It’s not uncommon to see animals wandering around the neighborhood. It’s also not unusual to wonder whether these animals are beloved pets enjoying the great outdoors or strays trying to survive and need some help. Pets with homes to go home to don’t usually need human intervention (unless lost!), but it’s a different story when dealing with strays.

Every animal deserves a safe and loving home to call their own, where they don’t have to worry about predators and worldly threats – and this is where you can make a big difference. By telling the difference between pets and stray animals, you can step in when necessary to provide much-needed care, love, and safety to the dogs and cats that could use it. Here, we’ll outline seven ways to tell the difference between pets and strays and some information about how to help the strays you come across. Read on!

1. Behaviors and Interactions

How animals behave and interact with others varies, but it’s possible to spot some key differences. First, strays tend to be fearful of other animals and humans, wanting nothing to do with them, while pets tend to be more curious about and friendly. Strays are typically unsocialized and display aggression or shyness when interacting with others. On the other hand, pets used to socializing are usually pleasant and confident.

Most pets are used to eating delicious treats and snacks their family members give them, so they are not shy about accepting food from strangers. Strays aren’t likely to take food from strangers even if they’re hungry. They’d prefer to eat when there isn’t what they perceive as a threat looming near them.

Pets that aren’t trying to find food or shelter for survival have much more time on their “paws” to be playful and carefree. They might run around, chase things, and lounge in the sun with a wagging tail. Strays are forced to spend time figuring out where their next meal will come from and whether there are any threats to worry about.

2. Physical Condition

The physical condition of an animal can tell you a lot about whether it has a home or is living on the streets. Animals with homes generally have shiny, healthy coats that look well-groomed and bodies that are fit (or sometimes even chubby). Strays might look underweight and have lackluster coats from a lack of proper nutrition.

Health and cleanliness can also offer clues to an animal’s status. A pet’s eyes and ears should be clear, clean, and discharge-free. They aren’t likely to have wounds or injuries. Strays tend to have poor health and exhibit symptoms like runny eyes, ear infections, and tooth decay. They’re also commonly plagued with scars, open wounds, and respiratory problems.

3. Environmental Awareness

How animals show awareness of their environment can indicate whether they are strays or pets. Pets are accustomed to their environment and understand what’s happening around them. They are used to humans walking down the street and are familiar with the layout and terrain of the territory surrounding their homes. Familiarity with everything allows them to behave with curiosity instead of caution.

In contrast, strays work hard to stay aware of their surroundings. They are more cautious and reactive to things that happen around them. Strays are always looking around and listening, making it clear that they are hyper-vigilant regarding environmental awareness.

4. Identification

Most strays don’t have identification because they have no family to provide them with such, but some might have previous owners and, therefore, some identification from that time. If a stray has a collar on, that collar is likely to be frayed, dingy, and worn out. Pets with homes are usually outfitted with collars and tags that are in good condition. It’s essential to remember that some pets can get away from their homes without identification, so consider other factors mentioned here when determining whether an animal is a pet or a stray.

5. Communication

Another thing that can differ between pets and strays is communication habits. For instance, pets are used to interacting with humans. They may get near strangers hoping for petting and treats, while strays like to stay as far away as possible to ensure safety. Pets communicate easily by wagging a tail or purring. Still, strays are more apt to communicate out of fear by growling, hissing, and running away. Pets use relaxed postures, yet strays show tension through their mannerisms.

6. Approachability

The approachability of outdoor pets and strays varies greatly, primarily influenced by their experiences with humans. Outdoor pets regularly interact with their owners and other people and are generally more approachable than strays. They often willingly get close to humans, seeking attention and affection. They’re also known for exhibiting trustful behaviors, such as allowing petting and handling.

Strays tend to be much less approachable due to their lack of consistent, positive interactions with humans. They are wary, maintaining a safe distance from people, and sometimes displaying defensive behaviors. This cautiousness is a survival mechanism honed by their experiences of unpredictability and potential threats in their environment.

7. Routine Consistency

The consistency of an animal’s actions can shine a light on their status as a pet or stray. A pet is more likely to spend time in the same places and stick to their home area where they are familiar with their surroundings. They are not usually roaming the neighborhood at night without supervision. Strays don’t have a consistent place to sleep or eat, so their routines might vary daily. One day, a stray may spend the day eating from a trash can left on the street, and the next, they could lurk behind the corner store, hoping to find scraps.

What to Do If You Think You’ve Found a Stray Animal

You can do several things to help a stray animal get the care it needs and deserves for a better quality of life. Always approach with caution and never put yourself in a dangerous situation by forcing yourself upon an animal that could attack out of fear. The goal is to get the animal to a rescue facility where it can be checked for a microchip, seen by a vet, fed nutritious meals, and offered a safe place to sleep.

Follow our guide for more in-depth information.

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