Lost and Found
Unsure if the cat is a stray or has owners? Cats by nature are inquisitive and many have a tendency to wander, so sometimes it can be difficult to determine whether a cat is a stray or not.
To help establish whether a found cat has owner(s) elsewhere, we can provide a Cats Protection collar with our branch number on for the owner to contact us. This is a paper collar so is perfectly safe (it will tear off should the cat get caught on anything) and will eventually come off naturally. To request a collar, please contact the helpline.
Microchipping
Please get your cat microchipped. Every cat that comes into our care is scanned, and only 5% of cats are found to have a chip. We have reunited one cat with its owner as a result of microchipping that had been missing for two years, and another that had been missing for 17 months. 'Tigga' had been on Animal Search too, and was found living in a garden less than a mile from his real home. Luckily, the CP volunteer who found him had a scanner, so he was very quickly - within 15 minutes - reunited with his grateful owner. Make sure you update your chip details if you move house.
CONTACT
Local Veterinary practice - they keep lost & found records
RSPCA 0300 123 8585
PDSA (local - Aston) 0121 328 1716
Local Cats Protection and ask them to put your pet on their register
Pet Search: 0121 704 4377
Speak to neighbours
Blue Cross: 0121 453 3130
Cleansing department of local council
ADVERTISE
- But first - look in boxes and cupboards, search whole house from top to bottom - then if you are sure your cat is missing ...
Register your missing cat with 'Animal Search'
Post on local community websites, Facebook, etc..
Check the lost and found column in local newspapers/place an ad Put together a poster and pop flyers through letterboxes
Make sure you poster includes date missing, your contact details, a clear photo and description of the cat, and asks people to 'look in their shed or garage' (suggest 20 posters and 100 flyers)
Ask your newsagent and supermarket to display your poster and pin up on trees in the areaCheck vehicles, garden sheds and garages and walk the streets when they are quiet.
Place your litter tray outside so the cat may be attracted by familar smells.
Consider offering a reward.
Search first. Check small spaces – everywhere from cosy cupboards to garden sheds
If your cat is microchipped, talk to Petlog on 0844 4633 999 to register your cat missing
Contact all vet practices in the area
Make and put up flyers in the local area
Use social media! Post a picture and description of your cat on your own Facebook page as well as the page of your local Facebook group
Ask your neighbours if they recognise the cat – there might be someone searching for their lost pet
If the cat is sick or injured, call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 (UK), USPCA on 028 3025 1000 (NI) or SSPCA on 03000 999 999 (Scotland)
Check the cat for identification. Take it to your local vet clinic to be scanned for a microchip
Check local newspapers and Facebook community groups to see if the cat has been listed as missing