A for How to Handle a Stray Cat

Sometimes less is more, and ignoring the cats will make you more attractive to them. Remember, a direct stare is an aggressive message to a cat, so looking at them and calling a cat over can backfire. When near the cats, always move slowly and quietly, and keep some treats in your pocket which you scatter in a trail behind you, which encourages the cats to come closer.

If a stray cat is friendly and loves human company, then there's a greater chance it was well-socialized as a kitten. This is most likely if they were originally raised as a pet or were a pet into adult life. However, that cat may subsequently have been abandoned, such as when owners moved and left the cat behind. If you can catch the cat, then ask your vet to scan for a microchip. This can help track down the original owners, in which case if you wish to keep the cat you can ask for things to be made official.

Try and get the cat scanned to see if he has a microchip, which would identify any previous owner. Vets and animal welfare officers have access to microchip scanners. Also, try contacting national rescue organizations such as the ASPCA, who should be able to help. Failing this, investigate cat charities such as the Cats' Protection League or local cat rescue societies who may be able to assist him.

Cat food is high in protein and usually very appetizing, so exactly which brand isn't important. However, you could try warming the food slightly so it gives off more aroma, or look for a super-smelly flavor such as one containing fish. It might be that the stray is nervous about eating with people nearby rather than a picky eater, so it's always worth trying backing right off to see if that helps.

Cats and kittens need a meat-based diet so avoid giving carbohydrate-based foods such as bread or biscuits. Ideally, give the youngsters kitten food. You can tempt them closer with bits of chicken meat, mince, or burger meat. Avoid giving milk as the milk sugar called lactose can be hard to digest and may give the kitten diarrhea. Whatever you decide to feed, do a quick internet search to see if it is considered safe or not for cats to eat.