How can you tell the difference between a stray cat and a pet cat?

Question

We found a cat living on our porch in 105 degree heat. He looked thin so I fed him and gave him water. He is not neutered and overall looks healthy on the outside he is very friendly and is not wearing a collar. I have a small child and I am trying to protect our health, but make sure this animal gets the proper care.

Answer 1

By their fur and how thin they are. Mostly stray cats have dirty fur and they are very thin and they are afraid by the presents of the humans. Pet cats have shiny, clean fur and they are well fed. But there are some stray cats that were pets from people that they have abounded them, these cats aren't afraid , if there weren't abused by humans. Some stray cats become pets, because they see that you are giving them food and you are kind, they automatically become your pet. I think that cat was in contact with many humans, maybe that's why it's so friendly. If you want take care of the cat, wash it and give it vaccines and other medical treatments. This will turn these little feline into a diseases free sweet fur ball. I think that you know how to protect your child and to have a cat too.When your child grows he/she will have a friend, you know how children are. Best wishes for you and your family.

Answer 2

A stray can have Been a pet, so there's no way of knowing. There Is a difference between a Feral cat and a tame cat, whether it's a pet now or is a stray now. A feral cat wouldn't let you get anywhere near it- they are Completely wild. Put up posters saying you found a cat. Contact animal control to see if anyone has reported one missing. You can take it to animal control or a vet to have it scanned to see if it has a micro chip.

Answer 3

There's no real way to tell -- a lot of times pet cats become strays and strays become pets. People will often feed and take care of a "stray" cat but never take it inside or claim it as their own. If the cat isn't mangy or acting strange I would assume it is a healthy stray. Ask your neighbors if they've seen him before -- and you can always call the local shelter. I would not worry about the cat carry anything that will harm your family's health.

Answer 4

A pet cat can be a stray...wandered away from home or was dumped out by owner. The difference you are talking about I think is referred to as "feral" cat which is a cat born into the wild and has no domestic qualities and can be diseased and wild. But to be sure you have a healthy cat you might want to take it to a veternarian for a check up. Hope you can keep the cat and enjoy it for years to come.

Answer 5

He is probably a stray, someone's lost pet. That would explain why he is nice and friendly.

Post some flyers around the neighborhood with his picture and check the local paper for notices about lost cats.

Answer 6

by the sound of it, i think hes a stray. thats how i got my cat i thought he was a stray but i wasnt sure, then one day my dad saved him from getting hit by a truck right in front of our house and that threw me over the ledge. right now he sitting next to me fat and spoiled meowing to be pet. i dont think you should take the chance of something bad happening to the cat. plus if hes sweet then he should make a good cat for the kiddos but make sure he gets atleast 1 trip to the vet. if you really dont wanna keep him, you should hold him inside for like a week and put hand made flyers up around your neighborhood saying you found him. if no callbacks and you still dont want him, plz plz plz, take him to the animal shelter. hes much better off there than out on the street. trust me. hope i could help.

Answer 7

I would just check the paper and look for missing cat ads. I think your local paper will even let you run a ad saying that you found a cat for free. That way if the owners see it they can contact you. Or you can make some fliers and post them around the area you found the cat. Until you know for sure I would keep it away from your child and not chance that it might have something that could in infect them.

Answer 8

Take the cat to the vet and get him evaluated. Have the cat spayed/neutered and vaccinated. If it turns out to be a pet, then the owner's will thank you. If not, then you, your family and the cat are safer and healthier for your actions.

If the cat doesn't run from you, it isn't a feral cat.

Answer 9

If you feed a cat, it will stay with you.
In some states, you feed a cat, it is your responsibility, including getting it neutered and it's meds. I suggest you feed it, water it, and leave it outside.
Don't pet it, or allow your child to pet it.
It could have rabies, or parasites like ticks or it might act fine and then bite or scratch you to get away.
Possibly, he got out wherever he lives and got turned around, or was dropped off at your doorstep.
If you don't feed it, someone else will. Or it will die a horrible slow death.
I have called the animal shelter before and gotten a trap to catch them, and then they are put to sleep or adopted out.
Now, are no-kill shelters, too, which will take care of him until he dies or gets adopted. They get by on donations.
Don't let it in your house, or it will mark--that is pee- a really stinky pee--EVERYWHERE, since he is not fixed.
Good luck!

Answer 10

Seems to me that this cat is a stray.

Thin, outside in 105 degree heat, and not neutered/spayed. Most cat owners ( such as myself) usually neuter/spay them. If you want to keep it I'm sure no one is going to come looking for it. Id get it checked out at the vets though.