Found a Stray Cat? … Now What?
So you found a stray cat, or more likely a stray cat has found you ... now what should you do?
Keep in mind the cat might not be a “stray.” Chances are the cat has a home but has somehow become lost or is simply out for a long stroll through the neighborhood. Even if the cat looks dirty or skinny - like s/he’s been living on the streets - s/he might have a home and just has been lost for a few days. If you’re not familiar with a particular cat and she’s not wearing an ID tag, ask a few neighbors if the cat is theirs or if they know whose cat s/he might be.
Tips on Finding the Cat’s Guardian
If asking a few neighbors doesn’t get you anywhere, here are a few steps you can take to try to track down the cat’s guardian.
Verify the Person's Identity
There are some people who monitor lost and found pet ads in an attempt to scam unsuspecting people by claiming animals are theirs and then selling them for lab research or other terrible purposes. So use extreme caution and ask questions before you give the cat to someone claiming to be the guardian.
Can’t Find the Guardian?
If you've exhausted all options and a lengthy period of time goes by with no guardian coming forward, it's time to think about the cat's future. If you decide to adopt the cat, make sure to have him/her examined by a vet, spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. If you need to rehome the cat, start by asking your friends and family, and then call local nonprofit, no-kill rescues to see if they can place the cat into their adoption program.
Keep in mind the cat might not be a “stray.” Chances are the cat has a home but has somehow become lost or is simply out for a long stroll through the neighborhood. Even if the cat looks dirty or skinny - like s/he’s been living on the streets - s/he might have a home and just has been lost for a few days. If you’re not familiar with a particular cat and she’s not wearing an ID tag, ask a few neighbors if the cat is theirs or if they know whose cat s/he might be.
Tips on Finding the Cat’s Guardian
If asking a few neighbors doesn’t get you anywhere, here are a few steps you can take to try to track down the cat’s guardian.
- Have a local vet scan the cat for a microchip and to look for any tattoos that might offer identification for the animal.
- Take a photo of the cat and ask all local vet clinics if any of the staff recognize the cat or if they’ve received a call from the guardian reporting him/her missing.
- Post his/her photo, along with the location where you found the cat, to local social media groups/pages. This is an easy and great way to reunite lost animals with their guardians.
- Create flyers. Take a good photo of the cat, write a basic description, and then use the free flyer-maker program at www.petbond.com to create your flyers. Leave out some information so you can ask specific questions of possible guardians to help verify that the cat is really theirs. For example, you could leave out information about the gender of the animal, or that he/she has white feet, or a really short or bushy tail. Don't forget to put your phone number and times you can be reached in the ad or flyer. Print out the flyers, attach them to brightly colored poster board, and write "FOUND CAT" in large black letters across the top, to ensure that the flyers are noticed. Hang them in the area where you found the cat and in nearby neighborhoods. Also ask local vet clinics and pet supply stores if you can hang a flyer in their office or store.
- If you’re unable to find the cat’s guardian on your own, be sure to check with your local animal shelter. Some municipalities require you to turn the animal over to them, while others will allow you to keep the cat while you attempt to find the guardian. If you must take the animal to the shelter, be sure to claim "first and last rights." Claiming first rights gives you an adoption privilege if the animal is not claimed by the guardian. Claiming last rights gives you an adoption privilege if the animal is not claimed within a given time period and is due to be euthanized. It is a good idea to call the animal control facility daily to let them know that you are interested in the animal's welfare.
Verify the Person's Identity
There are some people who monitor lost and found pet ads in an attempt to scam unsuspecting people by claiming animals are theirs and then selling them for lab research or other terrible purposes. So use extreme caution and ask questions before you give the cat to someone claiming to be the guardian.
- Ask the caller to bring a photo of the animal to the meeting place.
- Ask for the phone number of the caller's veterinarian and call to verify the information.
- See how the animal reacts to the caller in person. If you are not satisfied, ask for more proof of guardianship.
- Remember to get the person’s full name, phone number, and address.
Can’t Find the Guardian?
If you've exhausted all options and a lengthy period of time goes by with no guardian coming forward, it's time to think about the cat's future. If you decide to adopt the cat, make sure to have him/her examined by a vet, spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. If you need to rehome the cat, start by asking your friends and family, and then call local nonprofit, no-kill rescues to see if they can place the cat into their adoption program.