What to do if you find a stray cat

We see more and more videos of the cat distribution system working its magic. But are there specific steps you should follow if you do find a stray cat?

If you do find a cat, and you’re a cat person, no doubt you’ll be excited that it may be your time to rescue! But first, you should follow these guidelines to make sure the cat is safe and returned to its original owner where possible.

6 steps to follow:

1. A great starting point is to contact local cat charities. They may already have alerts out for lost cats and will be able to give you the best advice.
2. If you can get a good photo of the cat, post it on local Facebook groups and other social media channels. Most owners will be doing everything they can to find their fur baby and social media is a great way to spread the word.
3. If the cat is approachable and you can get it to a vet, they can identify whether it has a microchip and find the original owner’s details to help them reunite. The vets will also be able to check over the cat’s general health and well-being if you have any concerns.
4. If you’re unsure whether you have an actual stray on your hands or a bit of a wanderer, then a paper collar could be the trick! You can find printable paper collars online that you can write your contact details on and put on the cat. If the cat does have an owner, hopefully, they will reach out and let you know it’s safe and sound but maybe enjoys an adventure! 
5. Unless the cat is severely underweight, you should avoid feeding them at first! If it is someone else’s cat, you may end up luring it back rather than it going home. Obviously, if the cat you come across looks malnourished and unhealthy, then feeding it is the best option.
6. Asking around your neighbourhood and printing out posters can also prove invaluable. The power of the people! Often neighbours will recognise or know the local cats, and maybe know if this is a new face. Putting up as many posters as you can will also spread the message further. 

If you do find a cat, following these steps will hopefully help you determine whether the cat is indeed lost and you’ve maybe just gained a new family member, or whether they have an owner to get back to!