IF YOU FIND A CAT?

If you’ve come across a cat that appears lost or has started visiting your garden, it’s natural to want to help. The steps below will guide you through what to do safely and responsibly, giving the cat the best chance of being reunited with their owner.

• Avoid Feeding
  Try not to feed the cat unless they appear clearly underweight or in distress. Feeding can encourage them to return and may interfere with their regular diet, especially if they already have an owner or special dietary needs.
   
• Use a Paper Collar
  If you’re unsure whether the cat has an owner, place a simple paper collar around their neck with a short message asking the owner to contact you. If there’s no response after a few days, the cat may not have returned home and could be stray.
   
• Spread the Word
   
  • Ask neighbours if they recognise the cat.
     
  • Create a “found” poster and display it locally.
     
  • Share a photo on social media, community pages, and lost pet websites.
    The more people who see the cat, the greater the chance of reuniting them with their family.
     
• Report to Local Rescue Centres and Vets
  Contact your local rescue centres and veterinary practices to report the cat. The owner may have already reported them missing, which can help reunite them faster.
   
• Check for a Microchip
  If the cat is friendly and approachable, take them to a local vet or rescue centre to be scanned for a microchip. This is the quickest and safest way to locate an owner.
   
• If You Find the Owner
   
  • Update any rescue centres, vets, and online listings you’ve contacted.
     
  • Remove any “found” posters once the cat is safely home.
     
  • Always ask for proof of ownership—the best way to confirm this is by requesting photos of the cat or other identifying details to ensure they’re returned to the correct person.