Found a Cat? How to Tell if It’s Lost, Stray or Feral — and How to Help

ByGavin Levenstein

If a cat has started visiting you or you’ve just found one wandering, you’re in the right place. This guide keeps things simple and kind: how to tell if the cat is someone’s lost pet, a friendly stray, or truly feral — and what to do next to reunite it with an owner or help it safely.

I’ve been on both sides of this. A neighbour once lured a friend’s cat away with biltong (it happens!), and my own cat, Jag, was found after two weeks of careful feeding and a vet scan. The goal here is to be helpful, not to accidentally ‘adopt’ someone else’s pet.

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First 24–72 hours checklist

1) Observe from a distance: note behaviour, body condition, and whether there’s a collar or ear-tip (TNR sign). 2) Photograph the cat clearly (face and full body). 3) Post locally: WhatsApp street/complex groups and city lost-and-found pet groups. 4) Try a paper-collar note for friendly, roaming cats to check if there’s an owner nearby. 5) If still around after 24–48 hours, get the cat scanned for a microchip at a vet (usually free). 6) If skittish: borrow a humane trap via your local SPCA or rescue; trap at dusk/early morning. 7) Feed carefully only if the cat is thin or injured; keep portions small so you don’t anchor a healthy pet away from home. 8) If no owner comes forward: follow local hold periods, then work with a rescue to rehome or, for feral cats, arrange TNR (trap–neuter–return).

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How to tell if a cat is lost, stray or feral

  • Friendly and in good condition

– Likely an owned pet with a regular food source. Don’t feed. Try a paper collar note and post locally.

  • Friendly but thin or unkempt

– Could be a lost pet. Post immediately, then scan for a microchip as soon as practical.

  • Skittish or bolts on approach

– Could be a stray or an owned cat that’s frightened. Avoid chasing. Use calm observation; consider a humane trap if needed.

  • Fearful, won’t approach at all, avoids eye contact, may have an ear-tip

– Likely feral or a community cat.

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What to do first: photos, posting and paper-collar notes

  • Take clear photos

– Get face, full body, and any unique markings. Note location, date, and time seen.

  • Post in the right places (South Africa)

– Your street/complex/estate WhatsApp group and neighbourhood watch/CPF. – Facebook: search for ‘Lost and Found Pets [Your City]’ and ‘Missing Pets South Africa’. – Your local SPCA/rescue’s lost-and-found page or hotline. – Put up a simple poster on nearby lampposts and vet noticeboards (use a big, clear photo, location, date, and your contact).

  • Try a paper-collar note (great for well-kept, friendly roamers)

– Cut a strip of paper ±3 cm x 40 cm. Write: – ‘Is this your cat? Please call/text [your number]. Seen near [street/area].’ – Tape the ends with paper or masking tape so it breaks easily if snagged. – Fit it loosely (two fingers should slide under). – If someone messages you, you’ve likely found the owner.

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How to safely catch and transport a cat

  • Don’t chase or grab. This can cause injury and will make the cat flee further.
  • Offer a safe hiding place (open crate or carrier) with a towel and a small amount of high-value food if the cat is thin.
  • For very skittish cats, use a humane trap. Best times: dusk, late night, or early morning when it’s quiet.
  • Transport in a secure carrier covered with a light towel to reduce stress. Never transport a loose cat in a car.

Where to get a humane trap (often loan/low-cost):

  • SPCA branches or many rescue organisations.
  • Ask about refundable deposits, how to set the trap, and when to check it (at least every 2–3 hours; never leave traps unattended overnight without a plan).

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Microchip scanning: what to expect at the vet

  • Most vets in South Africa will scan for a microchip at no charge.
  • If a chip is found, the vet will contact the registry to reach the owner.
  • If details are outdated, ask the vet to note your contact info and keep trying the registry.
  • No chip? Continue to post widely and keep notes of your efforts (dates, groups posted to, vet scan).

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Feeding guidance: when it helps and when it hurts

  • Healthy-looking, well-kept cat

– Don’t feed. You may accidentally lure a loved pet away from its home.

  • Thin, dehydrated, or clearly struggling

– Offer small, frequent meals and fresh water. Avoid cow’s milk. – Use feeding strategically if you need to gain trust for a scan or trap.

