Is this Bengal probably lost?

[TreacherousPissFlap]

We have a Bengal at work, very friendly when she fancies it, utterly aloof if she doesn't.

The thing is, we're some distance from any houses and we are a secure site (though I'm sure there's ways in if you're a cat!)

The cat appears to be young, in good condition and not unduly stressed. She has however been trying to get into the building over the past couple days.

There's plenty of wildlife around that could sustain a stray cat and I believe Bengals are accomplished hunters? Is it likely she would stray a long distance regularly or is it possible she's lost / stolen?

The best first step is to make a collar out of paper with your details on and put that on the cat. There are templates online but basically you want to write something like "I'm worried this cat is a stray. If she belongs to you, please call/text [your number]". Attach it with a piece of cello tape, not too tight but not too loose. If the cat goes home, owner can then contact you.

If the collar remains on for a few days or no one responds, you could take the cat to any local vet for a microchip check (but make sure you use a secure cat carrier for this to avoid escapes!) - it's free and quick.

Or post on local social media pages/groups - just be mindful people may claim it's their cat when it's not (and lots of people genuinely don't seem to recognise their own cat!) so don't hand the cat over to anyone or post the exact location without proof of ownership (photos, vet records etc.).

I thought of ringing the local vets on Monday and asking if anyone has reported one missing. She's very distinctive (I have photos) and I guess it's not the sort of cat to be reported missing every day.

I could also try the paper collar idea - thanks

Possibly roamed off, do the paper collar thing & then take her to the vets for microchip scanning if no one contacts you.

I’d ring up sharpish if someone paper collared my cat.

Is it definitely a girl? I know Lydia E millen lost a Bengal recently but it was a boy

Erm, possibly poppy
TBH I assumed because she's very slight. Now you bring it up that's a bit of a flaw in my plan
What area is the missing boy from?

Towcester. It’s called Lynx

@Poppyfields21 I was going to say the same. Hopeful OP is in the area, would love for her to get her cat back.

@TreacherousPissFlap

I think there's a Bengal missing from the East Croydon area. If I find the FB post I'll link on here.

I've just checked and that one has been found.

I'm in the south west and she's a sort of orangey tabby colour
Is there some kind of page for lost cats that might be helpful?

mobile.twitter.com/CatsMissing If you could check the lost cats on twitter, maybe her owner has posted her pic searching for her.

Can you borrow a cat carrier and take him/her to a vet to scan for a chip? It's free (or it should be).

A quick update-
I spoke to the most local vets today and asked if anybody had reported that they had lost a Bengal.
Apparently nobody has, but when I described the situation the nurse said that she knew the cat in question, and he (not she!) is an inveterate wanderer - apparently he has his owners at their wits end!
They have offered to scan him if someone brings him down, but in all likelihood this is the cat in question.

Did she say he finds his own way home?