Due to the unfortunate issue of cat overpopulation in America, it's probably not uncommon to see stray cats roaming about your neighborhood. These friendly creatures are desperate for love and affection, but more importantly, seeking food and a warm place to sleep.  For an animal lover, it is impossible not to want to help by taking in a stray, but some people may hesitate and wonder, “Is it safe to adopt stray cats?”  The answer to this question is not always cut and dry but if you are considering taking in a stray, here are some important things to consider.

Stray Cats vs. Feral Cats

Although some people use the terms interchangeably, there is a big difference between stray cats and feral cats.  A stray cat was at one time someone's pet, but was abandoned or lost. For this reason, stray cats tend to be fairly tame and quite comfortable around people. A feral cat, on the other hand, has been raised in the wild since birth or has been left to its own defenses for so long it has adapted to life in the wild.

Stray cats typically seek out humans because they rely on them for food and shelter; they have yet to learn to fend for themselves and may seek refuge in your garage, porch or shed. Feral cats tend to be skittish and will keep a safe distance from humans; they have been in the wild long enough to fear human contact and choose to survive on their own, even though they may be very thin.

If the cat in question is clearly a stray, seeking instead of avoiding human contact, you are more likely going to be able to adopt the cat, although there are other factors to consider as well. However, trying to tame or adopt a feral cat is not recommended, because they likely won't acclimate well to indoor life, nor is this the best solution for the prospective owner or for the cat. If you are concerned about the well-being of feral cats in your area, contact your local shelter, or visit Alley Cat Allies for information on how to protect feral cats.

Are They Healthy? 

Before you adopt a stray cat, or dog for that matter, ask yourself if the animal is healthy and if you will be able and willing to pay for medical treatment. Many stray cats carry parasites, such as fleas, worms and ear mites. In the worst cases, stray cats can have more severe health issues, including serious diseases. Before allowing a stray cat to come into your home and have contact with your family and other pets, take the cat to a veterinarian for a thorough exam.

Even tame strays may resist a pet carrier at first, so you may need to gain their trust through regular feeding before you can manage to get them to the vet.  Try to avoid direct contact and be careful to exercise rigorous hygiene, especially if you live with other animals or children.  The sooner you have the cat examined, the safer you and your family will be. Placing a tray of food inside a carrier as bait may work, and the veterinarian will be able to handle things on his or her end.

Indoor vs. Outdoor

Stray cats that have only recently been lost or abandoned may be able to return indoors, but most cats that have had a taste of the wild will not be content to stay inside for long.  They may express their discontentment by clawing on furniture or doors, chewing on carpet or window screens, or urinating on your curtains. If you're not comfortable having an indoor/outdoor cat, then you may want to consider that as much as a stray cat wants food, warmth and affection, it may not be willing to give up the freedom to roam and explore the outdoors. Regardless of whether you plan to keep your new pet indoors or outdoors, do your part to control the pet population and have it neutered or spayed.

Most Importantly: Use Proper Identification

Before you commit to a stray cat, notify your local shelters with a description of the animal you have recovered or contact the Lost Pet Recovery network.  Your veterinarian should scan the cat for a microchip during the first routine checkup but if not, find a shelter that will.  Your stray may in fact belong to someone else!

When you can be sure that no one is coming for your cat, be responsible and prevent him or her from becoming a stray again.  Microchip your cat and register with accurate contact information for the best possible protection against losing your furry friend.  Coupled with a break-away collar and I.D. tag, you should be able to rest easy knowing your new cat will be safe for years to come. 

As you can see, "Is it safe to adopt stray cats?" is a question that has no clear answer. It really depends upon the particular cat, how long it has been in the wild and what types of illnesses it might be carrying. A vet exam is an important step in the adoption process, both to rule out illness and to have the cat spayed or neutered.