Information / Frequently Asked Questions

Advice from the RSPCA is available here. If you use a paper collar, try to use thicker, better quality paper that is likely to stay on longer. 

• Please note: if you have found an injured stray cat, please take it to your nearest veterinary practice and advise them it is a stray. Vets have a duty to give emergency care to any animal presented to them and you should not be charged. However, be aware that injured cats can become defensive if they are in pain and scared, so only handle them if you think you are able. The safest way of moving an injured cat is to carefully cover him/her with an old towel or blanket before picking the cat up. This will contain the legs and, more importantly, the claws.
• If any animal is in danger or distress then please call the SSPCA's Animal Helpline: 03000 999 999. 
• For a cat that does not need such immediate help then establish that the cat is indeed a stray. If you can, then take the cat to a vet to scan for a microchip (we may be able to help with this if necessary).
• Put a paper collar around the cats neck asking the owner to call us to let us know that the cat is owned. Paper collars are available or we can provide one.
• Put details of the cat onto our website and facebook page. Put posters up in the local vets, supermarkets etc. Contact other local and national pet charities eg petsearch who deal primarily with Lost and Found.
• We will happily put the cat on our waiting list but then will ask you to carry on looking out for the cat in the meantime. There is no timescale on this as we have to deal with emergencies first.
• Contact other rescue organisations (although they are as full and busy as us):
  • Lothian Cat Rescue 01875 821025
  • Edinburgh Cat & Dog Home 0131 669 5331
  • Edinburgh Cat Protection League 0131 554 5521
  • Borders Animal Welfare 01896 849090
  • Sunny Harbour Cat Rescue 0300330 1412
• In the meantime, we will ask that you ensure that there is somewhere dry for the cat to go and food for him to eat, until he can be rescued.

No, but a map of local catteries will be available here soon.

• Please consider your own safety and only perform any action if it is safe to do so.
• Check that it really is a cat (badgers are often mistaken for black and white cats and foxes for ginger cats).
• If the body may come to further harm, move the body to a safer place. If possible, cover with a towel or blanket.
• Ideally, take the deceased cat to a vet to check for a microchip (we may be able to help with this); the vet should keep the body for 2 weeks so that the owner can claim it.
• Inform local rescue organisations to potentially match against their lost registers.
• If this is not possible then you can contact the local Road Cleansing Department but they may or may not scan a cat for a chip which can leave the owner none the wiser.
  • West Lothian Council 01506 280 000
  • Edinburgh 0131 529 3030

No, please contact the SSPCA

We provide vouchers for cheap microchipping and neutering for those on benefits or low incomes. We have regular offers of cheap microchipping and neutering for everyone. We do not offer assistance with vet treatment although we may be able to help with transport if necessary. The PDSA who provide free veterinary care to the sick and injured pets of people in need may be able to help. 

We offer this service to help people rehome their cats. Cats do not come into our care, but are rehomed directly. We assist with publicity and encourage that the cats attend our re-homing days. To be considered for home to home, cats must be fully vaccinated, neutered, recently health checked, and up to date with worm and flea treatments. 

We can publicise lost cats on our Facebook page, website and lost register. The best process on Facebook is for the cat's family to post to our page, which we can then share because they will then be notified of any replies. Please include as much of the following information as possible that you are comfortable with:

1. Colour
2. Description/distinguishing features
3. Sex
4. Age
5. Neutered?
6. Microchipped?
7. Name
8. Collar
9. Last Seen
10. Anything out of character
11. Anything unusual before disappearance
12. Comments

If you would like us to publicise the cat on our website and lost register then you will also need to send us a contact number and family details (e.g. by pm on Facebook) that will not be published:

1. Owner
2. Contact number

There is general advice on what to do if you cat is missing here.