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Found a cat? Here's what to do

Found a cat and not sure what to do? Follow our step-by-step advice to find out how to help them.

Found a cat? Here's what to do

Found a cat and not sure what to do? Follow our step-by-step advice to find out how to help them.

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Most cats are, by nature, inclined to roam the area surrounding their home. You may come across a cat on your travels, but it can be difficult to tell whether they're a lost stray cat, a feral cat or in fact an owned cat with a sense of adventure. So what should you do if you've found a cat? 

A black-and-white cat in a tree

First, check whether the cat needs urgent help  

If the cat is in immediate danger, such as on a road, try to move them to safety. Be aware of your surroundings and make sure you don’t put yourself in danger.  

If the cat is trapped somewhere, try to create a safe escape route for them. Find out what to do if you find a cat stuck up a tree. 

If the cat is sick or injured, take them to a local vet. Vets provide emergency treatment and care for sick or injured animals at no cost to the finder. Phone the vet in advance so they know you’re on your way and can prepare. Place the cat in a cat carrier or cardboard box to transport them to the vet. If it’s cold, wrap the cat in a blanket, towel or clothing to keep them warm. Avoid covering the cat’s head. Find a local vet. 

You can also report an injured cat to:

They will try to rescue the cat and get them the care and treatment they need.  

If the cat is pregnant, find out what to do if you find a pregnant cat.

If you’ve found kittens on their own, find out what to do if you find abandoned kittens.

If the cat is dead, find out what to do if you find a dead cat.

Top tip 

Be careful when approaching an unfamiliar cat, especially if they’re scared, sick or injured. If you need to pick them up, cover them in a blanket or towel. This keeps them safe, as well as protecting you from their claws!  

If the cat seems healthy, follow these steps  

  1. Get them scanned for a microchip. If the cat is microchipped, the microchip will hopefully hold the owner’s up-to-date contact information so they can be contacted. If you're able to get the cat into a cat carrier or cardboard box, take them to a local vet to be scanned for a microchip. If you’re unable to transport the cat, contact your local Cats Protection or other local animal welfare organisation. They may be able to come and scan the cat for a microchip. 
  2. Avoid feeding the cat, unless they're particularly underweight. Feeding them will only encourage the cat to come back, even if they have an owner. 
  3. Let the local community know. Post about the cat on your local community Facebook page or put up posters in the local area. Include your contact details so the owner can get in touch with you and be reunited with their cat.  
  4. Use a paper collar. Print out our paper collar and add your contact details. Fit the collar to the cat, making sure it isn’t too tight. You should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and the cat’s neck. If the cat goes back to their owner, the owner can contact you to let you know.  

If the cat doesn’t have an owner, contact your local Cats Protection or other local animal welfare organisation for further guidance. 

Download our found a cat checklist

Should I feed a cat I’ve found?  

It can be really tempting to feed an unfamiliar cat if you think they're lost, but it’s best not to. Some cats may be on a special diet or have a medical condition that needs a particular type of food. Feeding them something different may seriously upset their tummy or make them ill. 

Feeding an unfamiliar cat can also keep them coming back to you. If they’re owned, this will upset their owner as it means the cat won’t be returning home in a hurry! If you already have a cat, it will be unsettling for them too, and may cause them to become stressed. 

Instead of feeding an unfamiliar cat, follow our advice to try to find their owner.  

The only occasions when you can feed a cat you’ve found are: 

  • the cat appears to be particularly underweight. You can give the cat a bit of food while you try to find an owner. How to tell if a cat is underweight
  • you are trying to take the cat to a vet. If you’re struggling to get them into a cat carrier or box, you could try placing a small amount of food inside to lure them in 
What can I feed a stray cat?
A ginger cat walking on grass outdoors

How can I tell if the cat is owned, stray or feral?

The cat may have a home and an owner, but likes to wander the local area, perhaps in search of extra food! 

They’re likely to be: 

  • friendly 
  • well-groomed 
  • a healthy weight   
  • alone 
  • microchipped 

The cat may have an owner and be lost, or they may have been abandoned. 

