found cat denver

Found Cat Denver: What To Do If You Find a Lost Cat in Denver

Finding a cat in Denver can be a common occurrence, especially given the city’s sizable feline population. If you’ve found a cat, your priority should be to ensure its safety, determine if it’s owned, and help it reunite with its family or find a new loving home.

Is The Cat a Stray, Feral, or Lost Pet?

Before taking action, try to determine if the cat is genuinely lost or simply a free-roaming outdoor cat. A lost pet is usually friendly and approachable. Check the cat for a collar and ID tags, which may contain contact information. If the cat is skittish, avoids contact, and seems fearful of humans, it could be a feral cat. A feral cat may be part of a feral cat colony. Strays are cats that were once owned but have been abandoned or lost.

Immediate Steps to Take

If you’ve determined the cat might be lost, here are some steps to take:

Safety First

Gently approach the cat. If it seems scared, speak softly and offer food or water. Avoid sudden movements. If the cat allows you to handle it, bring it to a safe and confined space, such as a spare room or carrier.

Check for Identification

Carefully examine the cat for a collar and ID tag. If there’s a phone number, call the owner immediately. If there’s no tag, consider taking the cat to a local veterinarian or shelter to have it scanned for a microchip. Microchips contain owner contact information.

Report The Found Cat

Contact local animal shelters and rescue organizations in Denver, such as the Denver Animal Shelter, to report the found cat. Many owners will contact these places first when searching for their pet. Post “found cat” notices online on sites like Craigslist, Nextdoor, and Facebook groups dedicated to lost and found pets in Denver. Include a clear photo and description of the cat, the location where you found it, and your contact information.

Provide Temporary Care

While searching for the owner, provide the cat with food, water, and a clean litter box. Keep the cat separated from your own pets to prevent the spread of potential illnesses. If you plan to keep the cat longer than a few days, schedule a visit to a veterinarian for a checkup and vaccinations.

What if the Owner is Not Found?

If you’ve exhausted all efforts to find the owner without success, you have a few options. You can adopt the cat yourself, find a new home for it, or surrender it to a local animal shelter. Be sure to thoroughly vet any potential adopters to ensure they can provide a loving and responsible home for the cat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I can’t keep the found cat at my home?

Contact local animal shelters and rescue organizations. They may be able to provide temporary foster care.

How long should I wait before assuming the cat is abandoned?

Wait at least a week or two while actively searching for the owner before considering the cat abandoned.

Should I feed a stray cat I find?

Offering food is a good idea, but avoid creating a dependence by providing food consistently in the same location, as this may discourage the cat from returning home if it has one.

What diseases can I catch from a stray cat?

While the risk is low, stray cats can carry diseases like rabies, ringworm, and parasites. Handle the cat with care and wash your hands thoroughly after contact. Seek veterinary care for the cat to rule out any health issues.

How can I tell if a cat is feral and not lost?

Feral cats are typically fearful and avoid human contact. They may hiss, spit, or run away when approached.

Summary

Finding a cat in Denver requires a responsible approach. Identify if the cat is lost, contact animal shelters and use social media. Provide temporary care and consider long-term options like adoption if the owner isn’t found. Always prioritize the cat’s safety and well-being.