What to do if you find a stray animal

At Blue Mountain Humane Society, we appreciate your compassionate actions in helping stray animals in need. Your efforts can truly make a difference in their lives. Below, we've provided guidance on what to do if you come across different types of stray animals, including kittens, and how to distinguish between feral and tame cats.

If you find a stray dog:

1. Approach with caution: Prioritize your safety and the safety of others nearby.

2. Evaluate the situation: Observe the dog's behavior. If it displays aggression or fear, maintain a safe distance.

3. Seek assistance: Contact BMHS or animal control to report the found dog and seek guidance.

4. Provide temporary shelter: If the dog is friendly and approachable, you can consider safely containing it in a secure area, such as a fenced yard or garage, until help arrives.

5. Check for identification: Look for a collar or tags that may indicate ownership. If possible, take to the nearest veterinary to be scanned for a microchip. Check with neighbors who might own a dog. 

6. Share information: Help spread the word about the found dog by posting details on local social media groups or community bulletin boards.

If you find a stray cat:

1. Approach with care: Cats may be wary of strangers. Approach slowly and gently to gain their trust. 

2. Offer food and water: To help the cat feel more comfortable around you while you figure out the next steps, you can offer a small amount of food and water. However, please be aware that feeding stray cats may be against city ordinance regulations. 

3. Check for identification: Look for a collar or tags that may indicate ownership. If possible, take to the nearest veterinary to be scanned for a microchip. Check with neighbors who might own an outdoor cat. 

4. Contact us: Report the found cat to Blue Mountain Humane Society. 

5. Consider temporary shelter: If the cat is approachable, you may choose to bring it inside temporarily or provide a safe and warm outdoor space until you receive proper assistance. 

If you find stray kittens:

1. Observe from a distance: To ensure the well-being of the kittens, it's crucial to allow the mother cat to care for them if she is present. Observe the situation from a distance without disturbing them. If the kittens are being attended to by their mother, refrain from handling them or causing any distress to the mother. Keep in mind that the mother cat may temporarily leave her babies to find food but will return. However, if the mother cat has been absent for more than 24 hours and the kittens are under 4 weeks old, it is advisable to seek guidance from BMHS for appropriate assistance and care.

• Assess their age and condition: Kittens under 8 weeks old are especially susceptible to infectious diseases and require extended care before placement. The presence of the mother cat significantly improves their chances of survival.

  • How do the kittens' teeth look? Baby teeth start to come in around 3 weeks of age (smaller with pointed tips), while permanent teeth appear at 3-4 months (slightly wider with flat edges).

  • How much does the kitten weigh? A kitten's weight corresponds to its age in months, and they gain weight at a predictable rate until around 5 months of age. If a kitten is in good body condition, a 1-pound kitten is approximately 4 weeks old, and a 3-pound kitten is around 12 weeks (about 3 months) old.

  • Are the kittens' eyes open? Kittens are born with closed eyes, which typically open around 10 days (about 1 and a half weeks) of age.

  • Is the kitten walking and playing? Most kittens begin walking around 3 weeks of age but may take some time to develop coordination. You can confidently estimate that a kitten walking well and engaging in play is at least 4 weeks old. 

• Consider providing temporary care: If the kittens are abandoned and in need of immediate attention, you can provide temporary care, including warmth, food, and water, while waiting for further instructions from BMHS.

  If the kittens are in immediate danger, sick, or injured, contact BMHS for guidance on the best course of action. 

Distinguishing feral cats from tame cats:

1. Behavior: Feral cats are typically extremely fearful and avoid human contact. They may display defensive or aggressive behaviors. 

2. Socialization: Tame cats are more comfortable with humans and may approach or allow handling. They may be more sociable and display signs of previous interaction with people. 

3. Appearance: Feral cats often appear unkempt, with matted fur, and may have visible injuries or signs of a tough life outdoors. Some have an ear tipped, which would mean they have been spayed or neutered through TNR. In which case they are community cats. 

4. Vocalization: Tame cats may meow or purr when approached, while feral cats tend to be silent or make defensive sounds.

Please remember that ensuring your safety and the well-being of the animal should always be a priority. By following these guidelines and involving the appropriate authorities or organizations, you're taking important steps to reunite lost animals with their owners or provide them with the necessary care they need. Thank you for your dedication to helping stray animals in our community.