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Is this cat a stray?

How to identify a stray cat background

How to identify a stray cat

Info graphic - 4 signs a cat might have an owner. 1) collar 2) healthy 3)friendly 4) appear well fed

 

If you find a stray animal, we can help!

It is important to note that not all cats found outdoors are lost.  There is no bylaw restricting pet owners from letting their cats outdoors to roam.

Paying special attention to the cat’s appearance such as weight, hair coat and estimated age of the cat can help determine if help is needed.

When in doubt, it is always best to contact us to assist! Snap a photo of the cat and our team can assess the cat’s condition, and check the Lost Pet Reports on file.

Please call us at 519-824-3091 so our team can assist you.

 

Should I call GHS? background

Should I call GHS?

As a compassionate member of the community, your first instinct is to help the cat. But does the cat you see actually need help? In some situations, the answer is more obvious:

  • if a cat is roaming outside in adverse weather conditions (i.e. rain, snow, freezing cold) = call your local animal shelter
  • if the roaming cat is a kitten (less than one year old) without any identification = call your local animal shelter
  • if the roaming cat appears sick, injured or in danger = call your local animal shelter immediately

If a GHS Animal Services Officer comes to investigate concerns about a roaming cat, the officer may decide to bring the cat into the shelter if it appears to be:

  • dehydrated
  • emaciated
  • over the age of 10
  • declawed
  • a kitten
  • heavily matted (coat/fur in poor condition)
  • pregnant
  • visibly sick or injured (i.e. cuts, wounds, flea infestation, frost bite, ear mites, etc.)
What can I do? background

What can I do?

If you approach a roaming cat, here are some things you can do:

  • Check the pet for identification; all cats and dogs in the City of Guelph, and all dogs in the Township of Guelph/Eramosa and Township of Centre Wellington are required to have a license. If you have found a pet who is wearing a City of Guelph or Township of Guelph/Eramosa license tag, enter the 7-digit code on the tag here to look up the pet’s public information. If you have found a pet who is wearing a Township of Centre Wellington license tag, please contact the Guelph Humane Society for more information.
  • The pet may have other tags, such as rabies, microchip, or vet clinic tags. If this is the case, contact the phone numbers on the tag, or call the GHS at 519-824-3091 and we can help.
  • Ask neighbours if they recognize the pet.
  • Check social media and the internet for lost reports:

Please note that we strongly recommend keeping found animals in a secure space away from other pets and children, and to provide fresh water at all times.

If a stray animal appears sick, injured or in distress, please contact the GHS immediately at 519-824-3091.

 

Thank you for helping pets in our community. Find out what happens next with found pets now in our care, by clicking HERE.