Lost and Found

If your cat is missing, here are some suggestions to follow:

• Search first. Check small spaces in your home – everywhere from cosy cupboards to garden sheds, garages and outbuildings. Also,ask your neighbours to check their property, sheds and garages too. 
• Shake a box of their favorite biscuits to entice them home. 
• If your cat has a favorite toy, try leaving it in your garden. 
• Cats have a powerful sense of smell - leave out a regular blanket or bedding to encourage your cat out of hiding. 
• Leave an unwashed item of your clothing, which will have your scent on it.
• Place any used litter from your cat’s litter tray outside.
• You might find your moggy is more active at night, especially during hotter weather. Go out with a friend or family member when it is dark to call for your cat by name. 
• Leave a bowl of water out and some food. A tasty treat such as tuna might be enough to bring your cat home. 
• Is your cat microchipped? If so, talk to the chip company to report your cat as missing.
• Make and put up flyers with your cat’s photo and description to place and distribute around the local area.
• Post a description on your Facebook page, as well as any local community Facebook groups.
• Get in touch with animal shelters in your area.

Microchipping your cat is the most effective way to ensure that they can be identified if they go missing and keeping your details up to date can increase the likelihood of a happy reunion. If your lost cat is found and taken to a vet or animal welfare organisation, you’ll be contacted quickly.

Don't give up hope, your cat could still very well come home!

If you find a cat here are some suggestions to follow: 

Before you do anything, it is important to think about whether the cat you've found is a stray, a feral or an owned cat. If they appear well-groomed and is a healthy weight, they may have an owner nearby. Ferals behave like wild animals and won't come close, even with encouragement. Stray cats might look lost and disorientated but may be friendly if given time.

• Avoid feeding it unless it is particularly underweight - this will only encourage the cat to come back, even if it has an owner!
• List the cat on your local community Facebook page with a photo and put up posters around the area such as local post office, shops and at vets.
• Take it to a vet to scan for a microchip.
• If the cat doesn't have an owner, contact your local Cats Protection or other animal shelters and we'll offer advice or find the cat a new home.
• If you find a cat and are unsure whether it has a home, fit on a loose paper collar with your contact details written on.