Finding a stray or outdoor cat in your neighborhood is a common experience across Indianapolis. Whether the cat is a lost pet trying to find its way home or a free-roaming community cat thriving in its outdoor environment, taking the right steps ensures the animal gets the exact care and protection it needs.
Check for a Left Ear Tip First
Before taking any action, look closely at the cat’s left ear.
The Left Ear Tip: A clean, straight cut across the tip of the left ear is the universal symbol of a Community Cat. It indicates that the cat has already been spayed or neutered, vaccinated against rabies, and returned to its outdoor home through a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program.
What To Do: If the cat is ear-tipped, healthy, and alert, the best course of action is to leave it in its familiar territory and offer basic outdoor care.
What To Do If the Cat Is Friendly (Lost Pet Action Plan)
If the cat is friendly, approaches people, or appears to be a lost indoor pet, follow these steps to help reunite them with their family:
Scan for a Microchip: Take the cat to any local veterinary office, emergency clinic, or shelter. Microchip scans are free of charge and can instantly provide owner contact details.
File a Report on Indy Lost Pet Alert and Petco’s Love Lost: Visit Indy Lost Pet Alert and Petco’s Love Lost to report a found cat.
Distribute Flyers & Post Online: Print the automatic flyer generated by Indy Lost Pet Alert to pass out to immediate neighbors. Post photos and location details on Nextdoor, Ring, and local Facebook lost/found pet groups.
Explore Shelter Surrender (Last Resort): If an owner cannot be found after exhaustive search efforts:
Schedule a surrender appointment with IndyHumane by calling 317-872-5650 (ext. 0).
Email Indianapolis Animal Care Services (IACS) at
IACSIntake@indy.govto request a surrender date.
Caring for Free-Roaming Outdoor Cats: The Four Pillars
If the cat is unowned, fearful, or living outdoors, you can significantly improve its quality of life through four core steps:
The Four Pillars of Community Cat Care
Essential guidelines for managing unowned outdoor cats in your neighborhood
Quick Links
Indianapolis Animal Care Services
- 317.327.1429
- www.indy.gov/acs
- Report Animal Cruelty or Abuse
INC Contact Info
- 317.386.6916
- info@indyneighborhoodcats.org
- Request TNR/Medical Assistance