What Should I Do if I Find a Lost Cat?
Finding a cat outdoors can be stressful, especially if you’re unsure whether it’s lost, feral, or simply an indoor–outdoor pet. In Hawaiʻi—where free-roaming animals are common—it helps to follow a clear plan. This guide explains how to tell if a cat is truly lost, what to do in the first 24–48 hours, how “stray holds” and “foster in place” work, and where to post so you can reunite the cat with their family.
Is the Cat Really Lost?
Before you scoop up a friendly feline, pause to assess the situation. This section shows you how to spot the difference between a genuinely lost pet and an indoor–outdoor or community cat, and offers a simple way to contact an owner without moving the cat far from home.
Signs a cat might be lost: appears disoriented or hesitant; looks underweight or poorly groomed; seeks people or tries to enter homes; no ear tip (not part of a TNR colony).
Signs it may not be lost: confident, well-fed, clean coat and eyes; ear tip present (indicates spay/neuter through TNR).
If the cat seems relaxed and stays in the same area, try the paper-collar method: write a short note with your number (“Is this your cat? Please call/text.”), attach it to a breakaway collar, and monitor. Owners of indoor–outdoor cats often respond quickly.
What Should I Do First?
If the cat appears friendly and safe to handle, these are the first steps to try while the cat is still close to home. Acting quickly increases your odds of a same-day reunion.
Check for a collar and ID tag.
Bring the cat to a vet clinic or shelter to scan for a microchip (quick and free).
Take clear photos (face, full body, unique markings) and note where/when you found the cat.
If you can’t transport the cat right away, contain it in a secure, ventilated area and offer water (and a small meal) while you seek help.
What Is a Stray Hold?
Understanding “stray hold” rules helps you choose the right path. A stray hold is the period a shelter must keep a found pet before adoption or other outcomes so owners have time to reclaim. In Hawaiʻi, holds vary by island and shelter, typically 48–72 hours. Ask your local shelter for specifics.
Stray holds only apply when the animal is turned in or formally reported. If you keep the cat at home, you should still file a found report with animal services and nearby shelters so the owner can find your listing.
What Is “Foster in Place”?
“Foster in place” lets a finder temporarily care for a cat at home—rather than moving it into a crowded shelter—while continuing reunification efforts. This approach reduces stress for the cat, keeps them near the area they went missing, and often leads to faster reunions. Many Hawaiʻi shelters will provide guidance, flyers, and supplies to support you while you foster.
Use Petco Love Lost
Technology can supercharge your search. Petco Love Lost uses facial recognition to match your found-pet photo with lost-pet posts nearby. Upload a clear photo, create a simple found listing, and check for matches daily. It’s free and takes minutes—and it pairs well with local reporting.
Where Else Should I Post a Found Cat?
Casting a wide net—both online and offline—helps the right family see your post. Share photos, date/time, and the exact location (nearest cross streets) plus your contact info.
Hawaiʻi Facebook groups (e.g., Lost & Found Pets Hawaiʻi)
Nextdoor and Craigslist “Lost & Found”
Local vet offices, pet supply stores, and community bulletin boards
Printed flyers on your block and at nearby intersections
Check messages and comments frequently the first 48 hours.
Can I Keep a Found Cat?
It’s natural to fall in love, but there’s a process to follow. Make a good-faith effort to locate the owner and respect local rules.
Wait out the applicable stray-hold period (if you’ve turned the cat in or filed a found report).
Post broadly online and in your neighborhood; keep screenshots or notes as documentation.
If no one comes forward after a reasonable time and legal requirements are met, you may choose to adopt or continue fostering through a rescue.
What If the Cat Needs Medical Attention?
Health and safety come first. If the cat is injured, lethargic, or in visible distress, seek veterinary care immediately. Contact your local humane society or rescue for advice; some organizations may offer financial support or can accept urgent cases. Don’t delay treatment while you look for an owner—save receipts and records in case the guardian is found.
What If I Can’t Keep the Cat?
Not everyone can foster, and that’s okay. Call local shelters or rescues, explain where and when you found the cat, and ask about waitlists or finder-to-foster options. Some groups have volunteer networks that can transport or temporarily house the cat. Avoid releasing a clearly domestic cat back outdoors, especially if they seem dependent on people.
Reuniting a lost cat with their family is a generous act that makes a real difference. By assessing whether the cat is truly lost, taking quick first steps, using tools like Petco Love Lost, and posting widely in your community, you greatly increase the chances of getting a beloved pet back home.