Have you ever spotted a lonely cat lingering near your doorstep or hiding under a car and felt unsure of what to do? It’s a moment many of us face, especially in busy cities where outdoor cats are a common sight. Before you walk away or try to help, it’s important to understand what that cat might need and what the safest, kindest response is. Here’s exactly what to do if you find a stray cat.
If you find a stray cat, watch it from a distance first. Check if it looks sick, hurt, or scared. If it seems friendly, you can offer food and water. Look for a collar or ear tip. Post its photo in local lost pet groups and ask a vet to check for a microchip. If the cat is wild or aggressive, call a local rescue or animal control for help.
This guide walks you through how to help stray cats humanely, responsibly, and with local resources in mind.
Not every cat outside is a stray. Some are lost, some are feral, and others just roam. You can respond in the right manner once you know the difference.
What Is The Difference Between Stray, Feral, and Street Cats?
A stray cat is a pet cat that has been lost or abandoned. These cats are often used to human contact and may approach people or adjust to living indoors again.
A feral cat is born and raised without human interaction. It avoids people, cannot be handled, and usually lives outdoors without relying on humans.
A street cat is a general term for any cat that lives outside in urban areas. It can be either stray or feral, depending on its level of socialization.
What to do if you find a stray cat?
Step 1: Observe Safely
Don’t rush. Watch how the cat behaves:
Is it injured, thin, or visibly ill?
Does it have a collar or ear tip (ear-tipping shows it’s been neutered and released)?
Is it vocal and friendly, or skittish and hiding?
If the cat comes close, it’s likely used to people and may need help.
Step 2: Respond Based on the Situation
If the cat is sick or hurt, contact a local vet or stray cat rescue Dubai group. Many will help with emergency care. Don’t try to treat injuries yourself unless you’re experienced.
If the cat seems healthy but hungry, offer clean water and cat food or boiled chicken. No bones, milk, or spicy food. Feed from a distance and avoid forcing interaction.
If it’s a Feral Cat, don’t attempt to catch it. Feral cats can scratch or bite when threatened. Instead, call a TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) organization or a cat removal service to handle it humanely.
Step 3: Check If It’s Lost
A stray cat may have an owner. Try these steps:
- Post photos on local groups like “Stray Cats Dubai” or community WhatsApp groups.
- Ask around the neighborhood.
- Take the cat to a vet for a microchip scan.
- If no one claims it, consider helping with rehoming or fostering via a local stray cat shelter Dubai.
Step 4: Use Local Help in Dubai
There are several ways you can act with support to help with trapping, vet care, neutering, and adoption.
Stray Cat Rescue Dubai Groups
These are often volunteer-run organizations that trap, neuter, feed, and rehome or release stray cats.
Stray Cat Shelter Dubai
While Dubai doesn’t have many government-run cat shelters, private ones and rescue volunteers often step in. Always call first, they may be full.
Cat Removal Service
If a feral cat is causing safety issues, professional cat trappers can humanely remove and relocate it, often after neutering.
Report Cat Issues
For cruelty, injured animals, or hoarding, call Dubai Municipality’s Animal Welfare Section at 800 900.
Step 5: Know the Common Health Problems in Stray Cats
Stray and feral cats face serious health risks. Without veterinary care, they often suffer silently. Common issues include:
- Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs)
Caused by viruses and worsened by poor living conditions. Sneezing, nasal discharge, watery eyes. Highly contagious.
- Parasites
Fleas, ticks, ear mites, and internal worms are rampant in strays and can be passed to pets or children.
- Feline FIV or FeLV
Viral diseases that suppress the immune system. FIV spreads through bites; FeLV through close contact. No cure, but symptoms can be managed in homes.
- Skin Conditions
Ringworm, mange, or severe flea infestations cause hair loss, itching, and infections.
- Dental Disease
Strays often have broken teeth, gum disease, or abscesses from untreated injuries.
- Injuries
Many street cats have untreated wounds from fights or road accidents.
If you’re considering helping a stray, take them for a vet check-up. Early care makes a huge difference.
Step 6: Help Long-Term
You don’t need to adopt every stray cat you meet but even small steps help:
- Join or support TNR programs
- Set up feeding stations (away from public walkways)
- Leave water out during the summer
- Build or donate simple shelters for outdoor cats
These acts of compassion can prevent suffering and control population growth.
Where Do Stray Cats Live?
You may wonder, where do cats live when they don’t have a home? In cities like Dubai, common shelters include:
- Under cars
- Construction sites
- Basements or underground parking
- Rooftop spaces
- Gaps in walls or fences
While they adapt, these are not safe or sustainable environments, especially during extreme summer heat.
FAQs
Is it safe to touch a stray cat?
It depends. If the cat is calm and friendly, you can try gently touching it. Always approach slowly and watch for signs of fear or aggression. Do not touch if the cat seems scared, sick or wild. Wash your hands after any contact.
What if the cat keeps coming back?
If a stray cat keeps returning, it may be looking for food, shelter or attention. Try to check if it belongs to someone by looking for a collar or posting online. If it has no owner, consider helping it through TNR (trap-neuter-return) or contacting a local rescue.
Can I get sick from a stray cat?
Yes, it’s possible. Stray cats can carry parasites, fleas, or diseases like ringworm and toxoplasmosis. Avoid direct contact if the cat looks sick or aggressive. Always wash your hands after handling a stray cat or anything it touches.
Wrap-up
Finding a stray cat is more than just a random encounter, it’s a chance to help. Whether it’s offering food, getting medical attention, or connecting the cat with a stray cat rescue Dubai group, your efforts matter. Every cat deserves a chance at a safer life, and you can be the first step in that journey.
