Found a Pet

Within Mesa County, cats are considered free-roaming animals, meaning healthy adult cats are legally permitted to be outdoors. Because of this, we are generally unable to accept healthy adult cats as strays.

If you think the cat may have a home, here’s how to help find their family:

• Post on social media. Share photos on local Facebook lost & found pet groups and community pages.
• Put up flyers in the neighborhood where you found the cat.
• Get the cat scanned for a microchip. Any local veterinary clinic can do this, and we can also scan for a microchip for free. Please just call us in advance at 970-434-7337. 
• Report the cat as found to Mesa County Animal Services at 970-242-6707 or through their website.

Please make an active effort to locate the owner for at least 5 days. If no owner is found after that time, you can list the cat on Adopt-a-Pet and contact us to get the cat on our rehoming waitlist. Please note that to be added to our rehoming waitlist, it is required that you look for an owner for the 5 day period.  

Found a feral or community cat? If the cat is clearly not socialized to people, it likely belongs to a managed outdoor colony. If the cat has a tipped ear (the very tip of one ear is flat or removed), they have already been spayed or neutered through a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program and have a caretaker. Please leave tipped-ear cats where you found them.

For non-tipped feral cats, visit our Spay/Neuter Assistance page to learn how we can help you TNR the cat and prevent unwanted litters.

First, take a step back — literally. If a mother cat is present, the best thing you can do is leave the family alone. Mother cats are the best caregivers for their kittens, and intervening too soon can do more harm than good.

Step 1: Watch from a distance. Monitor the kittens for at least 6 hours to confirm whether the mother is still coming and going. Mother cats often leave their kittens for extended periods to hunt or rest. If the kittens are warm, quiet, and sleeping, mom is likely nearby.

Step 2: Assess the mother cat.

• If mom appears friendly and approachable: She may have a home or be lost. Try to find her owner using the steps in the “Found a Healthy Adult Cat” section above. If you’re able, bring the family indoors or set up a safe, sheltered outdoor space while you search. Contact us,  we may be able to provide supplies to help you care for them temporarily.
• If mom appears feral (fearful or unapproachable): The outdoors is likely her home. The best approach is to leave the family in place. If you’re able to keep a gentle eye on them, try to interact with the kittens periodically so they receive some early human socialization. You can contact us to get the kittens on our waitlist for when they’re old enough to be rehomed (typically 8 weeks). Visit our Spay/Neuter Assistance page to learn about TNR options for mom.

If mom and kittens are in immediate danger (in the path of construction, severe weather, predators, etc.), please call non-emergency dispatch at 970-242-6707 and ask to speak with an animal control officer.

If you’ve confirmed that the mother cat is not returning after at least 6 hours of observation, or if the kittens are clearly in distress, use our Found Kittens flowchart to determine the best next steps based on their age and condition.

Kittens need immediate help if they are:

• Crying constantly or appear lethargic
• Cold to the touch
• Visibly injured or sick
• Clearly very young (eyes closed, no ability to walk) and alone

If any of these apply,  please call non-emergency dispatch at 970-242-6707 and ask to speak with an animal control officer.

Want to help care for them? Roice-Hurst is always looking for foster families for orphaned kittens. We provide veterinary care, supplies, and training — you provide the love and a temporary home. Apply to foster here.

If a cat or kitten appears sick, injured, or in pain, please do not wait — contact non-emergency dispatch at 970-242-6707 and request to speak with an animal control officer.

Want to Do More? Become a Foster!

If you’re interested in caring for kittens — or a mom and her litter — until they’re ready for adoption, we’d love to have you on our foster team. Roice-Hurst provides all veterinary care, kitten supplies, and hands-on training. You provide a safe, loving temporary home.

Apply to become a Roice-Hurst foster family.

Still Have Questions?

We’re happy to help! Give us a call at 970-434-7337 or visit us during open hours and we’ll do our best to point you in the right direction.