Adopting a Stray: What You Really Need to Know

If you've ever been adopted by a cat, you'll know the feeling: one day you're minding your business, the next, there's a furry face at your back door demanding snacks, shelter, and maybe a spot on your pillow.

But what do you really need to know about adopting a stray? In short — it's a journey that blends compassion with responsibility.

This blog will walk you through how to identify, care for, and welcome a stray cat into your life, using science-backed advice and a splash of real-world wisdom.

Stray vs. Feral: What's the Difference?

Not all cats without a collar are in need of rescue. Some are feral — essentially wild animals — while others are lost or stray pets.

Feral cats are unsocialised and typically avoid humans altogether. They're more likely to be found living in colonies, dodging human contact, and often bear a tell-tale ear-tip indicating they've been neutered and returned.

Stray cats, by contrast, may have had human homes before. They tend to linger near houses, may appear a little underweight, and can sometimes be coaxed into trusting humans again. Unlike feral cats, strays may eventually become loving indoor companions.

Step One: Determine if the Cat Has a Home

Before welcoming a stray into your home, you’ll want to find out if they already belong to someone. Here's how:

• Observe their behaviour and physical condition. A healthy, clean coat often indicates a well-cared-for pet.

• Ask around your neighbourhood. Chances are someone has seen them before.

• Use a paper collar with a note asking if the cat has an owner — and include your phone number.

• Check lost pet listings on local Facebook groups or community boards.

• Visit a vet to scan for a microchip.

According to Cats Protection UK, as of June 2024, all cats must be microchipped by law, which should make reuniting lost cats with their owners easier.

When to Step In: Signs the Cat Needs Help

If the cat appears injured, sick, or very malnourished, it’s time to take action.

A trip to the vet should be your first stop. Studies have shown that early veterinary intervention not only improves survival rates but can significantly reduce long-term health issues (Petcarerx, 2021).

If the vet confirms the cat is unchipped and your efforts to find an owner are unsuccessful, it may be time to consider adoption.

Should You Adopt a Stray Cat?

Absolutely — but consider whether your current situation will allow that cat to thrive.

Adopting a stray can be incredibly rewarding, but it does come with unique challenges. Stray cats may be shy, stressed, or have unknown medical histories.

Key Considerations Before Adopting

Think of adopting a stray cat like planning a cross-country road trip. You wouldn’t just hop in and go — you'd prep first to make the journey smooth and safe for everyone on board.

Here’s what to pack for this feline adventure:

Your Vehicle (Your Home) 

Needs to be road-trip ready — set up a comfy space with food, water, a litter tray, scratching posts, cat trees, cozy hiding spots, and access to a good vet. The correct number of each item would be the number of cats in the home(n) + 1. I.e., Item total = n + 1

Your Map (Your Care Plan) 

Includes the essentials: a thorough vet check-up, flea and worm treatments, vaccinations, microchipping, and neutering if needed.

Your Fuel (Your Budget) 

Should cover more than just the basics — think vet bills, pet insurance, food, litter, enrichment toys, cat furniture and an emergency fund.

Your Roadside Maintenance (Home Care Routine) 

Do you have time to maintain a healthy routine at home: brushing teeth (with the Dental Wand), daily playtime, foraging, puzzle feeders and weekly grooming.

Your traffic forecast (stress triggers)

Involves planning for potential hazards: dogs, other cats, noisy children, or busy environments. Make sure your home can offer calm detours or quiet exits when things get overwhelming.

Transitioning Into Your Home

Stray cats may be nervous or overwhelmed in a new environment. Start with a single, quiet room equipped with all their essentials. Allow them to explore this space at their own pace before opening access to the rest of the home.

Introduce your scent by leaving worn clothing in their room, and spend time reading or talking softly to them. This helps them get used to your presence without pressure.

Watch our full guide on introducing a new cat to your home on YouTube.

Interactive play is one of the most powerful tools to build trust. As explained by feline behaviourist Dr. Mikel Delgado in her book The Power of Play, regular play sessions help cats form positive associations with their environment and with you.

It provides mental stimulation, reduces stress, and supports emotional bonding (Delgado & Heidenreich, 2022). The Dental Wand, feather teasers, or string games mimic natural hunting behaviours, allowing your cat to feel confident and in control. Play not only tires them out physically but satisfies important instinctual needs (Delgado, 2019).

Some suggest sitting still like a "human tree" while the cat explores—but cats are more nuanced than that. Cats use environmental cues and body language to assess safety.

Instead of freezing like a statue, being calm, predictable, and non-threatening is more effective. Cats don’t just want silence; they want signals they can interpret. A relaxed body posture, slow blinking, and softly speaking their name can help them feel reassured (Turner, D.C. et al., 2001).

This aligns with findings from Casey & Bradshaw (2008), who found that cats, especially rescues, form trust and social bonds through consistent, low-pressure interaction where the cat controls the pace.

Outdoor or Indoor?

Experts like the Cat Protection Society recommend keeping newly adopted cats indoors during the settling-in period (at least a month). A secure environment prevents escape and helps build trust.

If you plan to allow outdoor access later, ensure your cat is microchipped and ideally only goes out during the day and under supervision.

What If the Cat Prefers to Stay Outdoors?

Some strays, especially those with feral backgrounds, might not take to indoor living. That’s okay too. Provide shelter, fresh food and water, and veterinary care as needed.

Products like heated outdoor cat houses and weatherproof shelters can make a big difference in their comfort and health.

A Final Word on Love and Patience

Adopting a stray cat is not just an act of kindness — it’s an act of partnership. Some cats will greet you with a headbutt on day one; others may take months to curl up beside you. Either way, you’re offering something invaluable: safety, care, and a second chance.

Thinking of taking in a furry visitor? Read more about pet care and adoption tips on our cat care blog.

P.S. Already adopted a stray? We'd love to hear your story — share it with us in the comments or on socials.

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Resources and References

ASPCA. (2020). Feline Behaviour and Adoption Readiness.

Casey, R., & Bradshaw, J. W. S. (2008). The effects of additional socialisation for kittens in a rescue centre on their behaviour and suitability as a pet. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 114(1–2), 196–205.

Cats Protection UK. (2024). Microchipping Legislation for Cats.

Delgado, M., Feline Minds. (2019). Cat Behaviour: From Outdoors to Indoors.

Delgado, M. M., & Heidenreich, J. (2022). Total Cat Mojo: The Ultimate Guide to Life with Your Cat. Tarcher Perigee.

Turner, D.C. (2001). The Human-Cat Relationship. Journal of Veterinary Behaviour, 1(2), 67–72.