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How to Find Your Lost Cat and Bring Them Home Safely

Top 5 Tips for Locating a Lost Cat:

·         Inspect small areas and outbuildings around your property; enlist the help of your neighbors as well.

·         Walk through the neighborhood and call your cat, shaking a bag of their favorite treats for added encouragement. Venturing out after dark can be beneficial, as cats tend to be more active at night.

·         Place some food and water, along with your cat’s favorite toy or bedding, in your garden.

·        Reach out to your community through social media, an online pet finder, and by posting flyers in the local area.

·        Notify your microchip provider, vet, and nearby animal rescue centers that handle lost pets.

Cats are inherently curious animals, eager to explore what lies beyond an open window or in a thickly vegetated area. However, this curiosity can sometimes delay their return home. Here are some strategies for dealing with lost cats or kittens, examining the reasons behind such occurrences, and guidance on what to do if you discover a stray feline.

Checklist for Finding a Lost Cat

These top ten tips will help you act quickly and intelligently when searching for your missing cat.

Step 1

Search Your Home and Expand Outwards

Look in cupboards, boxes, drawers, and even the empty laundry basket. If there’s a spot where you think your cat can't possibly fit, that’s likely where you’ll find them. Often, the most thorough searches for lost cats end with them being found right under their owner's nose.

Step 2

Inspect Garages and Sheds

The next step is to check your garage and shed, as well as those of your neighbors. Doors that are briefly opened for activities like mowing the lawn or cleaning the car can inadvertently keep a confused cat trapped inside for days.

Step 3

Roam the Streets Calling for Your Cat

Since missing cats are often responsive to their owner's voice, take a stroll around your neighborhood while calling your cat’s name. Bring along some of their favorite treats to shake and pause periodically to listen for a meow or cry.

Step 4

Inform Your Neighbors and Local Community

One of the fastest ways to alert your community about an elusive cat is through social media posts on local Facebook and Instagram groups. Additionally, nothing beats personal engagement, so use a map to divide the neighborhood among your family and friends and get the word out.

Step 5

Notify Your Microchip Provider

If your cat is microchipped, knowing this can provide both reassurance and practical help. Contact the microchip company so they can facilitate communication between you and any veterinary clinic where your cat may have been taken for a scan.

Step 6

Contact Your Vet

Always inform your local veterinarian about your lost cat, as they check stray animals for microchips to trace the owner’s details. A common issue for vets is outdated owner information, so always ensure your details are current after moving.

Step 7

Reach Out to Local Animal Rescue Centers

It’s beneficial to call local animal rescue organizations when searching for missing cats. For example, the RSPCA rescues around 90 cats daily. Many rescue centres maintain lost and found databases, helping them to match found cats with their owners.

Step 8

Utilize Online Pet Finder Services

Many online resources can help you spread the word about your missing cat, including Cat Finder and the National Pet Register. These platforms allow you to quickly create online flyers for distribution on relevant websites or for physical posting around your neighborhood.

Step 9

Create Flyers and Place Them Strategically

Designing flyers with a 'My Cat is Missing' message, a clear photo of your cat, and your contact details is a proven method to alert the community. Post them on lampposts and ask local shopkeepers if they can display them in their windows.

Step 10

Leave Out Your Cat’s Favorite Food

Consider placing your cat's favorite food outside the back door or in various spots around the garden. If your cat is frightened due to recent changes in the household or if you've moved, leaving food outside can encourage them to remain close until they feel ready to come back inside from their hiding spot.

Steps to Take When You Discover a Lost Cat

If you come across a lost cat, first try to determine whether it is a pet or a long-term stray. A well-groomed cat with a healthy weight or a collar likely has an owner nearby and may have just wandered off. Approach the cat calmly, and although it might seem logical, avoid offering food as this could encourage it to return to the same spot. It's wise to reach out to local rescue centers, as the owner might have already reported it missing. Additionally, posting on community social media platforms can expedite finding the owner.

On the other hand, a stray cat may appear confused, neglected, and underweight. If that's the case, a local veterinarian can check for a microchip to see if it has an owner. Remember, a stray cat could simply be one that hasn’t returned home in a while. Organizations like Cats Protection maintain a national registry of missing cats and have branches across the country to assist. 

