Lost and Found Guidance

What to do if your cat is lost

Try not to worry - many cats turn up relatively quickly having just gone a bit further afiled or because they have been stuck in somewhere
Check that your cat has not been accidentally shut in. Make sure you check cupboards (don't forget airing cupboards - always a favourite spot on cold days), sheds and cars, and get your neighbours to check too
Inform the branch as soon as possible
Telephone vets within a 10-12 mile radius. Missing pets are often taken to vets to look after.
Call the microchip database company if your cat has been chipped
Don't forget to inform the RSPCA, PDSA and the animal welfare department of your local council
Put up posters in your area and in local shops - include the cats name, a description, the area it has been lost from and a contact number

What to do if your cat is found

Inform the organisations you contacted so that your cat is removed from their registers
Take down any posters you have produced

What to do if you find a lost cat

If possible check the cat's collar to see if there is an address or telephone number so you can contact the owner directly
Contact the branch with as good a description as possible
Contact the RSPCA and PDSA and put a lots and found advert in the Bournemouth Echo (adverts are free for found cats)
Consider taking the cat to your local vets to check for a microchip

How to reduce the chances of losing your cat

Keep your cat indoors at night and provide a litter tray - this will be easiest if you give your cat the best meal of the day in the evening, and shut them in
Fit a quick release collar with your address and telephone number on a tab (Please do not use barrel tags as the bottom containing the details fall off)
Have your cat microchipped, so that if they are lost they can easily be identified, even if their collar has come off
If you are out a lot you may want to consider keeping two cats as cats often wander off to seek company