Stray Cats
Here in the local branch we receive 6-8 calls every week from people concerned that they have found a stray cat. Most of these cats come from homes and have simply got lost, maybe after hitching a ride in a delivery van or are simply looking for attention because their owners are away on holiday.
Moving House
Many people lose their cats as a result of moving house and letting their cat out too soon (or they escape). We recommend that cats are kept in for 3 - 4 weeks after a move. This gives them time to secure in the new environment. If you have microchipped your cat PLEASE remember to update the change of address. We have had cats recently with chips but the owners moved away without updating.
If you find a ‘stray’ cat follow these simple guidelines
If the cat is injured or sick take to the nearest vets and phone the RSPCA.
If the ‘stray’ appears healthy, follow the steps below:
- Take the cat to any vets and ask them to scan it for a microchip. This is free of charge.
- Check the Lost & Found page on this website.
- Phone ALL the vets in the area to check if anyone has reported the cat missing.
- Make some posters to display at the local shop, lamp posts etc.
- Go door to door, asking if anyone knows who the owner of the cat is.
- If the cat is friendly then you can attach a paper collar to it. We can supply these on request.
- Contact us to log the cat as found. We can add details to our website but we do need as many details as possible, including a contact name and number.
If the cat is still without an owner after 14 days and these steps have been followed, then we can consider adding the cat to our waiting list for rehoming.