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Finding an abandoned cat can be a heart-wrenching experience. You may wonder what you should do to help the cat and ensure its well-being. In this article, we will explore various options and provide guidance on how to handle an abandoned cat. It’s important to note that before taking any action, you should determine whether the cat is truly abandoned or if it could be a feral cat or someone’s lost pet. Once you’ve made this distinction, you can proceed with the appropriate steps.
Abandoned, Feral, or Lost: Understanding the Difference
Determining whether a cat is abandoned, feral, or lost can be challenging. Each category requires a different approach for their well-being.
Feral Cats: Born to Roam
Feral cats are cats that were born outside and have not been socialized with humans. They typically live in colonies and are not suitable as house pets. These cats are often fearful of people and may exhibit specific behaviors that distinguish them from abandoned or lost pets.
Identifying a Feral Cat
When approaching a feral cat, you may notice the following signs:
- The cat runs away when approached, avoiding any contact.
- The cat does not meow or purr.
- The cat is consistently seen in the same location at the same time each day.
If you encounter a feral cat, it’s important to understand that socializing them is a lengthy process, and some cats may never become comfortable around humans. However, feral cats can still serve as valuable mousers in certain environments, such as barns or rural areas.
Lost Pets: A Chance for Reunion
Sometimes, a house cat may escape and become disoriented, making it difficult for them to find their way back home. These cats are typically socialized and may approach humans for food or attention. If you come across a friendly cat, there’s a possibility it may be a lost pet.
Steps to Help a Lost Pet
If you believe the cat you’ve found is a lost pet, follow these steps:
- Approach the cat cautiously, as they may be scared or skittish.
- Check for identification tags or a collar with contact information. If you find any, contact the owner immediately.
- Take the cat to a veterinarian or local shelter to check for a microchip. Microchips are a common method of identification for pets.
- Utilize community platforms such as NextDoor or local Facebook lost pet pages to search for potential owners who have reported missing cats.
By following these steps, you increase the chances of reuniting the lost cat with its worried owner.
Abandoned Cats: A Cry for Help
Abandoned cats are those left behind when their owners move or neglect to care for them. These cats are often social and may display signs of hunger and longing for their family’s return.
Recognizing an Abandoned Cat
When encountering an abandoned cat, the following signs may indicate its situation:
- The cat seeks attention and affection from humans.
- The cat appears hungry and may approach people for food.
- The cat lingers around the place it was abandoned, hoping for its family’s return.
If you determine that the cat is abandoned and no owners have been located, you have several options to consider for its well-being.
Options for Dealing with an Abandoned Cat
Once you’ve confirmed that the cat is not feral and no owners have been found, it’s crucial to decide what to do to ensure the cat’s safety and happiness. Here are three options to consider:
1. Keep Him: Becoming a Hero and a Pet Parent
If you have the means and willingness to care for the abandoned cat, adopting them can be a fulfilling experience. By providing a loving home, you become the cat’s hero and gain a new family member. Before making this decision, consider the responsibilities and financial commitments that come with pet ownership.
2. Surrender Him: Seeking Help from Shelters
Animal shelters and rescues are dedicated to finding homes for abandoned animals. By surrendering the cat to a shelter, you give them the opportunity to provide the care and resources needed to find the cat a new, loving home. However, it’s essential to research and choose a shelter with a low euthanasia rate to ensure the best outcome for the cat.
3. Rehome Him Yourself: An Act of Kindness
Taking the time to find the abandoned cat a new, loving home is a selfless act of kindness. You can actively participate in the rehoming process by utilizing resources available online, such as the Rehome website. This platform offers tips and tools to facilitate the process and connect potential adopters with the cat.
Conclusion
Encountering an abandoned cat can be a challenging situation, but by understanding the different categories of feral, lost, and abandoned cats, you can make informed decisions about how to help them. Whether you choose to adopt the cat, surrender them to a shelter, or take the initiative to rehome them yourself, your actions can make a significant difference in their lives. Remember, each cat deserves love, care, and a chance for a happy, fulfilling life.