Key takeaways
As we come into the summer, more and more cats will explore the great outdoors and may find themselves a little lost.
If you come across a missing pet, it's essential you know what to do so they can get the care they need as soon as possible and can be reunited with their owners.
We're offering our expert advice, and three simple steps to follow to ensure pet wellbeing is always prioritized.
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1. Assess the situation
Determine if they are a stray cat or pet
Matted or dirty fur
Fear
Injuries
Aggression
Well-kept and groomed coat
Friendly or comfortable being near people
Wearing an ID tag or collar
Some people can't believe their luck when they stumble across a cute kitty. Across the internet, it's being named the 'Cat Distribution System.'
Observe them for injuries
Shock: If a cat has been hit by a car or become lost and disoriented, they may be in shock, which can be deadly. Signs of this include rapid breathing, vomiting, listlessness, and cool extremities (hypothermia).
Broken limbs: Unfortunately, broken limbs and injured paws are very common in cats who have escaped. The most obvious sign of this is when a cat limps when they walk or holds their paw up when they are sitting.
Infections: Scratches and cuts, either from fighting with other cats or getting trapped or stuck somewhere, can get infected quickly when they aren't treated right away. This can be a little more difficult to observe, but try looking out for redness, swelling, puss, and bleeding.
2. Report the lost cat
Local animal shelter
Scan for a microchip: If the missing cat has a microchip, the shelter will be able to contact their owner and keep the kitty safe until they pick them up.
Alert the community to a new lost or stray cat: Many animal shelters will have a following in the local community. This means they'll be able to post on social media or alert email subscribers to new lost cats that are handed in, increasing the chances of this message reaching the owners.
Care for them: The most important part of bringing the lost pet to an animal shelter is getting them the care they need. They'll get warm shelter, food, water, and company. Alongside this, they'll be able to give them some basic medical attention to ensure they're happy and healthy.
Veterinarians
Excessive licking
Excessive vocalization
Shock
Animal control
3. Try to find the owner
Posting on social media: Joining local neighborhood Facebook and WhatsApp groups and posting about the cat can help spread the message far and wide until it reaches the worried owner.
Use PetRadar: By navigating to the PetRadar website, you can see all the recent searches that owners have made for their lost pets in your area. If you see the kitty on one of these searches, you can contact the owner straight away.
Distribute found cat posters: Creating a 'found cat' poster and pinning it up around your neighborhood in high footfall areas can increase the chances of the owner seeing it and identifying their missing pet.
FAQs
What do you do if you find an abandoned cat?
If you find an abandoned cat, you should check it over for any injuries or infections. You'll be able to tell how well they're being cared for by the state of their coat, their weight, and their general demeanor. If you are worried about them, call an animal shelter or animal control so they can get the help they need.
What to do if you find a cat that looks lost?
If you find a cat that looks lost, you should call local animal shelters and animal control to see if anyone has reported a missing pet that matches their description. You should also assess whether they need medical attention or not and take them to a vet so they can scan for a microchip to try and find the owners.
What to do with a stray cat?
If you find a stray cat, you should call animal control or local animal shelters to make them aware of the kitty. They can come and check their wellbeing and ensure they have the care they need. If they have space, they may even be able to take them in and put them up for adoption.
Is it cruel to leave a stray cat?
Many stray cats live a fulfilling life outdoors and may struggle to adjust to a different living situation, so it's not necessarily cruel to leave them. However, if they are clearly struggling and need care and medical attention, you should notify animal shelters and animal control before leaving.
Should you take a stray cat to the vet?
You should take a stray cat to the vet if they look like they need medical attention or care. They will also be able to scan for a microchip to see if they ever had an owner. Be sure to call ahead to make sure the vet has the time and space to see them.
What should you do if you find a cat?
If you find a cat, try to determine whether they are a lost pet or a stray. You should also call animal control or the local animal shelter to get their expert advice as they'll know whether they are a known stray or not and will be able to scan them for a microchip.
Final thoughts
Written by
In this blog, I combine my two areas of expertise: pets and writing. I share my personal experiences alongside plenty of animal behavior research to help owners look after their pets. I have always lived with furry friends and am now a loving cat mum to two orange kitties.
