Stray Cats
Stray Cats
Found/Stray Cats:
Our Taunton team covers postcode areas TA1, TA2, TA3 and TA21. Please telephone 03452 602 397
The Minehead team covers TA4, TA5, TA22, TA23 and TA24. Please telephone 01643 653053
Please be ready to leave details of the cat(s) concerned together with microchip number if applicable.
If your cat is found or returns home please let us know in order that we can keep our records up to date.
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, or maybe after hitching a ride in a delivery van or are simply looking for attention because their owners are at work or 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 feel 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 and request them to cover initial treatment costs.
If the ‘stray’ appears healthy, follow the steps below:
Do NOT feed a healthy looking cat if it has wandered into your house or garden. It will not otherwise want to return to it's rightful home. Do not simply assume that it has no owner or home. Please try to trace it's owner.
If necessary, 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, our Facebook page and maybe those of neighbouring branches. There are other local Facebook pages that post details about lost or found cats.
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 or simply use a strip of paper and write your telephone number on it. Do this at least three times.
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 you can send a photograph of the cat showing distinctive features, that is extremely helpful.
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.
Remember - A stray cat will likely belong to somebody so please report it as found and follow the simple guidelines above so that every effort can be made to reunite the owner with their pet