Translation guide
A cat that lives outdoors without a specific owner. In Japanese, the most common term is 野良猫 (のらねこ), but other expressions exist depending on context, such as community cats or lost pets.
The general concept of a stray cat, often seen in neighborhoods or urban areas.
The standard word for a stray cat. It implies a cat that lives independently outdoors and is not owned by anyone. Commonly used in everyday conversation.
There are many stray cats in my neighborhood.
Please don't feed the stray cats.
Short for 野良猫, used colloquially. Often appears in compounds like 野良犬 (stray dog).
That stray often comes into our yard.
Specifically refers to an abandoned or dumped cat, rather than one born stray. Use when the cat was previously owned.
This kitten was an abandoned cat.
Refers to community cats that are cared for by local residents, often as part of a TNR (trap-neuter-return) program. Not exactly a stray, but a managed outdoor cat.
Several community cats have taken up residence in this park.
A cat that has wandered away from home and is temporarily stray.
A lost or missing cat. Used when the cat has an owner but is currently lost. Often seen on posters.
I'm looking for a lost cat.
I hope this lost cat finds its owner.
野良猫 (のらねこ) is a general stray cat, often born outdoors. 捨て猫 (すてねこ) is an abandoned cat that was previously owned. 迷い猫 (まよいねこ) is a lost cat that still has an owner. Use the appropriate term based on the cat's background.