Questions and answers
Everything about posting, matching, sharing and handing a cat back safely.
Never pay to get a cat back
Scammers sometimes claim to have a lost cat and ask for money first. Ask for a new photo taken today, meet somewhere safe, and only hand over a reward once the cat is home. How to hand a cat back safely
Posting a cat
Is it free?
Yes, completely. It's a spare-time project, with no ads.
Do I need an account?
No. You give an email address when you post, and we send you a private link to update your post, see matches or mark it home. Want everything in one place? Sign in with your email (no password) to see all your posts, messages and alerts.
I already posted on Facebook. Why post here too?
Facebook posts sink within hours and are hard to search. Here your cat stays findable for 60 days, is checked against every new post, and you get a poster and a share image to post back to the groups. Paste your Facebook post in and most of the form fills itself.
Can I post through Messenger instead?
Yes. Message our Facebook Page with the photos and a few details, or share or paste your Facebook post. A volunteer replies, asks for anything missing and puts the post up for you.
Which photos work best?
Clear, well-lit photos where the cat fills most of the picture, face on and from each side. Up to 4 photos. Avoid heavy filters.
Why don't you show my street?
To keep cats and people safe, posts only show the area and the town or village, never a street or house number. Share the exact spot privately with people who get in touch.
Matching and alerts
How does photo matching work?
When you add photos, your phone finds the cat in each picture and makes a kind of fingerprint of how it looks. Every new post is compared with cats on the other side (lost against found and spotted), using the photo, coat colour, distance and dates. Close ones show as possible matches, and we email you when one looks likely. Many cats look alike, so a person always decides.
Can I get told about cats near me?
Yes. Turn on cat alerts for up to three towns or villages, and we email you as soon as a cat is posted within 3 km. Every email has a link to stop them.
Why did I get an "Is your cat home yet?" email?
We check in at 14 and 45 days so the board stays up to date. If your cat is home, mark it from the link. If you're still looking, do nothing. Cats turn up weeks and months later.
Handing a cat back safely
I found a cat. How do I make sure it goes to its real owner?
- Get it scanned for a microchip at any vet. Ask first, as some may charge. The chip shows who it's registered to.
- Keep one detail back. Don't mention every marking in your post; ask the person to describe it (a kink in the tail, a spot under the chin).
- Ask for photos of the cat at home, ideally several, taken over time, or vet records and vaccination cards with the cat's name.
- How the cat reacts is only a hint. The microchip, photos and vet records come first.
- Meet somewhere public and bring someone with you, or meet at a vet, and never hand over a cat to someone who wants it collected by a stranger.
- Never ask for money to hand a cat back. A reward the owner offered is only handed over once the cat is home. If anything feels wrong, tell us.
My cat was found. How can I prove it's mine?
- Microchip: the vet can scan the cat and check the number against your details. Bring your registration if you have it.
- Photos and videos of the cat at home, especially recent ones and ones that show its markings.
- Vet records: vaccination card, neutering certificate or invoices with the cat's name.
- Something only you'd know: a hidden mark, a scar, a habit, its name and how it reacts to it.
- Use I think this is my cat on the post. It goes straight to the finder with your proof.
Someone is asking me for money to return my cat
Be very careful, this is a known scam. Never pay before you see your cat, and ask for a new photo taken today. A new photo helps, but it isn't proof on its own. A microchip is the best proof. A reward, if you offer one, is only handed over once your cat is safely home. Report the post or message to us.
I found a cat but no owner has come forward
Keep the post up for at least two weeks and ask a vet to scan for a chip. If you can't keep the cat, tick I may need a home for this cat on your post, and people can offer a home. You can also ask on the help board for a foster.
Community rules
What are the community rules?
- Be kind. Everyone here is trying to help a cat.
- Areas only, never addresses. No streets, house numbers or other people's details.
- No accusations, threats or harassment, and don't post private information about anyone.
- Never ask for money for information, to see a cat or to hand one back.
- Real posts only. Cats you lost, found or saw yourself.
- Under 18? Ask an adult to help, especially before meeting anyone.
What happens when a post is reported?
Reports come to us by email. A post with several reports is hidden automatically until we check it. False, abusive or unsafe posts are removed. Seen something wrong? Use Report on the post or tell us.
Can Lost Paws Malta decide who owns a cat?
No. We can't decide ownership if there's a disagreement. A microchip and vet records are the best proof. For a dispute, speak to a vet, Animal Welfare or the police.
Sharing
How do I share to Facebook groups?
On the post, tap Share on Facebook: the text is copied for you, then pick Facebook (or save the image) and paste the text in your post. The text is in English and Maltese, with a link back to the post. Which groups?
Can I print a poster?
Yes. Every post has a printable A4 poster with the photos, how to recognise the cat, the area, your contact and a QR code, in English and Maltese, with tear-off tabs.
Privacy
Will my phone number be public?
Only if you choose to show it. Otherwise people message you through the site. Their message is emailed to you, and your email address stays hidden.
How do I delete my post or my data?
Use your private link or My account to remove a post. To have everything deleted, see Delete your data. Read the privacy notice.
About Lost Paws Malta
My cat is home. How do I mark my post as found?
Open the private link we emailed you and tap Yes, my cat is home. Lost the email? Get your link again or sign in.
Are you a rescue? Can you collect a cat?
No. We're a volunteer noticeboard, not a rescue, charity or official service. For a hurt stray, take it to a vet or call a licensed rescue first; if neither is possible, call Animal Welfare on 153, extension 17 (Gozo: 7969 1717). For pet emergencies, the national vet helpline is 153, extension 22. See emergency vets.
Is it only for cats?
Yes, cats in Malta and Gozo only.
Is the site in Maltese?
Yes. Tap Malti at the top. The main pages, posters and share text are in both languages. Spotted a wording mistake? Tell us.
I saw something wrong or suspicious on a post
Use Report or remove this post at the bottom of the post. Every report is read.
How do I contact you?
Email lostpawsmalta@gmail.com, or message our Facebook Page. We'd love to hear from rescues, vets and group admins who'd like to help.
Get told about cats near you
Turn on cat alerts and we'll email you as soon as a cat is posted near your town or village.