Lost and Found

If you have lost, or found a cat, search for and list them on these websites: There are many local online groups for lost and found cats in Bedfordshire e.g.: Let local rescues know (click here to see list of Bedfordshire cat rescues). Please DO NOT message us on Facebook to ask us to rehome your cat, or trap/rehome a stray. Ring the shelter instead.

Lost a cat?
  • Use the links above.
  • If your cat is microchipped, notify the microchip company and report your cat as missing. Inform all local shelters and vets of your missing cat's details and chip number. Make sure the contact details on the microchip are up to date.
  • Lost cats are often nearby but disorientated or trapped. So put flyers through all neighbouring houses doors, asking them to check sheds and garages. Also, put-up posters.
  • Familiar smells and sounds can help your cat find their way home. So, empty the hoover in the garden, put the cat's litter tray in the garden, and hang dirty washing on the line. Go out calling your cats name, shaking bags of treats or tapping tins of food with a fork. Do this early morning and late evening.
  • Put a warm tin of tuna or smelly food by the windowsill.
  • Ring local councils asking if any cats have been hit by cars. It's not nice but can save a lot of worry and searching. Note: not all councils will scan, or report deceased cats.

Found a kitten?
  • If you find a kitten that you think is too young to be away from mum (younger than 8 weeks), it is urgent to keep them warm. 
  • Wrap them in a blanket and put them safe in a box or carrier. With a hot water bottle or near a heater if it is winter.
  • Provide clean fresh water.
  • Take them to a vet as soon as possible.
  • Or take them home and ring local cat rescues for advice and help.
Young kittens will need to be put with a nursing mum cat or hand reared by an experienced kitten foster carer. If the cat is older than 8 weeks, follow the 'Found a cat?' advice below.
 
Found a cat?
  • Use the links at the top of this page.
  • If they're ill, bring them indoors and get them to a vet or shelter asap. Even if they turn out not to be lost or a stray, a sick cat still needs help. 
  • If they're not ill, put a paper collar on the cat and write 'This cat visits me, is he yours?' and put your phone number on it. 
  • Put up found posters and ask neighbors if they know this cat.
  • Try to get the cat to a vet or call a cat charity to scan them for a chip and put them on their lost and found list. Even if they are not chipped, it will be easier for the owner to find the cat by ringing round local vets and shelters.
  • The vet may keep the cat if they have room, or you may need to take them home with you and continue trying to find the owner. This will be easier now that the vet has given you details such as the cats gender, age, and neutered/microchip status.
  • Please note when you find a cat you believe is ill, lost or homeless, you may be that cats only chance at being either reunited with their owner, getting appropriate vet care, or finding a new home. If you bring a stray into your home, please do not let them out again until a shelter, vet or its owner collects them. Especially if the cat is not neutered. Letting them out again potentially creates hundreds more homeless, feral cats.
  • If no owner is found, they will need to go to a shelter to be re-homed. 
As well as ours, try these other local cat rescues and more on Cat Chat.

Prevention
It is vital to take preventative measures such as:
  • Microchipping your cat, keeping them in at night and putting an ID collar on if your cat will wear one. 
  • Signing up to Lost Alert.
  • Feeding your cat at set mealtimes, rather than leaving a bowl of biscuits out all day. For example, feeding your cat in the morning will encourage them to come home if you let them out at night. Or set evening meals for when you are home from work, as this ensures your cat comes home to be kept in overnight, or at least lets you know they have not gone missing during the day.

We strongly recommend micro-chipping your cat. It can be very cheap to do and makes finding a lost cat much easier. Message us on Facebook if you have lost or found a cat you would like us to share on our page. Try to provide a photo and the following information when you get in contact: cat's name, gender, neuter status, breed, colour, microchip status, distinctive features, last known location, whether the cat wears a collar, as well as your contact details.