Each day we receive calls about stray cats and there is always great concern from the public about such animals, which we totally understand. However, cats have thick coats and are very clever at finding dry spots and shelter from the rain and cold.

If you are worried about a cat that you have seen on a regular basis then please take the following steps before calling or bringing it to us. Taking a cat away may cause undue stress for the cat and upset and worry for the owner.

• Try to door-knock locally - cats roam over a wide area, so ask around to see if anyone knows who it belongs to. Put up a poster about the cat in your garden, on your fencing, in your window and even in your local convenience store
• If you can safely transport the cat to a vet you could have it scanned for a microchip
• If it is possible to get close enough put a paper collar on it with a message asking any owner to contact you. Think of your safety before approaching and then handling the cat - assess the temperament before attempting to handle it. Cat bites can be very nasty! 

Cats are cheeky opportunist and will certainly come around time and time again if you start to feed them.

If you have genuine concerns for the welfare of what you believe to be a stray ie it is injured or looks very unwell and underweight then please do call the National Control Centre Tel 0300 1234 999 and report it.

Despite the increase in calls about found cats, we seem to be experiencing the total opposite in calls from owners to report their own pet as missing. We rarely find owners for the strays that come into our care which is very sad. Social media trends make sharing a photo on Facebook or Twitter very easy but it is not a substitute for the microchipping and informing local rescue centres and veterninary practices that your pet has gone missing so that owners and animals can be re-united quickly. We only have the facility to hold a stray cat for seven days before they are put up for adoption so you need to act quickly if your cat goes missing.

We strongly recommend microchipping. 

The law changed regarding dog ownership and after 6th April 2016 it became compulsory for all dogs to be microchipped to help reunite owners with lost or stolen pets, relieve the burden on animal charities and local authorities and protect the welfare of dogs by promoting responsible dog ownership.

Remember - Microchipping is only successful if you keep your registered details up-to-date. If you move house or even country we urge you to update your details.