Finding your pets...

Found a Cat? Report It with FetchSafe

If you've spotted or taken in a lost cat, FetchSafe helps you notify the owner right away.

Post a found cat alert with photo & details
Neighbors are notified immediately
The owner can message you safely in-app

Your quick action could be the difference between a cat staying lost and a happy reunion.

Report a Found Cat Check Lost Cat Alerts
Kind person who found a lost cat helping it get home
Cat Hero
Safe Return

📱 Found a Cat? Do This Right Now!

Every minute counts - the owner is probably searching frantically

1. Take Photos Immediately

Capture the cat's face, body, and any unique markings. This helps owners identify their pet quickly.

2. Post on FetchSafe Now

Create your found cat alert instantly. Include location details and where the cat is now.

🐱 Cat Safety First: Special Considerations

Cats behave very differently than dogs when lost. Here's how to approach safely:

Important: DON'T Chase Cats

  • Never chase or corner a cat - they will flee and hide deeper
  • Speak softly or make quiet sounds - avoid sudden movements
  • Let them approach you - cats need to feel in control
  • Use food to entice - but don't grab while they're eating

If You Can Safely Approach

  • Let them sniff your fingers first - don't reach for their head
  • Bring them inside immediately - outdoor cats can disappear again
  • Secure in quiet room - away from other pets and noise
  • Check for signs of ownership - collar, well-fed, socialized

Check for Ear-Tip: Is This a Community Cat?

Before assuming a cat is lost, check if they're part of a managed community cat colony:

!
Look for Ear-Tip

A straight cut across the ear tip indicates this cat has been spayed/neutered and is part of a TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) program. They likely live outdoors by choice.

✓
If Ear-Tipped

Still post a found alert - the cat may have a caretaker who feeds them. But they probably live outdoors and shouldn't be taken to a shelter.

?
If No Ear-Tip

More likely to be someone's pet, especially if they're friendly, well-fed, or have a collar. Proceed with reunion efforts.

Close-up of cat ear showing TNR ear-tip identification for community cats
Ear-tipped cats are usually community cats who live outdoors by choice
Veterinarian scanning cat for microchip identification

Microchip Scanning for Cats

Many indoor cats have microchips. This should be your next priority after securing the cat:

1
Take to Any Vet Clinic

Free scanning - most vets will check for microchips without charge. No appointment needed.

2
Multiple Scan Locations

Cat microchips can migrate - ask the vet to scan the neck, shoulders, and sides.

3
Contact Registry

If chipped, the vet can contact the microchip company and owner directly - often same-day reunions!

Cat Tip: Animal shelters and many pet stores also offer free microchip scanning during business hours.

Paper Collar Technique for Outdoor Cats

A simple method to determine if an outdoor cat has an owner

How to Use a Paper Collar

  1. Create the collar: Cut a strip of paper 1" wide and long enough to fit loosely around the cat's neck
  2. Write your message: "Is this your cat? Check FetchSafe Alert #[your alert ID] - found at [location]"
  3. Attach safely: Use tape or staple loosely - ensure the cat can slip out if caught
  4. Check daily: If the collar stays on for 3+ days, the cat likely doesn't have an owner checking on them
  5. Still post online: Use FetchSafe even with paper collar - owner may not see it right away

Why Paper Collars Work

  • Owner contact: If someone feeds this cat regularly, they'll see your note
  • Safe method: Paper breaks away if the cat gets caught on something
  • Non-invasive: Cat can continue their routine while you search for owner
  • Community cats: Helps identify cats that are cared for vs. truly stray
Important: Only use this method if the cat seems healthy and comfortable outdoors. Injured or very friendly cats should be secured indoors.

Help Identify the Found Cat

Include these details in your found cat report

Coat Color & Pattern

  • • Solid, tabby, calico, or tortoiseshell
  • • Primary and secondary colors
  • • Stripe patterns or spots
  • • White markings location

Size & Build

  • • Small, medium, or large
  • • Long or short hair
  • • Skinny, normal, or overweight
  • • Approximate age (kitten/adult/senior)

Unique Features

  • • Collar or tags
  • • Scars or injuries
  • • Eye color
  • • Missing fur or limbs
Person caring for found cat

Caring for the Found Cat

While you wait for the owner to respond

Provide fresh water in a shallow bowl
Offer small amounts of cat food if available
Create a quiet, safe space away from other pets
Check for injuries and contact a vet if needed
Let the cat approach you - don't force interaction
Remember: Found cats are often scared and may hide or act aggressively. Give them space and time to calm down.

Found Cat Heroes

People who helped cats get home

D
David K.
Cat Finder

"Found a scared tabby in my yard. Posted on FetchSafe and the owner messaged me within 10 minutes! Reunited the same day."

Reunited in 1 hour
P
Patricia R.
Neighborhood Helper

"A beautiful Persian was hiding under my deck for 2 days. FetchSafe connected me with the frantic owner who lived 3 blocks away!"

Reunited in 3 hours
J
James H.
Good Samaritan

"Spotted a declawed cat that obviously belonged to someone. FetchSafe's secure messaging let me coordinate safely with the owner."

Reunited in 45 minutes

🛡️ Safety First When Helping Found Cats

  • • Use FetchSafe's secure messaging - never share personal phone numbers
  • • Meet in public places when returning the cat
  • • Ask for proof of ownership (photos, vet records, etc.)
  • • Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, contact authorities

Frequently Asked Questions for Cat Finders

Cat-specific guidance for reunion success

Look for signs of ownership: collar or tags, well-groomed appearance, healthy weight, and friendly behavior toward humans. Check for an ear-tip (straight cut across ear tip) which indicates a spayed/neutered community cat. Indoor cats are usually more social and may approach you readily, while true strays are often skittish and thin.

Never chase a cat - this will make them hide deeper. Instead, try the paper collar technique if you can get close enough. Post a found cat alert with a photo taken from a distance. Set out food and water in the same location daily - lost indoor cats often return to where they feel safe. Search at dawn and dusk when cats are most active.

Generally no - ear-tipped cats are part of TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) programs and live outdoors by choice. However, still post a found alert as they may have a caretaker. Only take an ear-tipped cat to a shelter if they appear sick, injured, or are in immediate danger. Many shelters will just re-release healthy ear-tipped cats anyway.

This varies by location, but most areas require 7-14 days of reasonable search efforts. Keep the cat indoors during this time - don't let them back outside where they could disappear again. Document your care with photos and receipts. Contact local animal control for guidance on your area's specific holding period requirements.

Lost indoor cats often hide in small, dark spaces close to where they went missing. Check under porches, decks, sheds, bushes, and parked cars. Use a flashlight to look for reflecting eyes. Call the cat's name softly and shake treats. Dawn and dusk are the best times to search as cats are naturally more active. Set out their litter box, food, and owner's worn clothing to help guide them home.

Found a Cat? Report It Now!

A family is missing their beloved pet. Every hour counts for a safe indoor cat.

Free cat-specific alerts
TNVR community support
Secure owner verification
Instant community notifications
REPORT FOUND CAT NOW

Trusted by 25,000+ community members • 1,247 cat reunions

Lost Cat Near Me
Missing Cats Near Me
What To Do If You Find a Lost Cat