Found a stray cat but aren’t sure what to do next? You’re not alone. While many people think the RSPCA should be the first port of call, that’s not necessarily the case.
While many people instinctively call the RSPCA when they spot a stray cat, RSPCA branches across Australia are urging the public to contact their local council instead — unless the cat is injured, sick, or showing signs of cruelty or neglect.
Where do you take stray cats in Australia?
If you do come across a healthy stray cat, the best thing you can do is to contact your local council.
An article posted on the RSPCA New South Wales website says, “At RSPCA NSW, we understand the public looks to us as a leader in animal welfare; however, when it comes to healthy stray animals, we are not the primary authority.”
In fact, the RSPCA is legally required to transfer healthy stray animals to the relevant local council within 72 hours. This means the animal needs to undergo more handling and stress, and RSPCA resources are diverted from cruelty prevention and veterinary care.
Contact your local council
According to RSPCA NSW, under the NSW Companion Animals Act 1998, it’s the council’s legal responsibility to handle healthy stray and roaming animals. The RSPCA focuses its resources on animals in distress, rather than healthy strays that appear to be thriving.
How can I tell if a cat is an unowned stray?
Cats are curious, independent animals, and not all outdoor cats are lost or in need of rescue. Some are owned cats that roam, others are semi-owned (fed by neighbours but not officially claimed), and some are unowned feral cats that avoid human contact.
This makes it challenging to know what to do when a cat starts frequenting your home, garden, or workplace.
You can get a good idea of whether a cat is an unowned stray by examining their appearance, behaviour, and ID. A cat that roams confidently in daylight, looks clean and well-fed, or wears a collar (or has ear tattoos indicating desexing/microchipping) is likely to belong to someone and is just visiting.
By contrast, a genuine stray often appears unkempt or underweight, may be hungry, skittish, or hovering for food and shelter. Ask neighbours or post locally to try and find an owner before assuming it’s homeless.
If no owner surfaces, take the cat to a veterinarian or a local animal shelter to scan for a microchip.
What if the cat is pregnant, feral, or has kittens?
- Pregnant stray cat: Contact your local shelter, rescue group, or council. They can advise on the safest way to handle the situation and may take the cat into foster care.
- Kittens left alone: If you come across a litter of kittens without their mother, don’t assume they’ve been abandoned. In many cases, the mother is nearby, likely hunting for food. Intervening too soon — especially by moving the kittens — can cause the mother to abandon them altogether. It’s best to observe from a distance and contact a local rescue group or shelter for guidance.
- Feral cats: These are harder to rehome and often require specialised management. Councils may work with animal welfare organisations to trap, neuter, and release or relocate feral cats.
- Sick stray cats near you: If you find a sick stray cat, time is of the essence. Call your closest vet or RSPCA branch for advice.
Can I take a stray cat to a shelter for free?
Yes, most councils and shelters do not charge a fee to take in stray or lost animals. That said, some rescue organisations rely on donations, so if you’re able, consider contributing to help cover care costs.
Deterring stray cats
If stray cats are frequenting your yard or deck, there are several humane ways to gently deter them. Removing food sources is the first step — avoid leaving pet food, scraps, or uncovered bins outside. You can also use strong scents that cats dislike, such as citrus peels, coffee grounds, or commercial cat deterrent sprays, around entry points or garden beds.
Motion-activated sprinklers or ultrasonic devices can startle cats without causing harm, encouraging them to move on. For those seeking a more passive approach, placing chicken wire or rough-textured mats in common lounging spots can make the area less appealing.
Remember, stray cats are simply looking for food, water, and shelter, so making your space less welcoming — without harming them — is the most effective way to discourage repeat visits.
Adopt a stray cat
Adopting a stray cat isn’t as simple as bringing it home. While your intentions may be in the right place, there are significant legal and ethical steps that must be followed. Stray cats may have an owner, so it’s essential to check for microchips and report the found animal to your local council or shelter before claiming it as your own.
If no one comes forward, many shelters have rehoming protocols or foster-to-adopt programs to ensure the cat is healthy, desexed, and properly socialised. Taking these steps helps protect both you and the cat, provided you adopt responsibly.
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