Inarticulate_Underachiever said:
I've already got a cat (who doesn't like the aforementioned stray) so taking it in isn't an option.
I guess I'll be taking it up to the animal shelter tommorow.
I'd like an update. Was the cat taken in?
If you did, or even if you didn't, it would be wise to put up 'found cat' posters in your area with a picture and/or description of the feline. If taken to the shelter, state which shelter on the poster. The cat may be a stray, or - in all likelihood - it belongs to someone and escaped the house or wandered too far from the yard. An actual stray, a feral cat, would not be nearly as cute and smitten to your household.
There is a third option outside of scaring the cat off or sending it to the shelter, and that's keeping it as an outdoor cat. It cost next to nothing to make or purchase a small version of a dog-house for the cat to stay in as some type of shelter, and all you'd have to do besides that is leave out a bowl of water and food. If you choose this route (provided the cat hasn't been sent off to the shelter yet), take the cat to the vet or a shelter and get it fixed for free. It may cost a little to get the shots it needs as well, but it's a worthwhile investment in the end. The vet will also look for a microchip, which could locate the previous owner.
Talley the costs should you choose the third option, and put up those 'found cat' posters. If the owners shows up even long into the future, charge them for everything you paid to keep it alive.