  • Hygiene

– Place food away from roads and collect leftovers to avoid attracting wildlife or pests.

Anecdote: I’ve seen a happy, healthy cat gradually move in with neighbours who fed tastier food — heartbreaking for the original family. Good intentions work best with good boundaries.

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If no owner is found: hold periods, rehoming and next steps

  • Keep searching actively for at least 7–14 days while posting updates.
  • Legal and ethical notes (South Africa):

Rehoming responsibly

    – Partner with a rescue for screening and vetting. – If you adopt the cat yourself, prioritise sterilisation, vaccinations, parasite control, and microchipping.

    • When the cat is feral

    – The kindest, most effective option is trap, sterilise, vaccinate, and return to the home territory with a caretaker feeding plan.

    Nuanced note on SPCAs: First try scanning at a vet and posting locally. If you must surrender, call your local SPCA/rescue to ask about intake, hold periods, and outcomes so you can make an informed choice.

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    Managing community cats humanely (TNR in South Africa)

    • Why TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release)

    – Stabilises colony size, reduces nuisance behaviours (yowling, spraying), and improves welfare.

    • How

    1) Plan: identify the cats and a safe feeding/trapping schedule. 2) Trap humanely and transport to a vet or partner clinic for sterilisation and vaccination. 3) Ear-tip indicates a sterilised cat. 4) Return to the same territory with a simple feeding and shelter plan.

    • Get help

    – Many SPCAs and rescues assist with trap loans, sterilisation vouchers, and guidance.

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    Please don’t do this

    • Don’t immediately rehome or keep the cat. First, try to find the owner and follow local hold rules.
    • Don’t overfeed a healthy, collared cat. You can unintentionally cause it to relocate.
    • Don’t chase or corner a frightened cat.
    • Don’t put children or your pets at risk; keep introductions on hold until vet-checked.
    • Don’t assume every SPCA or rescue operates the same; policies and hold periods vary — always ask.

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    Tools that prevent future losses

    • Microchip

    – Permanent ID linked to owner details. Keep contact info updated with the registry.

    • Collar and ID tag

    – Quick, visible way for neighbours to call you. Include two phone numbers and suburb.

    • GPS tracker vs AirTag (for South Africa)

    – GPS tracker: live location, escape alerts, and nationwide coverage using cellular networks — best for outdoor cats or flight risks. – AirTag-style devices: rely on nearby Apple devices; fine for gear tracking, but coverage and update frequency can be inconsistent for roaming cats.

    If you’re curious, explore TailMe’s GPS trackers and ID solutions to keep beloved wanderers safe.

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    FAQ

    Q: How do I tell if a cat is lost or stray? A: Look at condition and behaviour. Well-kept and friendly usually indicates an owned pet; thin or suddenly appearing daily suggests a lost pet; fearful cats that avoid people are often feral/community cats. Use a paper collar and scan for a microchip to be sure.

    Q: Where should I post a found cat in South Africa? A: Your neighbourhood WhatsApp/CPF, city-specific Facebook lost-and-found pet groups, and your local SPCA/rescue. Add posters at nearby vets and key intersections.

    Q: Do vets charge to scan for a microchip? A: Most vets will scan a found pet for free in South Africa. Phone ahead if you’re unsure.

    Q: Should I feed a cat I found? A: If the cat looks healthy, avoid feeding to prevent accidental relocation. If thin or unwell, offer small meals and water, then plan a vet scan.

    Q: How long before a found cat is legally mine in South Africa? A: There’s no single national rule. Many SPCAs observe a hold period (often up to 7 days for identifiable pets). Report the found cat and keep records of your efforts before rehoming via a reputable rescue.

    Q: How do I catch a skittish cat humanely? A: Use a humane trap, place it along the cat’s route, bait lightly, and check frequently. Contact your SPCA or rescue for a loan trap and setup guidance.

    Q: What is TNR and how do I do it? A: Trap–Neuter–Return humanely reduces colony size and improves welfare. Work with local SPCAs/rescues for sterilisation, ear-tipping, and return planning.

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    In summary: be kind, be methodical, and think like a neighbour who wants to reunite a loved pet with its family. If you need personalised advice, reach out to us — we’re here to help.

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