What to do with a stray cat when all rescue centres I have called say they are full?

3 thoughts on “What to do with a stray cat when all rescue centres I have called say they are full?”

1. It sounds like you’ve already done a great job by bringing the stray cat inside and providing it with food, as it was clearly in need. Here are some suggestions for what you can do next:

   1. Contact Local Animal Control or Humane Society: If you haven’t already, reach out to your local animal control or humane society. They may have the resources to help you, even if the shelters are full.

   2. Temporary Foster Care: Since you mentioned that your other cats can’t be around this one, consider creating a separate space for the stray. A room or enclosed area with food, water, a litter box, and a comfy place to rest could help it feel more secure while you seek other options.

   3. Network for Help: Use social media or community forums (like neighborhood Facebook groups or local animal rescue pages) to see if anyone can foster the cat temporarily or knows of resources that could help.

   4. Reach Out to Veterinarians: Some vets may have connections with rescue organizations or may be able to offer advice on what to do next.

   5. Check for Microchips: If possible, take the cat to a vet or rescue center to check for a microchip. This might help you find out if it belongs to someone who may be looking for it.

   6. Provide Safe Outdoor Shelter: If fostering in your home is not an option and you can’t keep the cat indoors, you might create a safe outdoor shelter in your yard while you look for a more permanent solution.

   7. Consider a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Program: If the cat is feral, a TNR program can be a humane way to manage the stray cat population while giving this cat a chance for a better life outside. Look for local programs or organizations that conduct TNR.

   It’s commendable that you are trying to help this cat. Hang in there, and hopefully, one of these options can lead to a positive outcome for the stray.

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2. It’s truly commendable that you’ve stepped in to help this stray cat! Dealing with a situation like this can be incredibly challenging, especially when rescue centers are at capacity. Here are a few steps you can consider to help both the stray cat and your own pets:

   1. **Temporary Housing**: If it’s feasible, consider setting up a separate space in your home for the stray cat, using a spare room or even a bathroom. This will allow the cat some time to acclimate to a safe environment without immediate interaction with your own cats.

   2. **Behavior Assessment**: Since the stray appears hostile, it might benefit from a few days of quiet in a separate space where it can feel secure. Avoid forcing interactions and allow it to come to you on its own terms. Offering food and treats can build trust over time.

   3. **Local Resources**: While rescue centers may be full, you might want to reach out to local animal welfare organizations or community groups on social media. Sometimes there are foster networks that can provide temporary housing or people who are willing to help with a quick placement.

   4. **TNR Programs**: If you can’t find immediate shelter, consider contacting a local Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program. They can provide assistance in trapping the cat and may have connections to resources that can help find it a permanent home once it’s spayed/neutered and vaccinated.

   5. **Long-Term Care**: If you find that you can’t immediately place the

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3. Considerations for Helping the Stray Cat

   Firstly, thank you for your compassionate efforts in helping this stray cat. It’s heartbreaking to see animals abandoned and in need. Here are some suggestions that might help you until you can find a rescue that has space:

   • Provide Safe Shelter: If you have a garage, shed, or even a large cardboard box, create a safe and warm space for the cat outside. Line it with blankets or an old towel to keep it comfortable.
   • Temporary Feeding Station: Set up a feeding station outside. This will ensure the cat has constant access to food and water until you can transfer it to a rescue.
   • Vet Care: If you can manage it, consider taking the cat to a vet for an initial health check. They can check if it is microchipped and provide advice on the next steps.
   • Foster Home: Look for local community groups or social media pages where individuals may be able to temporarily foster the cat. There are often compassionate residents in London who may be willing to help.
   • Contact Local TNR Programs: It’s worth reaching out to trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs, which may have the resources to help stray cats while preventing them from breeding further.

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