Found an Animal on the Street

Not every cat you find needs to be taken home right away. But if the animal is in danger, injured, emaciated, or clearly in need of help, act calmly and methodically.

Your safety first

Catch it only in gloves or through a towel. After a bite or a scratch, wash the wound with soap and water and see a doctor the same day.

1. First, assess the situation

Before approaching the animal, make sure it is safe for both you and the cat.

Pay attention to:

• Whether there is a busy road nearby.
• Whether the cat could run out in front of a car.
• Whether there are dogs or other sources of danger nearby.
• Whether the cat is trapped (under a car, in a well, up a tree, etc.).

If the location is dangerous, first try to get the animal out of the risk zone.

2. Don't try to pick the cat up right away

Even the calmest cat, when in pain or badly frightened, may:

• bite;
• scratch;
• break free and run away.

It's better to:

• speak calmly;
• crouch down at a distance;
• avoid staring directly into its eyes;
• approach slowly.

If you have food or a treat, place it nearby.

3. If you manage to catch the cat

It's best to use:

• a carrier;
• a cardboard box with air holes;
• a thick towel for gentle restraint.

Do not transport the cat in your arms or in an open basket.

4. Check the animal's condition (keep in mind it may be in shock from being caught)

Pay attention to:

Breathing

• calm;
• rapid;
• labored;
• open mouth.

Alertness

• responsive;
• lying motionless;
• trying to stand;
• disoriented.

Visible injuries

• blood;
• fractures;
• burns;
• wounds;
• severe limping.

General condition

• emaciation;
• dehydration;
• soiled coat;
• discharge from the eyes or nose;
• extreme exhaustion.

5. Don't feed it heavily right away

A very hungry cat should not be abruptly fed a large amount of food.

If the animal is weak:

• offer a small amount of water first;
• then a small portion of wet food.

Do not give: milk; sausage; bones; food from the table.

6. If the cat is injured

Before seeing a veterinarian:

• keep the animal warm;
• limit its movement;
• do not try to set fractures yourself;
• do not treat deep wounds with alcohol or iodine.

If the bleeding is heavy, press a clean cloth to the wound and get to a clinic as quickly as possible.

7. Don't introduce it to your own pets right away

Even if the cat looks healthy. It's important to remember: it may be carrying infections or parasites.

Because of this, you need:

• a separate room;
• a separate litter box;
• separate bowls;
• no direct contact.

Quarantine should ideally be maintained until the cat has been examined by a veterinarian.

8. Visit a veterinary clinic

It's best to do this within the first 24 hours. The vet will be able to:

• check for a microchip;
• estimate the age;
• assess overall health;
• check for fleas and ticks;
• prescribe parasite treatment;
• run any necessary tests;
• set up a vaccination schedule.

9. Try to find the owner

Before deciding to keep the cat:

• check for an ID tag;
• ask the veterinarian to scan for a microchip;
• post notices in local groups and chats;
• notify nearby shelters.

The animal may have gone missing very recently. Or it may not have. Unfortunately, not all owners treat their animals well or wish them the best.

10. If you decide to keep the cat

After quarantine, you should:

• treat for parasites;
• vaccinate;
• spay or neuter (if needed);
• gradually introduce it to other animals;
• choose a suitable diet;
• set up a safe space at home.

When you need to go to the veterinarian immediately

Do not delay a visit if the cat has even one of these signs:

• difficulty breathing;
• heavy bleeding;
• inability to stand;
• a fracture;
• an open wound;
• loss of consciousness;
• seizures;
• suspected poisoning;
• very severe emaciation;
• a kitten under 8 weeks old found alone, without its mother.

Important tip

Even if the cat you found seems tame and healthy, don't let it back out onto the street right after catching it.

First check for a microchip and try to find the owner through veterinary clinics, shelters, and local communities. If no owner is found, the animal will still need a veterinary checkup, quarantine, and parasite treatment before being introduced to other pets.