What to Do if You Spot a Feral Cat
The best thing you can do is observe and not intervene.
- Give Them Space: Feral cats are not socialized to people and can become stressed if approached. Avoid trying to touch, pet, or corner the cat. Keeping your distance helps keep both you and the cat safe.
- Observe Their Behavior: Watch from afar. A feral cat will usually avoid people, stay quiet, and move quickly out of sight. If the cat is friendly, vocal, or approaches you, it may be a stray or lost pet and may need different help.
- Look for an Ear Tip: Check the cat’s ear (usually the left). A small, flat tip missing from the ear means the cat has already been spayed or neutered through a TNR program and does not need to be trapped again.
- Do Not Attempt to Trap on Your Own: Trapping feral cats requires training and proper equipment. Improper trapping can injure the cat or cause them to abandon their territory. Always contact a local rescue, shelter, or TNR group for guidance.
- Contact Us: If the cat is not ear-tipped, injured, or you believe there may be multiple cats in the area, reach out to Animal Control or us. We can assess the situation and determine the safest next steps.
- Provide Help Safely (If Advised): Only if recommended by Animal Control or one of our staff, you may be asked to provide food, water, or help monitor the cat’s location. Never attempt to bring a feral cat indoors.
- Act Quickly for Emergencies: If the cat appears seriously injured, trapped, or in immediate danger, contact animal control or a local rescue organization right away.
