Found Cats and Kittens - What to Do When You Find a Friendly, Healthy, Lost Cat

Sep 11, 2026

Guidance for safely handling a friendly, healthy cat or kitten that appears lost, emphasizing minimal risk of being bitten or scratched. If bitten or badly scratched, immediate medical care is recommended due to infection risk. Steps prioritize helping the animal return home via collar/ID checks, local lost pet registration, posting and distributing flyers, providing water only, and arranging microchip scanning. Includes secure transport instructions to a vet or Ten Lives Cat Centre, poster content tips, and owner-claim proof guidance.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time1 min

AccessFree to download

What to Do When You Find a Friendly, Healthy, Lost Cat

Safety and Medical Attention

Helping the Cat Reclaim Process

Transporting Cats & Kittens

Ten Lives Cat Centre Contact

Found Cat Poster Example and Template

Found Cats and Kittens What should I do if I find a friendly healthy cat that appears lost? Only attempt to handle a cat if it is safe for you to do so, with minimal risk of being bitten or scratched. If you are bitten or badly scratched by a cat/kitten always seek medical care immediately as these injuries can cause severe infection and illness in people. Wandering cats are more likely to be returned to owners using the following steps rather than taking them to Ten Lives straight away. The reclaim rate for cats from Ten Lives is only 2.6% . • Collar and ID tag-phone owner. • No ID-check, then post cat found, on Tasmanian Lost Pet Register: [facebook.com/tasmanianlostpets](facebook.com/tasmanianlostpets). • Provide water only, not food or milk (feeding will discourage cat to return to its owner). • Ask neighbours if they own the cat or know who does. • Make flyers and posters-distribute within a four-block radius, see below for example and template. • No response after 24 hours-phone your local vet or Ten Lives to book an appointment for a microchip scan. Microchip scans are a free service. • Ensure the cat is securely contained when transporting to vets or Ten Lives, see below. • No microchip-contact Ten Lives on 6278 2111 and book an appointment to bring the cat in. Visit: [tenlives.com.au/factsheets/found-cats-and](tenlives.com.au/factsheets/found-cats-and)kittens for more information on the procedures for bringing a cat in to Ten Lives • Remove all posters if cat is claimed by owner. NOTE: If someone contacts you claiming the cat belongs to them, and it isnot microchipped, ask for proof of ownership such as a photo. Do not give cow’s milk/supermarket cat milk, it can cause diarrhea. Transporting Cats & Kittens • When taking a cat to a vet or Ten Lives ensure it is contained securely in a carrier. If a carrier is not available a large container/ box which has ventilation holes (or ventilation holes added) and a lid which can be secured will suffice. • Temporarily placing a lightweight blanket or towel over the cat/kitten will assist with handling. • Covering the carrier/box with a lightweight blanket or towel will assist in calming the cat/kitten. • Do not attempt to carry any cat/ kitten in your arms, it must be securely contained. • If you arrive at Ten Lives, and the cat/kitten is not contained, leave the cat in the car and ask reception for a carrier. • Containing a cat/kitten when transporting it will make the cat feel safe and prevent it escaping and becoming lost. Ten Lives Cat Centre ABN 78 883 186 467 12 Selfs Point Road New Town Tas 7008 PO Box 309 Lenah Valley Tas 7008 P 03 6278 2111 F 03 6278 3111 [ten](tenlives.com.au)[lives.com.au](tenlives.com.au) [info](info@tenlives.com.au)[@](info@tenlives.com.au)[ten](info@tenlives.com.au)[lives.com.au](info@tenlives.com.au) Found Cats and Kittens Found Cat Poster Example and Template Make posters as big as possible, include FOUND CAT, a PHOTO of the cat, YOUR PHONE NUMBER and any unique features (people driving past will have 3-5 seconds to read it so 5 words max). Note: Check with your Council on laws related to displaying community posters. You can also write a simple message on your car back window with fluro glass markers. FOUND CAT “CASSIDY” Found At: PAWLEENA/SORELL AREA BROWN & GREY TABBY, MISSING FRONT RIGHT LEG Please call: 0412 345 678 Example Found Cat Poster Ten Lives Cat Centre ABN 78 883 186 467 12 Selfs Point Road New Town Tas 7008 PO Box 309 Lenah Valley Tas 7008 P 03 6278 2111 F 03 6278 3111 [ten](tenlives.com.au)[lives.com.au](tenlives.com.au) [info](info@tenlives.com.au)[@](info@tenlives.com.au)[ten](info@tenlives.com.au)[lives.com.au](info@tenlives.com.au) FOUND CAT Found At: Please call:

FAQs

What should I do first when I find a friendly, healthy cat that seems lost?

Handle the cat only if it is safe for you, with minimal risk of being bitten or scratched. If you are bitten or badly scratched, seek medical care immediately due to infection risk.

What steps help a wandering cat be returned to its owner?

Check for a collar and ID tag-phone the owner. If there is no ID, post the cat on the Tasmanian Lost Pet Register, ask neighbours, provide water only, and make posters within a four-block radius.

How should I transport the cat to a vet or Ten Lives?

Ensure the cat is securely contained in a carrier. If no carrier is available, use a ventilated large container/box with a secure lid, and do not carry the cat in your arms.

Sep 11, 2026

Upload by Maya Linwood