Looking for advice, chipped cat?

[LordBob]

Just over a couple of weeks ago a cat turned up under a bush in front of our front door we know most of the cats in the area but this girl was a new face. She looked in good shape but was very hungry we fed her and the following day she was here again the way cats do but it soon became apparent she didn't go to a home we let her in and it was obvious she was house trained and a very affectionate somebody must be missing her so we made arrangements to visit the vets and see if she was chipped, she was! Under the data protection act we could only be given limited information, name, medical information but not owners name or address we were told though that the owners lived very, very near to our own postcode so the vet took our contact details and left a voicemail and an e-mail with the owners but we have heard nothing. After a week we contacted the vets and RSPCA asking what was involved in officially adopting 'Lucy' now here is the start of the minefield it seems we can't without the owners permission we can pay for any medication but we can't insure her and if we do make an investment in her the owners at their will can always claim her, seems we are between the proverbial rock and a hard place has any of you any idea's she's a lovely cat would love to keep her.

[Funkydrummer]

It could well belong to someone recently deceased or hospitalised.

The only thing I can suggest is to stop feeding her in the hope that she
returns from whence she came.

I'm astounded at the restrictions on information from the chip - what is the point
in doing it if you can't divulge the information on it ?

[LordBob]

It could well belong to someone recently deceased or hospitalised.

The only thing I can suggest is to stop feeding her in the hope that she
returns from whence she came.

I'm astounded at the restrictions on information from the chip - what is the point
in doing it if you can't divulge the information on it ?

I was taken aback with the restrictions all we want to do is to make sure she is comfortable and happy.

[ClaretEngineer]

This could be an unfortunate concatenation or events regards the owners.

It may well be the owners are still trapped abroad and those tasked with looking after the animal are now quarantined.

To be honest I just wanted to use the word concatenation

[LordBob]

That could b e a possibility claret engineer or even worse as funky drummer mentioned thats why it appears counter productive not to give us more information at the moment she's a happy girl curled up on the sofa behind me.

[Dyched]

If it was me, I’d carry on feeding, caring for her. Who know what has happened with the owners. If they come forward in the future they’d be glad to know she’s been looked after in a caring home. Just try not to get too attached.

[beddie]

Is it worth asking the Vet to write a letter to the owners at your expense. Ask the vet to address it to "Lucy" the cat and to add
on the envelope " Urgent, upon receipt please open, regarding Lucy" there may be a chance that if the owners are away somone is going into the property to pick up the mail, if not you're going to have to keep her until such times as the owner makes contact. The "book of faces" might help you also. Failing that take a picture of Lucy and put it on a poster, you could then walk around your area giving them out, someone may recognise her. You're doing a good job looking after her by the way.

[Rowls]

I've had boiled cat before but never chipped cat.

[Bosscat]

Cats are great

[dsr]

Under the data protection act we could only be given limited information, name, medical information but not owners name or address ...

These people have deliberately and at a fair bit of expense put their name and address onto this cat.

You would think that even under the limited amount of common sense allowed nowadays, that it can be assumed that they did it because they want their name and address to be disclosed.

I wonder if the advertisers round Turf Moor could sue Sky Sports for showing their name and address without getting data protection permission?

[IanMcL]

I am so pleased and relieved.

I had visions of catfish and chips!

Cats find lots of homes for the odd snack, however, if thin and obviously hungry, it usually is a result of a death to owner.

We 'inherited' our old cat (long dead) that way.
It was a kitten with a collar and bell and very chirpy. Then it had no collar and was very very hungry. Mrs McL fed her once.....

Turned out an old lady, over the back of our house and along a bit, had died. Family sorted by removing collar and letting loose!

[evensteadiereddie]

Chipped cat ? Take it back to the shop and swap it for a new one.
Hope you kept the receipt.

[JohnMac]

What a ridiculous conundrum to be in regarding Data Protection.

Is there a Facebook group for your local area? Even if the owners aren't on there, some of their neighbours might.

[IanMcL]

If it is local...there is a reason it is not at home.