Encountering a stray cat can be a compassionate opportunity to help an animal in need. Here are the steps you can take when you find a stray cat.
Identify the cat (if you can)
When encountering a cat that may be lost or stray, it's important not to jump to conclusions. Cats can wander and temporarily leave their families, so it's crucial to explore different steps to identify the cat and determine if they have a home. Here are some actions you can take:
Check for a collar: If the stray cat is friendly, approach them gently and see if they are wearing a collar. A collar may have the contact details of their family, making it easier to reunite them. Take note of the information and try to reach out to the provided contacts.
Inquire in the neighborhood: If the cat doesn't have a collar, ask around in the local area to see if anyone has lost a cat matching their description. Spread the word to neighbors, local community groups, or online platforms. Sometimes, news travels fast, and the cat's family may be searching for them.
Seek professional help: If there are no visible signs of identification or if no family comes forward, it's advisable to take the stray cat to a local veterinary clinic or an organization like the nearest Cats Protection branch. These facilities have the resources to scan the cat for a microchip. If the cat has a microchip, the clinic or organization can retrieve the contact details of the cat's family and facilitate a reunion.
Finding the owners
If there are no visible signs of identification, it's important to remember that the cat may still have an owner. Cats are known to have an independent nature and may wander freely. In fact, Cats Protection was able to reunite 3,000 cats with their owners in 2014, despite initially being labeled as "stray." Your next steps should focus on finding the cat's owner and reuniting them with their family.
Start by checking bulletin boards or online platforms dedicated to lost cats. Look for descriptions that match the cat you found. Additionally, browse through local newspapers or listings to see if anyone has reported a similar cat missing.
Taking a proactive approach can also be helpful. Create posters featuring the cat's image and distribute them in your neighborhood. Spread the word among your community. Utilizing social media, particularly platforms like Twitter, can be highly effective. By sharing a picture of the stray cat, your followers can retweet it and help expand the search.
Another resource you can utilize is a lost and found register. Contact the National Helpline at 03000 12 12 12 to obtain information about your nearest Cats Protection branch. They often maintain a lost and found register and can assist you in your efforts to reunite the cat with its owner.
Taking care of the stray cat
While searching for the cat's family, it's crucial to provide the best care you can for the stray cat. If you're unable to bring the cat into your home, don't worry. Focus on creating a shelter for the cat using a sturdy cardboard box and a blanket. This should offer some protection and comfort. Additionally, ensure the cat has access to food and clean water.
In some cases, the stray cat you've found may be injured or ill. It's important to approach them cautiously as they may be wary and potentially aggressive if frightened. If possible, cover the cat with a blanket before picking them up to protect yourself from their claws.
If you determine that the stray cat is injured or sick, it's best to contact the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) at 0300 1234 999. They have an agreement with the British Veterinary Association for the care of sick or injured animals. If the injury appears serious, it's recommended to take the cat to the nearest veterinary clinic. However, it's important to obtain prior permission from the RSPCA before taking any action.
Can I adopt the stray cat?
If you have followed all the previous steps and haven't been able to locate the cat's family, it's possible that the cat is a stray. Unfortunately, some cats are abandoned by their owners and may no longer have a welcome home to return to.
If you're interested in keeping the cat, you typically have that option. As long as the cat feels comfortable and happy in your home, there are usually no restrictions on keeping them.
However, it's important to carefully consider the decision to keep a cat. Ensure that you have the means to cover their veterinary expenses, provide for their food and well-being, and consider getting them microchipped to prevent them from getting lost again.
This article has outlined the steps to take when you find a stray cat. Remember, cats have a tendency to wander and may already have a family. If you're unable to find a family and are unable to adopt the cat yourself, you can surrender them to the nearest Cats Protection branch or an animal welfare shelter. These organizations will do their best to either reunite the cat with its owners or find them a new and loving home.