I found a cat

1. Keep yourself and the cat safe. Approach slowly; if the cat is frightened or feral, do not force handling. Use gloves and a towel if needed.
2. Look for ID. Check for a collar or tag and call any phone number listed.
3. Check for a microchip. Take the cat to a local vet, shelter, or animal control to scan for a microchip (most vets and shelters will scan for free). If you find a chip, use a universal lookup to find the registry.
4. Contact local animal control or non-emergency police. Animal Control Officers (ACOs) are the official point of contact for stray animals in CT towns and can assist, especially with injured animals.

• Post on local lost & found pages and Facebook groups (e.g., “Lost and Found Dogs/Cats of Connecticut” and town Facebook pages).
• File a found report with the Connecticut Humane Society and check their lost-and-found listings.
• Post clear photos, location (neighborhood), date/time found, and contact info. Ask owners to describe identifying marks before you give the cat to anyone.

1. Keep the cat separated from other pets until you’re sure it’s healthy.
2. Take it to a vet or shelter for a microchip scan. If chipped, contact the registry.
3. If no chip and no owner comes forward, consider temporary fostering (if you can) or contact local rescues/shelters for intake advice.

Feral cats are not socialized to people. Trapping and socializing takes special equipment and experience.

• Contact local TNR (Trap–Neuter–Return) groups or feral-cat resources in Connecticut rather than trying to keep or socialize the cat yourself. These groups can trap, spay/neuter, vaccinate, and return cats humanely.
• If the cat appears injured or sick, contact Animal Control or a vet. Feral cats may need humane handling by professionals.