They’re likely to be: 

  • friendly. If they’re a little shy, they often approach cautiously, given time and encouragement 
  • alone 
  • near houses. They’re likely to be found in gardens or near homes 
  • microchipped. They could be microchipped if they’re a missing cat 
  • a recent appearance. They may have only recently appeared or look lost or disoriented 
  • unkempt/dishevelled. They may struggle with grooming on their own, and they may be underweight  

Find out more about stray cats.

The cat may be a wild-living feral. Feral cats are the same species of cat as our pet cats, but are not socialised to humans or the domestic environment. This means they behave like wild animals. 

They’re likely to be: 

  • unfriendly. As they are not socialised to humans, they find us naturally threatening. They won't come close, even with encouragement 
  • living alone or with other feral cats. Some feral cats live in colonies with other feral cats 
  • missing an ear tip. When feral cats are neutered, the tip of their ear is often removed to show they do not need to be trapped and neutered again 
  • not microchipped. Most feral cats don't have a microchip 
  • away from houses. They avoid human contact and often have a hiding spot away from populated areas 
  • permanent. Feral cats are likely to have set up a long-term territory  

Find out more about feral cats.

Download our free stray and feral cats guide

What to do if you find a pregnant cat  

Think you’ve found a pregnant cat or a cat with kittens and are wondering what to do next? Follow our step-by-step guide. 

  1. Check her tummy. If the cat allows, check her tummy carefully and without startling her. If the mammary glands appear more prominent, the cat may still be nursing her young 
  2. Take her to the vet. Take the cat to the vet by safely wrapping her in a blanket and putting her in a cardboard box or cat carrier. The vet will be able to scan for a microchip, which is vital in locating an owner and may also lead to finding the location of any kittens 
  3. Return to where you found her. If safe to do so, go back to the area where the cat was found and have a look around the area for any signs of kittens. Check under bushes and shrubs, and listen out for their cries 
  4. Let the local community know. If you’re unsuccessful in locating an owner and kittens, you may want to put up posters locally and post on local community Facebook groups. This will let people know that there may be a litter of kittens somewhere nearby. In the post, remind people to check their gardens and any outbuildings, as well as ask the owner to get in contact 
Caring for a pregnant cat

What to do if you find kittens  

If you find a kitten or litter of kittens alone, it’s best not to disturb or handle them unless they are in direct and immediate danger. Their mum may be nearby, and she could reject the kittens if you handle or move them. Keep a safe distance and check to see if the mum returns. If she doesn’t return in three to four hours, you may need to help the kittens.

What to do if you find an abandoned kitten

Where can I take a cat I’ve found?  

If you think you’ve found a cat who is lost or doesn’t have an owner, take them to a local vet. They will be able to scan them for a microchip and hopefully trace an owner. If an owner can’t be found, they will likely give the cat to a local animal welfare organisation, such as Cats Protection. They can then find the cat a new home. 

If you can’t take the cat to a vet, you could try contacting your local Cats Protection or other local animal welfare organisation. They may be able to try to find the cat’s owner. 

If you think you’ve found a feral cat, don’t try to approach or handle them. Instead, contact your local Cats Protection or other local animal welfare organisation. They may be able to humanely trap the cat and get them neutered. This will help keep them healthy and ensure the feral cat population doesn’t get out of control.   

Find a local vet
Find your local Cats Protection

Can I keep a cat I’ve found? 

If you find a stray cat, you should first attempt to find their owner. You can keep the cat safe until you do so by offering them shelter, but you should follow our steps to find their owner as soon as possible. 

Once you’re sure the cat doesn’t have a home and owner waiting for them, you can adopt the cat yourself. Get them microchipped so if they go roaming again, they’re more likely to be reunited with you. 

If you can’t care for the cat yourself, contact your local Cats Protection or other local animal welfare organisation. They will find the cat a new forever home.  

Microchipping
brown tabby cat walking on grass outdoors

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