by Adopt a Pet, | March 19, 2024
Share
Галина Ласаева / Pexels
You can take a stray cat to the vet, and should do so if you are comfortable with it. A stray cat is one that is homeless or lost, versus a feral cat that is unsocialized and cannot be handled by people. By taking a stray cat to the vet, the veterinarian will be able to scan for a microchip and check the overall health of the cat.
In this article:
Scanning for a microchip
One of the most important reasons to bring a stray cat to the vet is to check if the cat is microchipped. If they are chipped, the owner of the cat can be contacted. If they are not chipped, you can ask your vet about the proper next step. Different regions have different rules — for example, some areas require you to report the cat to animal control, while other areas may insist you bring the cat to an animal shelter for a holding period.
What kind of vet care does a stray cat need?
When a cat lives most of their life with humans and then becomes homeless or lost, they may have a hard time because they aren’t used to fending for themselves. They may be malnourished, have a matted coat, or not have the proper up-to-date vaccinations that protect them from other cats with FiV, wildlife with rabies, etc. Your vet can evaluate any ailments the cat may have and begin treatment.
Rehoming a stray cat
Many times, stray cats are used to and enjoy human interaction, making them good candidates for adoption. Once you are sure that you’ve followed the proper procedure in your area for dealing with a stray cat, you can choose to adopt them or rehome them.
If you choose to help them find a new home, one helpful resource is Rehome. You can create a profile for the cat that will appear on Adopt a Pet for millions of potential adopters to see. You’ll also find tips for interviewing potential adopters, a contract for the legal transfer of ownership, and much more.
A safe, reliable way to rehome your pet
Get Started
Adopt a Pet
Related articles
Rehome
What to Do With a Stray Cat: How to Earn Their Trust
Rehome
How Long Does the Humane Society Keep Cats?
Rehome
How Can I Tell If a Stray Cat is Pregnant?
Rehome
What to Do With a Stray Cat: How to Earn Their Trust
Found a stray cat? Follow these steps to ensure their well-being while you search for their people.
Foster & Volunteer
Stray Cats: What to Do If You Find a Stray Cat
Found a stray cat? Follow these steps to ensure its well-being while you search for their people or a new home
Shelters & Rescue
What to Do if You Find a Lost or Stray Pet?
Have you ever come across a lost pet and wondered what to do? Read more to learn the best steps to take.
Foster & Volunteer
Everything You Need to Know About Cat Shelter Volunteering
Once you know what to expect, spending your spare time caring for felines can be the best decision you’ve ever made.
Shelters & Rescue
What to Do if You Find a Lost or Stray Pet?
Have you ever come across a lost pet and wondered what to do? Read more to learn the best steps to take.
Adoption Advice
Why Should You Adopt a Cat?
Adoption Advice
What is a Rescue Dog?
Learn what a rescue dog is and why these pups make the best buddies.
Adoption Advice
Can You Adopt an Ear-Tipped Cat?
Ear-tipped cats might be friendly — but they shouldn’t always come home with you. Learn what their ears indicate, and when it’s okay to adopt them.
Adoption Advice
Can You Change a Dog’s Name? Yep, and Here’s How…
Your dog can adjust to a new name, and it’s easier than you might think.
Adoption Advice
A Guide to Adopting and Caring for an Outdoor Cat
The benefits and challenges of adopting an outdoor cat, plus tips to keep them happy and healthy
Shelters & Rescue
Are Shelter Pets Healthy?
Rehome
Can You Keep a Stray Dog You Found?
Here are some steps to take before trying to adopt a stray dog.
Foster & Volunteer
Stray Pets: What to do if You Find a Stray Pet
Found a stray animal and not sure what to do? Here are ten tips to guide you.
Shelters & Rescue
Pet Adoption: How To Find A Pet Rescue?
Looking to adopt? Here are some helpful guidelines on finding a reputable pet rescue organization.
Shelters & Rescue
Stray Dog: What to Do If You Find a Stray Dog
Found a stray dog in your neighborhood? Read more to learn how to help safely.
Shelters & Rescue
Lost Dog? Use Our Lost-or-Found Poster Template to Bring Them Home
Here’s how to make an effective lost dog poster — whether your pet is missing or you found a stray pup — and increase the chances of a safe homecoming
Behavior & Training
Can You Train An Outdoor Cat To Be An Indoor Cat?
Adoption Advice
How to Find a Cat to Adopt: Where to Adopt a Cat
Looking for a reputable cat shelter? Learn more about how you can find a cat shelter that meets your expectations.
Rehome
The 5 Top Reasons Cats Are Taken to Shelters (And How to Prevent Surrendering Them)
Nobody wants to part with their beloved pet — and you don’t have to. Here are some practical solutions to consider before assuming your cat isn’t working out.
Rehome
Rehome My Pet: How to Find a Home For My Pet
If you’re considering finding a new home for a pet, check out Rehome. It’s Adopt a Pet’s safe, simple program that lets people safely rehome a pet.
Shelters & Rescue
10 Vital Questions to Ask When Adopting a Cat from a Shelter
Not every cat will be a match for you (and vice versa). Here’s how to find “the one.”
Shelters & Rescue
How Bad Is Pet Overpopulation?
Read on for the grim statistics and hopeful solutions to this national problem plaguing shelters and rescues alike
Adoption Advice
Cat Health: How to Take Care of Your New Kitten’s Health Needs
Your guide to everything you need to know — because preventing kitten health problems is far less expensive (and easier) than treating illnesses
Adoption Advice
Should You Spay or Neuter Your Cat? (Spoiler Alert: Yes.)
Here is why spaying or neutering your cat is important, and what to expect.
Adoption Advice
How To Get A Cat To Like You: Cat Adoption Meet & Greet
Preparing to visit the cat shelter? Learn more about the meet and greet process and how you can get a new cat to like you.