So You Found a Stray Cat

Most “stray” cats actually have an owner. Before assuming a cat is abandoned, follow these steps to determine if it is lost, owned, or truly in need.

Step 1: Observe the Cat's Condition

Look for clues to determine if this is a lost pet or a community cat.

Body & Coat

Well-fed, clean coat, no fleas? Likely owned.
Collar Indentation? Even without a collar, a fur "indent" suggests recent ownership.

IMPORTANT

The Ear Tip Myth

A missing tip on one ear means the cat was fixed through TNR. This does NOT mean it is feral. Many pet cats are ear-tipped after being trapped. If friendly, scan for a chip!

Behavior

Friendly & Vocal? Approaches people? Likely a displaced indoor cat or lost pet.
Fearful/Avoidant? May be feral or terrified. Observe from a distance.

Avoid bringing the cat indoors immediately unless it appears sick, injured, or unsafe.

Step 2: Check for ID

  • Look closely for a collar or tags.
  • Get a Free Microchip Scan If safe to handle, take the cat to ANY vet clinic or shelter. They will scan for free. This is the fastest way to reunite a family.

Step 3: Try to Locate Owner

Do this before rehoming or requesting rescue intake

  • Post in local "Lost Pet" Facebook groups.
  • Post on PawBoost and Petco Love Lost.
  • Notify local shelters (Greenville/Spartanburg).
  • Walk the neighborhood & ask nearby houses.
  • Put up flyers in a 3–5 house radius.

Legal Requirement: South Carolina law mandates a 5-day stray hold period. You must actively search for an owner for at least 5 days before considering rehoming.

Step 4: Keep the Cat Safe While Searching

If you choose to hold the cat temporarily:

Isolate in a quiet room away from pets.
Provide food, water, and a litter box.
Monitor for illness/injury.
Do not let them back outside.

If the cat appears truly feral (aggressive, terrified), avoid forced handling — observe from a distance.

Step 5: Determine if Medical Help is Needed

Seek immediate vet care if:

  • • Injured or bleeding
  • • Extremely thin or dehydrated
  • • Not walking normally
  • • Having trouble breathing (Open mouth breathing is an EMERGENCY)
  • • Lethargic or unresponsive
  • • Severely congested or unable to eat

Document all findings in case an owner is located later.

Step 6: If No Owner Is Found

If you have diligently searched for an owner for the mandatory 5-day stray hold period and no one has come forward:

Rehome Responsibly

Use our rehoming guide to screen potential adopters safely.

View Guide

Request Surrender

Apply for evaluation (space permitting) with our rescue.

Surrender Info

Keep the Cat

Congratulations! Follow proper quarantine and vetting protocols.

Low-Cost Vets

Never give a cat away without vetting or screening.