Lost & Found Cat Guide
Lost or Found a Cat? Here’s What to Do
If you’ve lost your cat or found one you think may be abandoned or stray, don’t panic — there are steps you can take to help reunite pets with their families or ensure a cat gets the care it needs. Below you’ll find advice for both situations, along with resources and how Peterborough Cat Rescue can help.
If You’ve Lost a Cat
1. Search Thoroughly at Home
Cats are experts at hiding. Check every nook indoors — behind furniture, inside wardrobes, under beds, and in any outbuildings like sheds or garages.
2. Ask Your Neighbours
Knock on doors and ask neighbours to check their sheds, garages, and greenhouses. Lost cats often get accidentally shut inside.
3. Post on Social Media and Local Groups
Use local Facebook groups (like “Peterborough Lost and Found Pets” and your local town group) and community platforms like Nextdoor. Include:
A clear photo
Cat’s name and description
Where and when they were last seen
Contact details
4. Create and Distribute Posters
Put up posters on lampposts, local shops, vets, and noticeboards.
5. Contact Local Vets and Rescues
Let them know your cat is missing. Give as much detail as possible, including microchip number if available.
6. Update Microchip Information
If your cat is chipped, contact the microchip database and mark them as lost. Ensure your contact details are current.
7. Keep Checking
Many cats return after a few days. Leave out familiar scents like bedding or your unwashed clothing near the entryway or garden to help guide them back.
If You’ve Found a Cat
1. Observe Before Acting
Is the cat underweight, dirty, or injured? Or does it look clean and well-fed? Some cats are outdoor roamers and may not be lost at all.
2. Ask Around Locally
Knock on doors nearby and ask if anyone recognises the cat. Often they belong to someone close by.
3. Post Online
Use local social media and lost pet websites. Keep in mind to ask for proof of ownership ie photos. Include:
A photo
Where and when the cat was found
If it has any ID, collar, or visible injuries
Your contact details
4. Use a printable collar
You can print out a paper collar and add your phone number to it. If they go back to an owner they can then contact you to let you know they have a home.
5. Take to a Vet or Rescue for Microchip Scanning
Most vets will scan for a chip for free. If the cat is microchipped, they’ll attempt to contact the owner.
6. Provide Short-Term Care if Needed
If the cat seems in distress or is in danger, you may choose to provide temporary shelter. Keep it in a quiet, secure space away from other pets.
7. Contact Peterborough Cat Rescue
If you’re unsure what to do next, contact us. We can advise, check our lost cat reports, or help with rehoming options if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I wait before assuming a cat is stray?
If the cat looks healthy, wait a few days and post online first. It might just be on an adventure. If no one comes forward after a week or so, it may be time to investigate further.
I’ve found a kitten. What should I do?
Watch from a distance — the mother may return. If the kitten is in danger, cold, or clearly abandoned, please contact us immediately.
Can you scan a cat for a microchip?
Yes — we can help with microchip scanning or direct you to a nearby vet who will do it for free.
