Depending on our current space, HSSW may limit our admission of stray cats to only those who are sick, injured, or in danger. If you have found a stray cat, leave it where it is unless the cat appears sick or injured; it may just be exploring or could belong to a neighbor. If possible, take a photo of the cat to share with neighbors and local lost and found groups on social media.

See our current cat intake level for more information.

How and When to Help Stray Cats

Please do not bring healthy stray cats to HSSW. Keeping them out of the shelter increases the chance they will return to their home. This strategy allows HSSW to support cats in need of immediate medical attention and expand programs like spay/neuter services proven to resolve common concerns about free-roaming cats in our community.

When a cat is found outside, healthy and free from immediate danger, it is far more likely to return to its owner on its own. Learn more about stray cats and return rates in Clark County - Stray Cats in Clark County Info Sheet.

Helping Cats Return Home

If a cat is healthy and you suspect it may be lost, utilize local resources to see if you can help return the cat to its family.

• Ask your neighbors - The cat may be an indoor-outdoor cat who likes to roam the neighborhood. You may think it's lost and in need of help when it's actually just going about its routine.
• Try social media - Tools like neighborhood Facebook groups, NextDoor, Craigslist, and others can be great ways to help cats without unnecessarily displacing them. Get a good photo of the cat and ask your local network!
• Check for ID - If the cat has a collar, check to see if there's a tag with an owner's phone number. Or, if the cat is amenable, take it to your neighborhood vet and scan for a microchip.
• Paper collars - A simple and easy option, paper collars can be a great way to attempt to locate the owner of a pet who visits your property. Download our paper cat collars.

More Information

For more information about the health and return rates of stray cats, please see the resources below. 

How to Live with Stray Cats
Animal Control and Intake of Free-Roaming Cats (pdf)

Deterring Stray Cats

Cats who continue to visit your property can be unwelcome. If you're looking for solutions to deter cats from visiting your home and property, visit our Community Cats page for solutions. 

Questions? Contact us:
Admissions Team
360.213.2621 or [email protected]