Not every cat living outside is feral—some are lost, abandoned, or simply seeking human companionship. If you’ve encountered a friendly stray cat, you might wonder how to help them find a safe and loving home. Placing a cat in a home requires patience, planning, and the right resources to ensure their long-term well-being.

This guide walks you through the key steps in determining whether a cat is truly adoptable, preparing them for a home, and connecting them with responsible adopters.

Step 1: Determine If the Cat Is Truly a Stray

Before moving forward, confirm the cat doesn’t already have a home:

✔ Check for Identification – Look for a collar and tags. If the cat is friendly enough, check for an ear tip (which indicates they’ve been part of a TNVR program and may be a cared-for community cat).

✔ Scan for a Microchip – Many veterinary offices and animal shelters will scan for a chip at no cost. This could lead to a reunion with an owner.

✔ Post Locally – Share a photo on neighborhood apps (Nextdoor, Facebook groups) and check lost pet listings. Some cats may have owners looking for them.

⚠ Important: If the cat appears well-fed, confident, and only visits occasionally, they may be a neighbor’s outdoor pet. While GiluFunds strongly advocates for keeping cats indoors for their safety, we recognize that some people allow their pets outside. Unfortunately, outdoor cats face serious dangers—cars, predators, poison, and cruelty. If a cat seems to be at risk, you can politely inquire with neighbors, check for lost pet notices, and, if necessary, seek guidance from a rescue on the best course of action.

Step 2: Assess the Cat’s Temperament

Friendly behavior doesn’t always mean a cat is ready for adoption. Observe their personality, but also consider the circumstances—a lost or abandoned cat may be acting out of fear rather than true feral behavior.

• Affectionate & Approachable – Comes up to people, seeks attention, purrs, and allows handling.
• Cautious but Social – Hesitant but shows interest in human interaction, responds to gentle coaxing.
• Fearful but Not Feral – Runs away, hides, or even hisses when approached, but shows signs of curiosity or cautious engagement over time.
• Truly Feral – Avoids human contact, keeps a safe distance, shows no interest in interaction (these cats should remain in their outdoor colonies).

⚠ Important: A lost, dumped, or displaced friendly cat may be extremely stressed and operating in survival mode. Many cats instinctively hide from strangers—even house cats can become fearful and defensive in unfamiliar outdoor settings. If a cat runs away or hisses at first, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are feral. With patience, food, and gentle interaction, they may begin to show signs of trust.

If you’re unsure, observe the cat over time. A friendly but scared cat may gradually warm up, while a true feral will consistently avoid human interaction.

Step 3: Provide Veterinary Care & Socialization

Schedule a Vet Check-Up – Before helping a cat find a home, ensure they are healthy. This includes:

• A physical exam and vaccinations.
• Testing for FeLV/FIV (especially if they’ll be joining a multi-cat household).
• Spaying/neutering (essential to prevent future litters).

Create a Safe Transitional Space – If bringing the cat indoors:

• Use a quiet, enclosed area with a litter box, food, and a hiding spot.
• Allow time for adjustment before introducing them to a full home environment.
• Start slow—hand-feed treats, use gentle play, and let them set the pace for interaction.

Step 4: Find a Responsible Adopter

Once the cat is healthy and ready for a home, the next step is placement.

📝 Create a Pet Profile:

• Take clear photos and write a compelling description highlighting their personality, age, and health status.
• Be honest about any special needs or behaviors.

📢 Where to Share:

• Rescue networks and foster-based adoption programs.
• Pet adoption websites (Adopt-a-Pet, Petfinder, Rehome by Best Friends).
• Social media (local rescue pages, community groups).

🛑 Avoid ‘Free to Good Home’ Listings! Sadly, some people exploit these opportunities for unethical purposes. Always ensure proper screening.

Step 5: Work with a Rescue for Screening and Adoption

Finding a safe home for a friendly stray cat is a big responsibility. While individuals can play a crucial role in rescuing and socializing cats, partnering with a reputable rescue organization is the best way to ensure the cat’s safety and well-being.

Why Work with a Rescue?

✔ Thorough Screening – Rescues know what to look for in potential adopters, including red flags that might not be obvious to individuals.

✔ Adoption Agreements – Most rescues use legally binding contracts to ensure lifelong commitment.

✔ Return Policies – If the adopter can no longer care for the cat, rescues will take them back—preventing abandonment or rehoming to an unsuitable environment.

✔ Vet References & Home Checks – Many rescues verify veterinary history and may conduct home visits to confirm a safe environment.

How to Connect with a Rescue for Adoption Support

• Reach out to local cat rescues and explain the situation. Many have networks of potential adopters and can facilitate the process.
• Ask about their policies—some rescues allow individuals to foster until a home is found, while others take over placement entirely.
• If listing the cat yourself, ensure adopters go through a rescue-affiliated process rather than handling screening alone.

By working with a rescue, you’re not only increasing the cat’s chances of finding a responsible home, but you’re also ensuring long-term protection if circumstances change for the adopter.

Final Thoughts: Every Cat Deserves a Safe Home

Helping a friendly stray cat find a loving home is an incredibly rewarding experience. With the right steps—identification, socialization, vet care, and responsible adoption screening—you can ensure their future is secure.

If you’re unable to take in a friendly cat yourself, consider working with a rescue group or becoming a short-term foster. Every effort counts in creating a world where no cat is left behind.

👉 Looking for more ways to help? Check out our Volunteer Opportunities and How You Can Support TNVR.