What to do if You've Found A Cat
Before contacting us, please review the information below.
If you find a cat, it’s important to make sure the cat does not have an owner. Before we can intake a cat there are several steps you need to take to ensure that the cat is indeed a stray. Please follow these steps:
1.
Speak to neighbors and put up posters in your area (including a picture and description of what the cat looks like and where it was found).
2.
Have the cat scanned for a microchip at a local vet clinic (if the animal can be safely handled). This is a free service.2.
3.
Post a Found Notice or Cat Sighting with a picture on the Ottawa and Valley Lost Pet Network Facebook page. This is a free service.
4.
Create a found pet report with your local animal control officer and animal shelter. For the Ottawa Humane Society, a Found Animal Report can be submitted here:
5.
If, after 10 days, no one comes forward and you have followed all of the above steps, please fill out our intake form and we will assess the situation.
I found a litter of kittens
Please look around for a mother cat (Queen). Do NOT move the kittens! If no mother has returned after 6 hours, please email us. You will still be asked to fill in an intake form.
If the kittens are without a mother for more than 6 hours and it’s outside regular business hours, or there is concern for the kittens’ well-being, please contact 311 for Ottawa Bylaw Services for immediate service.
If you find a sick or injured cat requiring immediate assistance – please contact 311 for Ottawa Bylaw Services for immediate service, or the Ottawa Humane Society at 613-725-3166 ext. 221 during operating hours for immediate intake. Their website is https://ottawahumane.ca