If your cat has been lost and is now back, offer it small amounts of easily-digestible wet food, as it may have a smaller appetite after being away. If your cat refuses to eat, you can try techniques such as hand-feeding or warming its food. Always give your cat time to readjust, showering it with affection while allowing it space to rest and get comfortable at home. Once it settles in, grooming can help it feel refreshed, and a veterinary check should be considered if you suspect health issues or infections. Lastly, remember to update your lost pet listings. 

Why Cats Go Missing

What causes cats to go missing? Often, outdoor cats' disappearances are due to a disruption in their normal routines. They may become trapped in a shed or outbuilding, or they could be scared off by loud noises, such as construction. It's possible for cats to wander far while hunting, but they typically leave scent trails to help them find their way back. 

Illness can also lead to missing cats, as they might seek solitude when feeling unwell. A cat may be in search of a mate, emphasizing the importance of getting your pet spayed or neutered. Indoor cats can easily lose their way if they escape and are not familiar with the area. Additionally, it’s worth considering that your missing cat or kitten might have another home where it receives food, alternating between the two residences and potentially being absent for several days.

Lastly, moving to a new home often triggers a cat's disappearance. It's advisable to keep them indoors for the first two weeks after relocating and supervise their initial outdoor outings. Sprinkling their litter around the garden's perimeter can help it feel familiar and comfort them.

How to Keep a Cat from Going Missing

Spay or Neuter Your Cat

One of the most effective methods to reduce the chances of a cat going missing is to spay or neuter them. The feline mating drive is strong, often leading them to search for mates over great distances. A spayed female cat is likely to stay close to home, while a neutered male cat is less inclined to roam. 

Use a Collar and ID Tag

While dog owners often view collars and tags as essential, this caution is frequently overlooked for cats. Your cat might need time to adjust to wearing a collar, but with patience, most will adapt. A collar with a breakaway clasp is recommended, as it will open if the cat gets caught on something, ensuring their safety. 

Consider a Bluetooth or GPS Tracker 

A Bluetooth or GPS tracker can help you locate your cat, making retrieval easier. Bluetooth trackers tend to be smaller, more affordable, and can connect to an app on your phone.

Microchip Your Cat

A microchip is invaluable and often the primary means by which a missing cat is reunited with its owner. It’s essential to keep your contact details current and notify the service provider about any changes, especially your mobile number.

Keep Indoor Cats Secure

Ensuring that indoor cats remain safe and secure within the home is a fundamental necessity, as they tend to become disoriented if they venture outside. Installing screens on doors and windows can provide fresh air during the summer months.

FAQs for Finding a Lost Cat

WHEN SHOULD I START TO WORRY ABOUT A MISSING CAT?

It's not uncommon for cats to go missing for up to two days. While it's natural to feel concerned, it's advisable to wait for 48 hours before initiating any lost cat notifications. 

WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF FINDING A LOST CAT?

Your chances of locating a lost cat are favorable if you employ a variety of search methods, begin your efforts earnestly after a couple of days, and ensure your cat is microchipped for easy identification by a veterinarian or rescue center.

HOW FAR DO CATS ROAM WHEN LOST?

According to Dr. John Bradshaw in his book "Cat Sense," most cats typically roam between 40 to 200 meters from home. This distance may increase if they are not neutered, but it’s likely your cat is not far from home, even when missing.

CAN CATS FIND THEIR WAY HOME IF LOST?

Yes, cats are quite capable of finding their way home if lost. As they travel, they mark their path by rubbing scent glands against plants, trees, and fences, creating a scent trail for their return journey. 

HOW DO YOU ATTRACT A CAT BACK HOME?

You can entice a cat back home by placing their favorite snacks, food, toys, or even a blanket just outside the back door or cat flap. Calling their name softly and shaking a bag of treats may also help.

Keep in mind that understanding your cat’s personality, habits, and the bond you share are crucial when trying to locate your missing cat. Although it can be an emotional time, stay hopeful; your cat may soon return home, eager for food and your affection.

Learn more about recognizing your cat’s body language to spot signs of unhappiness and prevent them from going missing.   

How To QUICKLY Find A Missing Cat, YouTube video: