A Stray Cat ? ?

Today I saw a cat and I am not sure if it belongs to someone or if it really IS a stray. It looks like a tabby and I can't see a collar on it. I just put some food out and it wandered away.*Sad Face* I really want to catch her and keep her warm because it is snowing out and the poor thing looks like she is freezing to death! How do I help her ? ? ?

First, thank you for thinking of little tabby.

Based on the information you provided, it's hard to say whether she belongs to someone (indoor/outdoor cat), escaped or was abandoned.  That she walked away from food is concerning.  How did/does she look:  age?  skinny?  matted fur?  groomed/ungroomed?  If a good weight, maybe she is owned (though if she is outdoors when it's snowing, *that's* concerning).  If skinny and looks like she isn't taking care of herself, then that's a really bad sign--too sick or too afraid to eat.

Or perhaps lost.

Do you have a garage that you could open and put food inside?  Maybe she'd come inside and stay a while.

I would leave food out for her, dry if you have (because unlike wet food, it won't freeze right away).  Certainly if you see her put out the smelliest food you have.  If she senses a pattern, she is more likely to stick around.

If you're handy and have some supplies around you could build her a winter shelter:  large rubbermaid type container, cut a hole in the side for access, insulate with stryofoam and fill with either straw (not hay) or blankets (if you can change them regularly and if there is someplace dry where you live, like under a porch).

Finally, if you want to help her immediately, do you have a humane trap you could trap her in?

If she continues to show up, try to feed on her schedule.  That will get her on a routine.  Ritz is right - try to set something up for her to sleep in that is as snug and protected as you can make it..  Anything covered - under the porch, in a garage or shed is good.

If you have room, give her a covered place to eat, too.  Once she's used to the routine, you can assess what else needs doing (spaying, other vet care).

Thank you for helping her!