What to do if you have lost a cat

When you care for a cat, if it has not already been neutered, please ensure that it is neutered as soon as possible and ID microchipped.  Neutering a cat reduces its tendency to wander and fight, especially male cats, and microchipping ensures that, if your cat is found, even miles away, it can be reunited with you.  Once microchipped, please ensure that your contact details are up-to-date on the relevant chip register.

If your cat does go missing, then:
  • Search all around your house, garden, garage and sheds. Remember to look EVERYWHERE as cats get into some awkward places!
  • Search the local area. Walk around local streets calling their name;
  • Put flyers, preferably with the cat's photo, name and when and where they were last seen through the doors of local houses.  Remember to put your contact details on too;
  • Put copies of the flyer on lampposts, trees, etc., around the local area;
  • Send a flyer to all local vets urging them to keep a lookout for your pet. If your cat has been injured it could have been taken straight to the nearest vet;
Then tell us about your cat by email to lostandfound@leavalley.cats.org.uk with the following details:

  • Name, age and sex;
  • Breed, colour, distinguishing marks;
  • Did it have a collar?  Was it ID chipped?
  • Had it been neutered?
  • When and where it was last seen
  • Your contact details;
  • Attach a clear photo of the cat.
As an alternative, you could call our Local Helpline 0333 567 4746 with the details, but we would not be able to post a photo of your cat on our site.
We will keep the details of your cat on file for six months, and list them on our site so that, if your cat does end up in our care or has been found by anyone viewing the site, you can be alerted.  Once you have told us about your cat, also tell local animal shelters in case it has been taken into care and advise them to keep a lookout for the cat.  They will require the same details that we need.  Finally, if your cat is insured against being lost, then contact your insurance company.

Cats Protection has teamed up with Animal Search UK to provide the UK's most advanced lost and found database.

Animal Search UK is the leading search service for missing pets in Britain. They specialise in helping to reunite owners with lost or stolen pets. Their website is free to use, provides local and national coverage and offers free help and advice for people who have lost or found a pet.  Click here to go to the Animal Search website or call 01244 355 247 or email info@animalsearchuk.co.uk


Useful local organisations:
Blue Cross, Kimpton - 01438 832232
RSPCA – www.rspca.org.uk - 0300 1234 555
Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead - 01707 666366

National micro-chip registers:
Petlog - on 0870 606 6751
Animalcare (identichip) - on 01904 487 459

Other Lost & Found resources:
Missing Pets Bureau – www.missingpetsbureau.com - 0870 1999 000
My Moggy.com – www.mymoggy.com - e-mail sue@mymoggy.com
Pethunters – www.pethunters.co.uk - 0845 8385423 – e-mail info@pethunters.co.uk