Lost,found & Feral Cats:

Lost a cat? Or found a stray cat and you're not sure what to do next? Read our guide on lost, found, and feral cats.

 

**Five important things**

- It is important to remember that even cats with a regular routine can disappear for days at a time - don't panic!

- Feral cats are the same species of cat as our pet cats but are not socialised to humans - this means they behave like wild animals. Approach with caution.

- Make sure your cat is microchipped and the information is kept up to date. Your cat should be easily identifiable so that their owner can be traced.

- Stray cats found on the street aren't always without owners. Before you do anything, it is important to check whether the cat is owned or not.

- If you're worried about the health of a stray cat, call your local animal welfare organization.

 

**Lost cats**

While cats are inclined to wander, you might start to worry if your cat goes missing completely. Cats are notorious for hiding in small spaces, so it's well worth checking your house and garden before you search anywhere else. 

 

**Feral cats**

While feral cats are the same species of cat as pet cats, they are not socialised to humans or the domestic environment and can behave like wild animals. Feral cats can be hard to spot as they find humans naturally threatening. If you need to approach them, do it with caution!

 

**Found a cat?**

Cats can often appear lost and wanting food - this doesn't necessarily mean they are a stray! If the cat appears to be a healthy weight and well-groomed, it might be owned. Ask your neighbours if they recognise the cat, or post a photo on local community groups.

If there are no visible signs of ownership, take the cat to your local vet clinic so that they can check for a microchip.

 

**Stray cats**

A stray cat might be nervous or even sick or injured, so be careful in your approach. One of the safest ways to move the cat is to carefully cover it with a blanket before putting it in a safe cat carrier. You'll be keeping the cat safe as well as shielding yourself from potentially sharp claws.

If the cat is a genuine stray and you can't get in touch with the owner, you might need to keep the cat safe. Look for guidance on building a cat shelter to keep the cat warm and sheltered from the elements.

 

**What to do if you find a dead cat**

Finding a dead cat can be a distressing experience, and it might not always be clear if the cat is stray or owned. If you're not sure whether the cat is dead, it is important to get the cat to a vet immediately. Wrap them in a towel, taking care not to injure them further.

If the cat is dead, take them to your nearest vet so that they can scan the microchip for proof of ownership. If you can't get in contact with your local vet, try a local animal welfare organization.

 

**Rehoming a cat**

If you don't have any luck in finding an owner for the cat, give your local animal welfare organization a call. They can provide details of a lost and found register. Unfortunately, in some cases, the cat might have been abandoned, and if no owner is found, the organization will endeavour to find them a loving home.