Lost Pet Scams - “I’VE FOUND YOUR CAT.” How to Check Before You Trust a Stranger

ILLUSTRATION IS AI GENERATED

When your cat is missing, a message saying someone has found him can feel like the answer to every anxious hour spent searching. You want to know where he is, whether he is hurt and how quickly you can collect him.

Asking questions may feel almost ungrateful—but you can thank someone warmly and still check that the cat in their care is yours.

Start with Questions That Do Not Supply the Answers

Ask where and when they found the cat, and whether he is safely contained or was simply seen passing through.

Then ask about a feature that was not visible in your photograph or mentioned in your post, such as an unusual marking beneath his chin or on one paw.

“Can you describe his paws?” is more useful than, “Does he have one white back paw?” The second question supplies the answer. Someone repeating your cat’s name and colour may simply be reading your post.

Choose something the finder can reasonably observe without disturbing the animal. A frightened cat may hide or resist handling, even if he is normally affectionate.

Ask for a New Photograph

Look carefully at any photograph you receive. Is it a new picture, or your own photograph cropped or given a different background?

Ask for another angle, a short video or, if practical, a live video call. These can help establish whether the person has the cat, although no single image guarantees that a claim is genuine.

Someone caring for a frightened cat may need time to take a picture. One delay does not prove dishonesty. Consider whether their answers are consistent and whether they are helping you check their story.

Pause When the Conversation Turns to Money

Perhaps they need gas money to bring your cat home, want a reward before revealing their location, or claim an emergency veterinary bill must be paid immediately.

Check the story before sending anything. Offering a reward does not mean you should pay someone whose claim remains unverified.

You could say: “Thank you for helping. Before we discuss payment, I need to confirm that this is my cat and arrange to see him.”

Be particularly cautious if reasonable questions bring anger, changing explanations or pressure to pay quickly.

Contact the Veterinary Clinic or Shelter Yourself

If someone claims your cat is at a clinic or shelter, ask for the organization’s name and the caller’s name.

ILLUSTRATION IS AI GENERATED

Find the telephone number independently through the organization's official website. Call its reception desk and ask whether your cat is there. Do not rely solely on a number or link supplied by the stranger.

A genuine clinic or shelter may have legitimate charges or procedures. Calling independently helps establish whom you are dealing with before you make a payment.

Protect Your Personal Information

Keep the early conversation focused on the cat. Avoid sending your home address, identity documents or financial details to an unverified stranger. Where practical, continue communicating through the platform where they contacted you.

Never forward a sign-in, password-reset or verification code sent to your phone or email. Someone may claim it proves you are the owner or a real person, but such codes can be used to access your accounts. They do not establish ownership of your cat.

Arrange a Safe Collection

Once you have good reason to believe the person has your cat, agree on a clear collection plan. Consider taking another adult and bring a secure carrier to prevent another escape.

If a clinic or shelter is involved, confirm the arrangements directly with its staff.

The finder may also want proof that the cat belongs to you. Have photographs or veterinary records available, showing only the information needed to establish ownership.

If anyone threatens you or the animal, save the messages and contact police rather than confronting them yourself.

If You Suspect Deception

Lost pet scams can exploit your hope of bringing your pet home.

Keep copies of messages, photographs, profile details and payment requests. Report the account to the platform. If you have paid, contact your bank or payment provider promptly to ask what options are available. Report suspected fraud or threats to local police.

Meanwhile, continue searching. A false claim does not tell you where your cat is and should not bring your other efforts to a halt.

You Can Be Hopeful and Still Ask Questions

Wanting to believe good news is natural when an animal you love is missing. There is no shame in feeling relieved and no discourtesy in checking a stranger’s story.

A few calm questions, evidence beyond your public post and an independent call to any organization involved can help you approach that hoped-for reunion with greater confidence.

This article was originally written for Mindeelyn Siberians, my cattery's website.