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.
- Please note: we are currently at capacity and closed for cat intake until further notice.
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.
