Found Cats and Kittens: What should I do if I find a friendly sick or injured cat?
Only attempt to handle a sick or injured 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.
All cats with an illness or injury must be seen by a veterinarian.
Always phone ahead to ensure a vet is at the clinic and can assist you.
Deceased cats should be taken take to a vet for microchip scan.
- Collar and ID tag – phone owner.
- No ID/no response from owner – phone any vet as soon as possible to arrange medical care and microchip scan.
- Handle and transport sick or injured cats with caution to avoid injury to yourself or accidently making the cat’s injury worse.
- No microchip – check, then post cat found, on Tasmanian Lost Pet Register: facebook.com/tasmanianlostpets.
- 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.
- If not claimed by owner from vet clinic, and is well enough, it may be taken to Ten Lives. Contact Ten Lives on 6278 2111 and book an appointment to bring the cat in. Click here for more information on the procedures for bringing a stray cat in to Ten Lives.
- (Veterinary staff are required to phone Ten Lives to arrange a mutually convenient surrender time).
- Remove all posters if claimed by owner.
NOTE: If someone contacts you claiming the cat belongs to them, and it is not microchipped, ask for proof of ownership such as a photo.
Transporting Cats & Kittens
- When taking a cat to a vet or Ten Lives ensure it is contained securely in a carrier. Ten Lives have carriers available to borrow to transport safely.
- Temporarily placing a lightweight blanket or towel over the cat/kitten will assist with handling.
- Covering the carrier with a light weight 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.