YES -> Please bring the cat to McKamey Animal Center. Please call us ahead of time if possible. (423) 305-6500

NO -> Leave the cat alone. It likely is a community cat or an indoor/outdoor cat that belongs to a nearby resident.

Lost cats are 18 times more likely to find their owners by being left where they are found. If he/she comes to us, their chances drop dramatically. Less than 2% of lost cats are reunited with their owners once coming to a shelter.

If that cat has an ear tip missing, that means the cat has already been ‘TNR’d’ (Trapped, Neutered/Spayed, and Returned). Unless this cat is injured or visibly sick, please leave him alone! He is an outdoor cat who is happy living outdoors.

If the cat you have found has a collar and ID tag, please contact the person/number listed on the tag first. Check with neighbors nearby to see if it is someone’s indoor/outdoor cat or an indoor cat who has slipped outside by accident. Check with a local vets office nearby if the cat is a patient, or has a microchip. 

Follow the steps on our main lost and found pets page to help reunite them with their owner! 

Please do not ‘kit nap’ this kitten!  Is the kitten dirty, thin, sick, injured, or been alone for more than 24 hours? 

YES -> Bring the kitten to McKamey Animal Center for assistance. Please call us ahead of time if you are able to (423) 305-6500.

NO -> Wait for mom to return patiently. She may have been spooked when you approached her, or she may be off hunting for food. If mom does not return within 24 hours, please contact us for assistance.

Please do not ‘kit nap’ these kittens! Are the kittens dirty, thin, sick, injured, or been alone for more than 24 hours? Do you know that mom is injured or deceased?

YES -> Bring the kittens to McKamey Animal Center for assistance. Please call us ahead of time if you are able to (423) 305-6500.

NO -> Wait for mom to return patiently. She may have been spooked when you approached her, or she may be off hunting for food. If mom does not return within 24 hours, please contact us for assistance.

Let’s work together to fix this problem! Mom is likely a community cat who has not been spayed yet. McKamey Animal Center aims to improve the lives of free-roaming, community, and/or feral cats in our community by returning spayed and neutered cats to their outdoor homes. Returning spayed and neutered cats is a humane and effective method to control the outdoor cat population by ensuring these cats are not reproducing multiple times a year.

Learn More About Our Community Cat Program By Clicking Here.

Community cats are capable of thriving outdoors! If the cat is healthy, it makes sense that he/she has a good source of food and shelter and is doing pretty well for itself. Not all cats are adjusted to living inside, for some being outside is absolute paradise and home for them.

There are many deterrents you can use to keep unwanted cats away from your property. Please visit our Community Cats page for resources!

If you physically saw someone abandon an animal, please call our Animal Protection Team as soon as possible. Animal abandonment is illegal. Call (423) 305-6500 for help.

Please give us a call or email our team. We are happy to help, and walk you though the proper steps to help the cat you have found.

Call: (423) 305-6500 or (423) 305-6500 x3

Email: hello@mckameyanimalcetner.org or admissions@mckameyanimalcenter.org