Stray & Injured cats

I’ve found a stray cat. What do I do?

● If you find a healthy cat which you are worried may be lost or a stray, you can call your nearest
Donaldson’s Vets branch and we will be happy to scan the cat to check for a microchip. Please
ensure any cat transported to the vets is in an appropriate carrier. If the cat is microchipped, we
will contact the owners. You will be asked to stay with the cat until a vet or nurse has examined
it. We are unable to admit cats without them being assessed nor are we able to board and keep healthy cats.
● If the cat isn’t microchipped and providing it is healthy you will need to return it to
the location where it was found. We would recommend putting a paper collar on the cat to try
and locate the owner. To print paper collars, click here
● Consider putting an advert on local Facebook groups to help locate the owner.
● If the cat is noticeably injured or unhealthy, and you suspect that this is through cruelty or
neglect then please contact the RSPCA. The RSPCA Helpline number for the public is 0300 1234
999. You can also report cruelty online:
https://young.rspca.org.uk/web/rspca/utilities/contactus/reportcruelty/crueltychecklist
● From June 2024 The RSPCA will be prioritising cruelty and neglect. They are no longer issuing log
numbers for initial emergency treatment (IET). We will give emergency first aid/pain relief to
these cases but you may be asked to return the cat to the area it was found if it is well enough to be returned.

Useful websites:

● www.rspca.org.uk
● www.heronbankrescue.co.uk
● www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/lost-found-and-feral-cats/stray-cats

From the 10th June 2024 it became a legal requirement for any cat over the age of 20 weeks to be microchipped in England.