Help2 min
You found a cat: helping and finding their owner
Check safety first, then establish whether the cat needs help and has a home.
DO NOT LOOK AWAY. HELP GENTLY.
Someone’s life
can become warmer.
Life on the street, illness and loneliness do not define a cat and are not their choice. Find a safe next step, even if this is your first time helping.
WHEN MINUTES MAY MATTER
First contact
a veterinary clinic.
Difficulty breathing or open-mouth breathing, unconsciousness, seizures, severe injury, suspected poisoning, or straining to urinate without producing urine require urgent help.
Do not wait for an answer online. Call the nearest available clinic, describe the condition and ask about safe transport. Do not give medication on your own.
Warning signs and first steps ↗DIFFERENT SITUATIONS, THE SAME CARE
What happened now?
Help2 min
An injured cat outdoors: first steps
Contact a veterinarian immediately and protect yourself from bites and scratches.
Help2 min
Found kittens: helping without separating them from their mother
Assess their safety and condition; seek help immediately if they are in danger.
Health2 min
Caring for a sick cat at home
A calm space and careful observations help your veterinarian assess your cat.
Help2 min
Fostering a cat: agreements and care
A temporary home needs a clear plan, support and respect for the carer’s limits.
Help2 min
How to prepare to adopt a cat
A suitable home depends on compatible needs, time and available support.
THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO HELP
Cannot take a cat home?
You can still help.
With time and action
Ask a local shelter whether it needs help with cleaning, photographs, transport or fostering. Agree on conditions and your capacity first.
With attention and resources
Check the organization, its reporting and current needs. Agree on useful help first, such as food, supplies or payment for a verified need.
With responsible care
Pet identification, neutering discussed with a veterinarian, and humane help for street cats work better than one-off promises to save everyone.
Your help also
needs care.
You do not have to face a difficult situation alone. Ask a clinic, experienced volunteers and loved ones for support. Set boundaries: sustainable help starts with realistic capacity.
All guides to helping ↗