i Found a cat

Due to a large feral cat population and a substantial population of domestic cats that roam on public property, it can be difficult to determine how best to help a cat that appears lost. At the Lloydminster and District SPCA , cats are divided into four categories. These categories do not have solid boundaries and one cat can often fit into several categories. Understanding the differences helps determine what care a particular cat requires.

If you have found kittens under 8 weeks of age please look at our Wait Until 8 program.

Owned lost cats

Are not accustomed to the outdoors; often found hiding, scared, hungry and difficult to approach
Will not have roamed too far from its home
Start to lose weight over time; their coats will begin to get dull/matted and unhealthy looking
Often have injuries such as scratches, breaks or frostbite
Are 10 times more likely to find their way home if left in their neighbourhood than if they are brought to the SPCA

It is best to monitor the cat’s situation, talk to neighbours and if it begins to look distressed, contact the SPCA. Keeping this cat in your home is unnecessary and significantly reduces the chance of it ever returning home.

OWNED OUTDOOR CATS

Will be familiar with roaming outdoors and are comfortable in their surroundings
Will be in healthy condition and are likely very friendly and approachable
Roam large territory and may have specific places they visit often

A cat with a collar and a bell is often a good sign that its owners know it is out. You should only contact the SPCA to bring the cat in if it is injured, unhealthy or a nuisance on private property.

COMMUNITY CATS

Once lived in a home but were lost, abandoned or otherwise forced to survive on their own. Their behaviours are somewhere between owned outdoor cats and feral cats.
May still be approachable, but are likely more skittish and no longer used to being picked up or handled.
May form small colonies or live by themselves.
May have adapted to outdoor life quite well and be in healthy condition.
May still rely on neighbourhood people to feed them and provide shelter and may become ill or injured.

These cats should be monitored and if injured, unhealthy in appearance or a nuisance on private property than contact the SPCA. Rehabilitation into a new home may be possible in some circumstances, but should be done through the proper process.

FERAL CATS

Are born wild or have not had human interaction for a significant period of time
Are completely self-sufficient and rarely have injuries, frostbite or are malnourished
Do not allow themselves to be handled or touched by humans and will back away or run when approached
Remain fairly hidden and are nocturnal in nature, living in colonies in one territory with a sufficient source of shelter, food and water

Please contact the Lloydminster and District SPCA before bringing these cats to our facility. Feral cats cannot be rehabilitated into domestic cats. Feral kittens can be brought in at approximately two months of age, once they are no longer dependent on their mother’s milk. However, an appointment must be made in advance.