Found a Cat?
WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND A CAT.
If you, or someone you know, has found an injured cat or very young kitten:
NOTE – Always consider your own safety and take great care when approaching or handling an injured cat as they may lash out if frightened. Gloves and a large towel are good tools to prevent scratches and bites. If you can, get someone to help you and never drive a vehicle with a loose cat inside, always secure it in a cat carrier or box, with air holes first. If in doubt call the RSPCA and wait for help, and always wash your hands after handling an injured cat.
If you are able to, please take the cat to the nearest vet, or alternatively call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.
Stay with the cat until help arrives. The cat will be scanned free of charge, for a microchip and the owners will be informed.
If the cat is not microchipped or wearing a collar with contact information, see the links section below.
If you, or someone you know, has found a deceased cat:
If it is safe to do so, collect and take the body to the nearest vet. They will scan, free of charge, for a microchip and contact the owners.
If it is not safe to stop, please contact the council or highways agency and request they collect the cat and scan for a microchip.
Never bury the cat yourself, as this removes all chance of locating its owners.
If the cat is not microchipped see the links section below.
If you, or someone you know, has found a cat that seems lost, has followed you, is visiting you regularly or giving any other cause for concern:
If you can safely approach the cat, try using a paper collar. This is simply a strip of paper secured around the cat’s neck, like a collar, and secured with a small piece of tape. Write on the paper ‘If this is your cat please call 0xxxxxxxx’ with your phone number. If the cat is going home, you should receive a call within 24-48 hours.
Speak to your neighbours.
If you are able to, please take the cat to the nearest vet, where they will scan, free of charge, for a microchip and contact the owners.
If you have been unable to locate an owner, despite trying all of the above, see the links section below.
In the meantime:
Do not feed the cat unless it feels very thin, but you can use flakes of tuna or cooked chicken if the cat is difficult to approach.
If you decide to bring the cat into your home, for example in very cold conditions, please be sure to isolate it from your own pets, if you have any. A bedroom, bathroom, study etc. is ideal.
If you are unable to bring the cat inside, please provide it with some shelter and water outside. A box filled with straw in a shed or garage is perfect.
NOTE - It is a criminal offence to keep a cat as your own, without making the necessary efforts to locate its rightful owner.
More suggestions and helpful links.
If you are on Facebook, join our group Lost and Found Cats in Norwich, where you can post a picture and description of the cat you have found. We have a local network of volunteers who can come and scan for a microchip, supply you with a humane cat trap to assist with difficult to catch cats and in some cases provide temporary foster accommodation. We also have lists of local vets and rescues for you to contact, can assist with posters and make sure the cat is shared far and wide across social media.
Dog Lost (they list cats as well)
Cat’s Protection Lost and Found
Norwich City Council – 0344 980 3333
Broadland District Council - 01603 430534
Highways England (A11, A47, A12) 0300 123 50 00