More and more people are finding cats in their gardens or yards. But how can you tell if it's a lost cat, a stray, or simply a neighbor out for a stroll? And most importantly, how can you help it without making a mistake? Here's a simple and practical guide.
1. Observe before acting
First and foremost, it is important to discreetly observe the cat:
- Does he look thin, unwell, or injured?
- Is he wearing a collar or does he look well-groomed?
- Does he regularly return to the same place?
A domestic cat can simply explore its territory, which sometimes extends over several hundred meters . But a stray cat is often recognizable by its dirty fur, its wary behavior, and its constant search for food.
2. Check if it is identified
In France, the law requires that cats be identified by electronic chip or tattoo .
- If you can get close to him, take him to a veterinarian: reading the chip is free and helps to find his owner.
- If the cat is not identified, it may be stray or abandoned.
3. Provide him with shelter and food
If the cat appears to be homeless, you can help it in a simple way:
- Set up a shelter outside so he has a safe place to sleep.
- Give him kibble and clean water (avoid milk, which 70% of adult cats digest poorly).
- Always place the water in the shade or protected from frost depending on the season.
A well-placed shelter can be enough to transform one's daily life.
4. Contact a local association
Animal protection associations and the town hall can intervene:
- Some municipalities work with associations to capture, sterilize and release stray cats in order to control their population.
- In 2022, more than 60,000 cats were sterilized in France thanks to this type of collective operation.
If the cat is injured, it is best to contact an association or shelter for prompt care.
5. Respect the cat's rhythm
A stray cat can be very wary.
- Never force contact.
- Let it come on its own, often through food and regularity.
- Trust can take several weeks, or even several months.
Welcoming a stray cat, a gesture that matters
Discovering a stray cat in your garden is an opportunity to do something kind. Whether it's offering it shelter, checking its identity, or contacting an animal welfare organization, every action can improve its life, or even save its life.
At Miawi, we believe that every home can become a potential refuge for these vulnerable animals.
