If You Find a Cat

Things to do before contacting us.

If you encounter a stray or lost cat in your neighborhood, follow these steps to ensure the cat’s safety and increase the chances of reuniting it with its owner or getting it the care it needs:

Assess the Situation
First, observe the cat from a distance to determine its condition and behavior. Is it scared, injured, or acting friendly? If the cat seems approachable, you can take further steps to help it. However, if the cat is fearful, aggressive, or appears injured, it's best to handle the situation cautiously and contact animal control or a rescue group.

Check for Identification
Approach the cat carefully and check for a collar with an ID tag. If the cat has a tag, use the contact information to reach the owner. Many lost cats can quickly be reunited with their families this way. Even if the collar has no ID, it may indicate that the cat is a pet.

Keep the Cat Safe
If the cat is friendly, consider bringing it indoors or providing shelter in a safe area, such as a garage or enclosed porch. Keeping the cat safe from traffic, predators, and harsh weather conditions is crucial while you attempt to find its owner.

Scan for a Microchip
If there is no visible ID, take the cat to a local vet, animal shelter, or pet store where they can scan for a microchip at no charge. A microchip contains the owner’s contact details and can help reunite the cat with its family.

Post Online and in the Community
Many lost pets are reunited through social media and community platforms. Post clear photos and a description of the found cat on:

Local lost-and-found pet Facebook groups.

Neighborhood apps like Nextdoor

Post Online and in the Community (cont’d)
Websites such as Petfinder or PawBoost
You can also create and post flyers around your neighborhood, at vet clinics, and in nearby shelters. Include a contact number and mention where the cat was found.

Contact Local Shelters and Rescues
Reach out to nearby animal shelters, rescues, and humane societies to report the found cat. Some owners may have already reported their missing pet, and this step could help in matching the cat to its family. Be sure to ask if they can house or foster the cat if you’re unable to keep it temporarily.

Give Time for the Owner to Respond
Sometimes the cat you find may be an indoor-outdoor pet that roams the neighborhood, or it may belong to a neighbor who hasn’t yet realized their pet is missing. Give the situation some time before assuming the cat has no home. Often, cats will return home on their own, or the owner may respond to your efforts within a few days.

Monitor and Consider Next Steps
If no owner comes forward after several days, you may need to consider alternative options. If you cannot keep the cat, look for a reputable rescue or foster program that can help find it a new home. You can also ask friends or family members if they might be interested in adopting the cat.
If you decide to adopt the cat yourself, make sure to take it for a full veterinary checkup, including vaccines, spaying or neutering, and a microchip if it doesn't already have one.

By following these steps, you can make a big difference in a lost or stray cat’s life, helping them find their way home or providing them with a safe and loving future.