If you find a stray cat, there are several steps you can take to help the cat and ensure its safety:

1. Check for identification: Look for a collar or tag with the cats name and contact information. If there is no identification, assume the cat is a stray.

2. Provide food and water: If the cat seems friendly, offer it food and water. Strong-smelling food like canned tuna or dried liver can help lure the cat closer.

3. Move the cat to a safe space: If you suspect the cat is someones lost pet, find a safe place to move it to. Use a live animal trap, crate, or carrier and lure the cat in with food. Put it in a calm, quiet space with food, water, and a litter box.

4. Check local discussion boards: Take a picture of the cat and post it on your social media accounts, local neighborhood message boards, and local pet loss programs. Look for any "missing pet" posts online and posters at your local coffee shops, post offices, or grocery stores.

5. Contact a vet: Take the cat to a vet to check for any health issues. If the cat is healthy, you can get it spayed or neutered and vaccinated.

6. Contact animal control: If youre not able to safely restrain the cat, call the local animal control agency. Leave your phone number with the dispatcher, and try to get an estimate of how long it may take someone to arrive.

7. Consider adoption or rehoming: If the cat is friendly and you have the space to welcome it into your home, consider adopting it. If not, contact local rescue organizations, which have resources to rehome cats.

Its important to approach stray cats with caution and use a gentle voice to avoid scaring them. If youre not able to safely restrain the cat, do not attempt to pick it up. Instead, use a carrier, leash, piece of cloth, or length of rope to keep the cat in the area. If the cat appears to be injured and is still on the roadway, signal approaching vehicles to slow down or divert traffic around them.