It's not always easy to tell if a cat seen outside is simply out for a stroll or if it's actually stray. However, this distinction is crucial: a domestic cat will find its way home , while a stray cat needs help to survive .
Here are 5 simple and reliable criteria to identify if a cat is lost, abandoned or stray… and know how to act responsibly.
1. The appearance of the coat
The coat is one of the first visual indicators:
- Domestic cat : clean, smooth, often shiny coat.
- Stray cat : matted, dirty, wet or matted fur. Possible presence of parasites (fleas, ticks), bald patches or injuries.
A stray cat spends less time grooming because it is in survival mode and conserving its energy.
2. The condition of the body and muscles
- Domestic cat : stable weight, balanced silhouette.
- Stray cat : visible ribs, sunken belly, weakened muscles.
A stray cat often has a very thin body because it burns more calories than it consumes.
According to the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, a stray cat can lose up to 30% of its body mass during the winter.
3. Behavior towards humans
- Domestic cat : approach may be confident, curious, or indifferent.
- Stray or abandoned cat : wary, fearful, defensive, sometimes aggressive out of fear.
A cat that meows in front of a house or stays for a long time on a property is probably looking for help; it's not just passing through.
4. Signs of territory or abandonment
Signs of a free-roaming domestic cat :
- He regularly goes in and out of the same place.
- He is wearing a necklace or a medal.
Signs of a stray or abandoned cat :
- He wanders without a clear direction.
- He sleeps outside, seeking refuge under cars or in bushes.
- It follows humans or stays near houses.
5. The presence (or absence) of identification
- Identified domestic cats often have a microchip or a tattoo in their ear.
- An unidentified and unneutered cat (intact male or female in heat) is very likely a stray.
If you can get close to him, a veterinarian can check for free if he is microchipped.
Conclusion: recognition is already protection
Knowing how to distinguish between a domestic cat and a stray cat is the first step towards just and responsible action .
If the cat shows signs of being a stray – thinness, fear, damaged fur, searching for shelter – it is urgent to offer it shelter or contact an association.
With Miawi, we provide shelters specifically designed to accommodate stray cats , protecting them from the cold, heat and humidity, while offering them a sense of security essential to their survival.
A stray cat doesn't choose to be outside. With Miawi, you can choose to reach out to it.
