Finding a stray cat can tug at your heartstrings, but not everyone is in a position to take one in.
Maybe you have allergies, other pets, or a lease that won’t allow it — but that doesn’t mean you have to just walk away. There are plenty of ways to help a feral cat without making it your full-time responsibility. Here are just some of the things you can do to make a difference, even if you can’t offer a permanent home.
1. Check if it’s really a stray.
Not every cat roaming the streets is homeless; some are just outdoor cats with owners nearby. If the cat looks well-fed, clean, and friendly, it might belong to someone. You can check for a collar, tag, or signs that it’s being cared for. Posting in local community groups or checking lost pet websites can help reunite the cat with its family. If no one comes forward after a few days, it’s more likely to be a true stray.
2. Offer food and water.
If the cat looks hungry or underweight, setting out food and water is one of the easiest ways to help. Even if you can’t take it in, making sure it has something to eat can make a huge difference. Dry cat food works best since it won’t spoil as quickly as wet food. Placing the food in a safe, quiet spot helps keep the cat from feeling too exposed while eating. If you’re unsure what to feed it, plain cooked chicken or tuna (without seasoning) can work in a pinch.
3. Give them temporary shelter.
Stray cats need protection from the weather, especially in colder months. If you have a garage, shed, or even a covered porch, leaving a small, dry space for the cat to rest can be lifesaving. A simple cardboard box lined with blankets or straw can work as a short-term shelter. For a more durable option, plastic storage bins with a cut-out entrance can be turned into waterproof shelters. Even if the cat doesn’t use it right away, giving it a warm place to retreat to can be a game-changer.
4. Approach slowly and earn its trust.
Some strays are friendly, while others are skittish and wary of humans. If the cat seems nervous, don’t rush in to pet it — give it space and let it come to you. Sitting quietly nearby and talking in a calm voice can help build trust over time. Offering food consistently in the same spot can also help the cat associate you with safety. Patience is key, especially if the cat has had bad experiences with humans before.
5. Check for signs of injury or illness.
A stray cat that looks extremely thin, has visible wounds, or is limping may need medical help. Eye infections, crusty noses, or matted fur can also be signs of health issues. If the cat seems sick or injured, contacting a local rescue or vet is the best course of action. Many animal shelters or welfare groups can offer advice on what to do next. Some even have programs to provide free or low-cost medical care for strays.
6. See if a local rescue can take it in.
Even if you can’t adopt the cat yourself, there might be shelters or foster programs that can. Many rescues have waiting lists, but it’s worth reaching out to see if they can help. Some even have networks of volunteers who take in strays temporarily. If a shelter is full, they may be able to provide guidance on how to care for the cat in the meantime. The sooner the cat gets off the streets, the safer it will be.
7. Get it checked for a microchip.
If the cat is friendly and allows you to handle it, taking it to a vet or shelter to check for a microchip is a good idea. A lost pet might have an owner desperately searching for it. Many vets and rescues will scan for microchips for free. If a microchip is found, the owner can be contacted immediately. If not, at least you’ll know you’re dealing with a true stray.
8. Help with a trap-neuter-return (TNR) program.
If the cat is truly a stray and not adoptable, TNR programs can help keep the local cat population under control. These programs humanely trap stray cats, get them neutered or spayed, and then return them to their outdoor home. This prevents overpopulation while letting the cat continue its independent life. Many animal welfare groups offer free or low-cost TNR services. If you’re unsure where to start, searching for local TNR programs online can point you in the right direction.
9. Spread the word.
If you can’t take the cat in, someone else might be willing to. Posting about it in local Facebook groups, Nextdoor, or community bulletin boards can help find someone who can foster or adopt. Sharing details like the cat’s location, temperament, and condition can make it easier for others to step in. Some people are looking for a pet but don’t want to go through a shelter. If the right person sees your post, the cat could find a home faster than you’d expect.
10. Keep an eye out for dangerous situations.
Stray cats face a lot of dangers, from cars to unfriendly people to extreme weather. If you notice the cat hanging out in risky areas like busy roads or unsafe alleyways, consider guiding it toward a safer spot with food or shelter. Even small things, like alerting a neighbour who might be able to help, can make a difference. A little awareness can go a long way in keeping the cat out of harm’s way.
11. Offer flea or deworming treatment if possible.
If the cat looks rough but isn’t in need of emergency vet care, a little basic treatment can go a long way. Over-the-counter flea treatments, dewormers, or even just a good brushing can improve a stray cat’s health. Just make sure to use pet-safe products, as some treatments meant for dogs can be harmful to cats. If the cat is particularly skittish, you can mix flea treatments into food or use a flea collar. Small efforts like this can make outdoor life a little less miserable.
12. Consider temporary fostering.
Even if adopting long-term isn’t an option, fostering for a few days or weeks can help. A short stay in a safe, warm place while you find a shelter, rescue, or new owner can be life-changing for the cat. It gives you time to figure out the best next steps without leaving the cat outside in bad weather. If you have a spare bathroom or garage, setting up a little safe space with food and water can make a big difference. Even a short break from street life can improve its chances of finding a real home.
13. Don’t feel guilty if you can’t do everything.
Helping a stray cat in any way, even just offering food or making a rescue call, is better than doing nothing. Not everyone has the time, resources, or space to take in an animal, and that’s okay. Small acts of kindness still matter. Even if all you do is make sure the cat isn’t starving or suffering, you’ve done something meaningful. Helping doesn’t have to be all or nothing — it’s about doing what you can.
