Minnesota Valley Humane Society

Minnesota Valley Humane Society can accept stray cats found in the following cities only:

• Hastings

• Farmington

• Inver Grove Heights

• Apple Valley

• Lakeville

• Mendota

• South Saint Paul

If your cat went missing in or near one of these cities, please call the Minnesota Valley Humane Society at 952-894-5000. E-mails may not be answered immediately.

If your cat went missing in or near any other city, please contact the city's animal control. At times the Minnesota Valley Humane Society does receive stray cats that were held by individuals for more than 10 days, or that were held by city animal control and were never claimed. These cats may be placed on our adoption floor. Animals available for adoption

• When searching for a lost pet, start in your own house and yard, your own neighborhood, then work outward.

• Check with all local animal shelters and all animal control/police departments. A list of phone numbers is available here. (coming soon)

• Visit all shelters and animal control facilities. Do not simply call and wait.

• Make posters to hang in your neighborhood. Most strays are found by people in the community before they are turned over to animal control. Get tips on making posters here. (coming soon)

• Read more about what to do when your pet is lost. (coming soon)

About Cats....
A lost and frightened cat may respond violently to other animals and even to people it knows well. If you have a carrying case that the cat is accustomed to, try placing the case outside. Leave dry food and familiar materials (for familiar smells) in the case, and keep an eye on it. Cats often feel safer in their own space, and your lost cat may enter the case -- which is easier for you.

Do not put a lost cat back in with other pets (or children) right away -- it may have met unfriendly animals while lost, and may strike out before it recognizes former friends. A pet carrying case is helpful for re-introducing your lost cat to other animal members of your household, as well as for introducing a new cat to a home with other pets. Secure the new or lost cat in the case, in a room with a door, and let your other animals -- one at a time -- come in and get re-acquainted. This may take several tries.

When you first return the wanderer to your home, give your cat some time for recovery by placing it by itself in a closed room with familiar food, litter box, and bed. Some cats settle down in a few hours, others may need days.

Have your veterinarian check your wandering pet for illness or injuries.