Finding an Abandoned Cat: What to Do
As we all know, finding an abandoned cat is not a rare occurrence in Italy. Unfortunately, every year, around 60,000 cats and dogs are abandoned, with a peak during the summer months. It’s even more heartbreaking when people abandon newborn kittens, leaving them without the necessary care.
In this article, we’ll guide you on what to do if you find an abandoned cat, providing you with the knowledge and resources needed to provide these deserving animals with the love and care they need.
Reporting an Abandoned Cat
When you see an abandoned cat or dog, don’t try to pick it up immediately. Instead, alert the local police department (vigili urbani) who should take charge of collecting and caring for the animal. However, in reality, this rarely happens, even when we report the issue.
Key Considerations
When finding an abandoned cat, you’ll need to address two main concerns: financial and practical.
- Who is responsible for the cat’s care?
- Where should you take the cat?
In theory, if you find a cat or dog abandoned, you can use the free veterinary services offered by local animal shelters (canili) associated with your city council. However, this isn’t always the case in southern Italy, and you may need to travel long distances.
Free Veterinary Services
If you’ve already found and taken in an abandoned cat, the first step is to check its health status and schedule a veterinary visit. Contact your local ASL (healthcare provider) to find out if their veterinarian is available.
You can also ask about local animal shelters or private veterinarians who may be willing to help.
Taking Your Cat to an Animal Shelter
By law, every municipality must have a local animal shelter or make arrangements with private animal care facilities. This means you can hand over your cat to the care of these facilities.
The shelter will provide medical care for your cat until it’s adopted by a new owner.
Keeping an Abandoned Cat as Your Own
If you decide to keep the abandoned cat, you’re responsible for its health and well-being. Make sure to:
- Schedule regular veterinary check-ups
- Administer flea and tick treatment
- Microchip your cat (optional but recommended for international travel)
Liability for an Abandoned Cat
If the cat bites or injures someone, you may be held liable.
Additionally, if the cat is injured while in your care, you’ll need to provide medical attention.
Handling an Abandoned Cat on a Busy Road
If the abandoned cat is on a busy road or highway, this poses a significant risk to both the cat and other drivers. To ensure everyone’s safety, it’s best to report the issue immediately.
Here are eight FAQs that cover key questions about finding and caring for an abandoned cat:
- Who is responsible for caring for an abandoned cat?
- In theory, whoever finds the cat should provide care. However, in practice, this isn’t always possible.
- What should I do if I find a cat on a busy road?
- Report the issue to the local authorities and let them handle it.
- Can I take an abandoned cat to a veterinary clinic without paying?
- While some clinics may offer free services, others will charge for care.
- How do I microchip my cat if I’ve adopted it from a shelter?
- Contact the shelter and ask about their microchipping policies or procedures.
- What are the laws regarding abandoned cats in Italy?
- Every municipality must have an animal shelter or make arrangements with private facilities.
- Can I keep an abandoned cat as my own pet without reporting it to the authorities?
- No, you’re still responsible for providing care and ensuring the cat’s safety.
- What should I do if my adopted cat bites or injures someone?
- You may be held liable, so take necessary precautions.
- Can I get reimbursement for veterinary expenses for an abandoned cat that I’m caring for?
- Reimbursement policies vary by location and insurance provider.
Finding an abandoned cat can be a heart-wrenching experience. By understanding your responsibilities and the laws surrounding animal welfare in Italy, you’ll be better equipped to care for these deserving animals.
Additional Tips
- Consider volunteering at local animal shelters or participating in Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs to help manage stray cat populations.
- Spread awareness about the importance of spaying/neutering pets and supporting local animal welfare organizations.
- If you’re a resident of Italy, contact your local animal shelter for information on their services and resources.
Conclusion
Finding an abandoned cat can be a challenging experience, but by knowing what to do and how to care for these animals, you can make a positive impact in your community. Remember that every cat deserves love, care, and protection, regardless of their background or circumstances.
If you’re interested in learning more about animal welfare in Italy or finding resources near you, we have compiled a list of organizations and government agencies that provide support and assistance:
- Italian Animal Welfare Organizations:
- Associazione Amici dell’Animal Kingdom (AAK)
- Unione Italiana Cacciatori (UIC)
- Lega per la Protezione degli Animali
- Government Agencies:
- Ministero per i Beni e le Attività Culturali
- Dipartimento della Protezione del Paese
- Autorità Veterinaria Regionale
By working together, we can create a safer and more compassionate world for all animals.