How do you know if it's a stray?

[FushandChups]

There's a cat which seems new to our road and doesn't have a collar and is pretty thin and needy looking and I am wondering if it's a stray? I have heard a cat crying at night the last week or so and I think it might be this one but it's hard to tell?

Perhaps we have new neighbours and it's just visiting our street... what would you do? it looks hungry but don't all cats?

I don't know whether to try and tempt them in and try and get scanned. My own cat is not impressed so really unsure what to do

[Fluffycloudland77]

Feed it and offer water, then go for a paper collar with "is this your cat" written on it and your mobile number.

[MexicanSpringtime]

I had a cat that used to pretend to be a stray and got extra food from all the kind old ladies in my neighbourhood. Mind you she was certainly not skinny.

[Fluffycloudland77]

The thinness is what makes me think its a stray, if no one rings when you put a paper collar on her you could take her to the vet and they scan for free.

Poor little thing.

[FushandChups]

I don't think I can get close enough for the collar - s/he is incredibly skittish and timid. I tried to coax it closer with a few treats earlier and it was desperate but wouldn't even come within an arms length of the door - I ended up throwing some close to them, which it promptly gobbled up... but it flinched at the slightest of movements (not helped by my cat making an appearance - obviously sensed there were treats in the offing!)

I just know from this board and the number of posters I see locally that if they are lost, there is probably someone missing them so much and I want to help.

It's all quiet outside at the moment though...

[Fluffycloudland77]

Could you put food out overnight?

[FushandChups]

Yes - will go and do that now!

[thecatneuterer]

A cat that is that hungry and yet that timid has to be a stray that's become a bit feral. I think you're going to have to feed him/her and gain it's trust over time. Do keep a close eye though for signs of pregnancy, as it could be an unneutered female, in which case you'll need to get a charity involved pronto.

Hopefully eventually it will be tame enough to take to a vet to check for a chip and check it's neutered. After that you can make a decision about what to do, but one step at a time.

It's great that you're helping it.