Adopting or keeping a cat you found

Before a found cat becomes yours, make sure nobody is looking for it and that it isn't a colony cat someone cares for.

Is someone looking for it?

Get it scanned for a microchip at any vet.
Post it here as found, search the lost cats, and share in the lost and found groups.
Tell the vets nearby and the Animal Welfare Directorate on 153, extension 17.
We suggest waiting at least two weeks while it's posted, as owners often take that long to see it.

Is it a colony cat?

A clipped or notched ear tip means the cat has been neutered. It may have a carer, and it doesn't mean it has no home.
Ask around where you found it. Feeders know their cats, and colonies are registered with the council.
Before taking a colony cat indoors, check the helpers near you or ask the helpers. It may already have someone who cares for it.

Making it yours

Vet check: vaccinations, fleas, worms and general health.
Neuter if it isn't already. See neutering.
Microchip, or if it's chipped to someone who doesn't want it back, transfer the chip record to your name. See microchipping.
Mark your found post as reunited (“found a home”) so people stop searching.

Rehoming a cat safely

Meet them first, ideally at their home, and ask about other pets, children and outdoor access.
Be wary of anyone who wants several cats, won't say where they live, or sends someone else to collect.
A small adoption fee or proof of a vet booking puts off people who don't mean well.
Neuter and chip the cat first, then transfer the chip to the new owner.
A licensed rescue can help with home checks.

Want to adopt a cat that needs a home?

The government's Adopt a Pet site.
Licensed sanctuaries and the cat charities who rehome cats.
The adoption Facebook groups.
Found cats nobody has claimed, posted here. Contact the finder.

Useful contacts

Adopt a Pet (government adoption site) · open Source
Licensed sanctuaries (official list) · open Source
Transfer of Pets (change of owner on the microchip record) · open Source
Animal Welfare Directorate (injured strays, cruelty, general help): 153, extension 17Freephone via Servizz.gov. Its 24/7 ambulance picks up sick or injured strays that aren't microchipped. It isn't a service for privately owned pets.Source

Checked 28 September 2026. Spotted something out of date, or a rescue or vet happy to be listed? Tell us.

Sources

Checked 28 September 2026. Rules and numbers change: if something here is out of date, please tell us.

I've lost a cat I've found a cat

Adopting or keeping a found cat · Lost Paws Malta