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Cats
How do I adopt a cat?
I've lost my cat
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Cat advice
Farewell your cat
Board your cat with us
Foster a cat or kitten
Rehome your cat
Dogs
How do I adopt a dog?
I've lost my dog
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I've found a dog
Dog advice
Farewell your dog
Board your dog with us
Foster a dog or puppy
Rehome your dog
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Board your pet with us
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Find a vet
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Rehome your pet
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What do I do if I find a cat?

Some tips on the best things to do

Ask yourself these questions to help you decide the best thing to do

Is the cat friendly?

When you come across a friendly cat, it's very likely to find its own way home. Consider leaving it where it is as long it seems safe to do so.

Is the cat in good health, seems spritely, isn't too thin?
  • The cat is very likely being fed and cared for by someone and will probably find its own way home
  • Check for a collar or tag. It's vital as a first step to try to contact the owner before contacting your local council, AWL or RSPCA
  • If the cat is sick, take it to your local vet
Am I absolutely positive that no one else is 'looking after' this cat?
  • Not all cats are lost. Semi-owned or 'community' cats are living happily amongst us in every urban community. With access to food and water, these cats have a high chance of survival
  • Many cats are 'semi owned'. In other words, people care for them and feed them even though they don't consider that they own the cat. Some cats are 'unowned', interacting with humans every now and again, but otherwise self-sufficient
  • Consider taking them to your local vet to be scanned for a microchip so you can contact the owner
  • Check the Lost Cat Noticeboard to see if the owner has reported it missing
  • If you can't contact the owner, consider using one of our paper collars. Put your phone number and ask if anyone owns the cat. This can be a great way to start a conversation with the owner. If you get no response, you can contact the council. Read more about our paper collars
Is the cat bothering you or the community?
  • If you can't locate the animal's owner, immediately contact the council where you found the animal. They will advise you on the next steps. Most councils have a 24-hour call back system
  • After contacting your council, you can call us at AWL, and we'll give you some options on what to do next
What do I do if I cannot get near these cats?
  • Don't put yourself at risk. If you feel that you need to remove the cat, contact your local council

Lost pets noticeboard

Paper cat collars

Animal Welfare League Animal Welfare League
Animal Welfare League

Animal Welfare League of South Australia Inc (AWL) brings together lost and abandoned pets and caring humans to create happy homes where everyone feels loved.

Contact
1-19 Cormack Road,
Wingfield SA 5013
P: 08 8348 1300
E: contactus@awl.org.au
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Cats
How do I adopt a cat?
I've lost my cat
I've found a cat
Cat advice
Foster a cat or kitten
Dogs
How do I adopt a dog?
I've lost my dog
I've found a dog
Dog advice
Foster a dog or puppy
About us
Who we are
Policy and position statements
Our team
Contact us
Work with us
Pet projects
Support AWL
Donate online
Donate every month
Donate items
Leave a gift in your Will
Do your own fundraising
Buy lottery tickets
Volunteer for us
Sponsor a kennel
Shop at our thrift shops
Become a member
Help for your pet
Rehome your pet
Board your pet with us
Farewell your pet
Find a lost pet
Topical tips
Pocket pets
Find a vet
ACNC Registered Charity
© Animal Welfare League of South Australia Inc
A member of Companion Animal Network Australia - CAN
08 8348 1300
contactus@awl.org.au
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