Cats are classified as “free-roaming creatures” under Virginia law. A healthy, friendly cat is most likely an indoor/outdoor cat cared for by someone nearby. Taking a cat to Animal Control actually decreases its chances of getting home, and increases the chance of euthanasia for another cat already there, since many facilities operate at capacity.
Is it a stray or a feral cat?
Domesticated stray cats enjoy human company and often depend on people. Feral cats are self-sufficient, fearful of humans, and don’t need human intervention to survive. Feral cats are almost impossible to socialize and are rarely adoptable, so shelters are not a good outcome for them.
Learn the difference between feral and stray cats (Alley Cat Allies)
If it looks cared for, let it be
If you’re sure the cat is a domesticated stray and it appears well cared for, your help probably isn’t needed. Taking a stray cat to a shelter is not recommended. More than 60% of “lost” cats return home on their own if they’re left outside.
If you’re able, you can take the cat to a local veterinarian or animal shelter to be scanned for a microchip, usually the best way to reunite a truly lost cat with its family.
Call Animal Control
Call Animal Control in the county where the pet was found to file a report.
Stafford Animal Control: 540-658-7387
After hours, call the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line, 540-658-4400, then follow up directly with Animal Control the next morning.
File a found report with us
We’re rarely able to take in strays because we usually operate at capacity. But call us at 540-657-7387 to file a found animal report and see if we have a lost report that matches, or fill out the form online.
Make flyers
Post flyers around your neighborhood or where you found the cat, with a good picture, pertinent details, and your contact information. If you can’t keep the cat indoors, it’s better to leave it outside so it can find its own way home.
More on lost cats, indoor/outdoor strays and feral cat communities (Alley Cat Allies)
Key phone numbers
- Stafford Animal Control: 540-658-7387
- After hours (Sheriff non-emergency): 540-658-4400
- Stafford SPCA: 540-657-7387
- Free Lance-Star (free lost/found ad): 540-374-5001