Missing cat?
If your cat goes missing…
What to do if your cat goes missing
All pet owners soon get to know their animal’s natural habits. So when they don’t come home near the expected times the warning signs go up. However, sometimes there may be a simple reason your cat has not come home. Maybe they have found a new hiding place or they’ve gone further than they usually do and rain or other bad weather prevents them from making their way home.
In the meantime, you should:
- Make a thorough search of your home to make sure they haven’t found a comfy place and are just ignoring your calls ! Check behind furniture or appliances, also in or under cupboards etc as cats do choose the strangest places as we all know.
- Look outside, in and under outbuildings, bushes etc also shake their biscuit packet calling them all the time.
- Write down a detailed description and find a picture(s) if you have them.
- Ask your neighbours in all directions where you live, if they’ve seen your cat/kitten.
- Ask people to check their garages, sheds, and parked vans or trucks. Most will do so if asked, but few will think to look themselves.
- Telephone all the agencies listed below.
- Put posters/flyers around your own area, with a picture and a description of your cat they need to look out for, notifying people that he/she is missing.
Your cat needs to be able to get back into the house at all times including at night or when you are away from home. A cat flap is obviously the best way of providing access for your cat at all times, however, if it’s safe to do so, leave a window open enough for them to get in, but preferably a cat flap is the best option for lots of reasons.
Microchipping is a must and this the safest and most reliable way of identification, it will also help to reunite you with your furry friend.
If on the other hand, you have FOUND a cat/kitten please also contact the agencies below. Rescue Centres can send you a paper collar or in alot of cases Posters are the better option, as they are there on display to remind people when they pass by.
The agencies you should contact for Lost and Found cats are as
| Feline Welfare | 01983 521 778 | Anytime |
| Cats Protection | 03000 120 251 | 9-4pm |
| RSPCA Godshill | 01983 840 287 | 10-4pm |
| Nine Lives Cat Rescue | 01983 852 228 | Anytime |
All
| Green, Robert & Butler | 01983 522 822 |
| Medina Veterinary Group | 01983 883 955 |
| Pet Doctors |
01983522 804 |
| Peoples Vet |
01983 653769 |
| Island Vet Care |
01983 214 747 |
Wight Vets 01983 896 889
Island Roads: 01983 822 440
Any animals sadly killed on the road will be collected by this company and kept for at least 14 days. Or in fact may be taken to any of the Veterinary Practices or Rescue Centres.
Local Newspaper
Livestock and Pets Section/ Lost and Found:
| Isle of Wight County Press | 01983 526 741 |
Local Radio:
| Isle of Wight Radio | 01983 822 557 |
Lost and Found Cats IOW
Lost & Found Pets Isle of Wight
Compassionate groups dedicated to pets/strays on the Isle of Wight. You can access these sites if you are registered with Facebook.
This also applies if you live on the mainland as there will be relevant groups for you to contact as there are on the IOW
Also, on your own Facebook Page, encourage ‘friends’ to share your post, photos are always a great help in tracing your much loved pet.