Found a Cat

Think “The Cat Came Back”

While finding a dog wandering on its own is normally an indicator that they’re lost, cats are a bit different. A cat outside does not necessarily mean they are lost and finders should ensure they aren’t hastily removing a cat from what could be its home neighbourhood. Here are some tips you can follow if you find a cat outdoors.

If the cat seems healthy, leave them where they are. This may sound harsh, but chances are the cat is not actually lost and most likely has a home and owners who will be looking for them if they are picked up and taken away.
Check for a collar and ID tags. This is a clear indicator that the cat does have a home that they will return to.
Contact your local humane society or animal services provider to fill out a found pet report (confined cats only).
Search the neighbourhood and ask neighbours if they are missing their cat.
If you feel the cat needs help or is truly lost, call your local humane society or animal services provider.
Post photos on social media along with the location where the cat was found.
Bring the cat into your local humane society or animal services provider where they can scan for a microchip and house the cat if necessary.

NOTE: cats could be a community cat (feral/wild cat that lives outside and may or may not have a caretaker), an owned barn buddy or indoor/outdoor cat, or a stray cat (owned, but lost and shouldn’t be outdoors). Each municipality states what they allow when it comes to the care of cats and if they are allowed to roam free, be outside but not leave their property, or not be allowed outside at all. For more information, please check your municipal by-laws.