Lost & Found Cats – What You Need to Know
It’s Lost & Found Cat Season — What You Need to Know
Right now, in Minnesota, it’s kitten season, which means cats are on the move, and we’re flooded with messages about found felines. We understand! When you see a cat outside, it’s natural to worry. But not every cat outdoors is lost, and not every lost cat needs rescue.
Some cats are indoor/outdoor pets. Others are well-cared-for community cats. And yes, some are truly missing and need help finding their way back home.
So, how can you tell the difference? Here’s what to know—and what to do.
Before assuming they’re lost, take the time to observe and investigate:
• Post on local Facebook groups, Nextdoor, and lost & found pet pages
• Check for a collar or ID tag
• Have the cat scanned for a microchip at a vet or shelter
• Contact your local vet clinics, animal control/impound, or sheriff’s department (if there’s no animal control). Even if they can’t take the cat, they may have lost pet reports on file.
• Friendly cats could be owned and out for a stroll—or they could be lost. Start by checking with nearby neighbors and watch to see if the cat seems to “head home.”
• A healthy, well-fed cat that avoids people might be a community cat that lives outside and is cared for through a TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) program. Look for a tipped ear as a sign they’re already spayed or neutered.
• If the cat is malnourished, dehydrated, crying nonstop, or seems especially disoriented, that’s a stronger sign they might be lost or abandoned and in need of help.
Don’t panic—and don’t give up. Cats are especially prone to roaming this time of year, particularly if they’re not spayed or neutered.
• Post flyers on nearby intersections and bulletin boards
• Ask neighbors if they’ve seen your cat or have security cameras
• Leave out bedding, clothing, or a litter box that smells like home
• Search at dawn and dusk, when cats are more active
• Use online tools like PawBoost and 24Petconnect
• Contact local vets, shelters, and impounds to report your cat missing
Many cats stay close to home and may hide for days before surfacing—your cat could be closer than you think.
Please share this post to help more people understand the difference between cats who are lost, owned, or part of a colony. Education saves lives—and keeps cats where they belong.
Lost & Found Cats – What You Need to Know
Posted: June 10, 2025 by Kelli Hanson
Category: Cats, Pet Tips, Resources