A couple of days ago, at the side of a busy bypass, a terrified cat and kitten needed our help.
Thankfully the people who spotted them did the right thing.
They didn't chase the cats. They didn't post on Facebook encouraging everyone to head down and help. They didn't surround them with lots of well-meaning people.
They sat. They watched. They waited. And they asked us for help.
For a couple of hours they quietly observed from a distance, trying to establish how many cats and kittens were there. They contacted a vet for advice, who then contacted us. We attended with traps and the equipment needed to catch them safely.
And it worked.
When frightened or abandoned animals are spotted, we know that people's first instinct is to want to rush in and help. We all care about cats.
But it's important to avoid creating a frenzy where multiple people turn up at the location. A terrified cat doesn't understand that you're there to help. More people means more noise, more movement and more fear. All of which can result in cats scattering and bolting into traffic or other danger.
If you find a frightened cat:
- Keep your distance and observe quietly
- Try to establish how many cats there are
- Note the exact location
- Contact a local rescue or vet
- Stay and keep watch if it's safe to do so
- Don't chase or grab a cat
- Don't encourage a crowd to attend
The right response can genuinely be difference between rescuing a cat and losing them.