Finding Your Lost Cat

A lost cat can be a heartbreaking scenario for you and your family. Cats do have an innate ability to return home, but sometimes this is hindered by other circumstances. Take these tips to help you quickly reunite with your pet, should they ever go missing.

• Start Searching Now! If your cat is an indoor cat or is rarely outside begin your search immediately. Chances are your cat is hiding somewhere nearby and is frightened. A cat’s instincts tell them to hide from predators and it is more than likely they are hiding somewhere close to home. Go for a walk around your neighborhood and check with your neighbors whether they have seen your pet. If they have only been missing for a short while chances are they are close by.

• Search after dark. Cats are night creatures, check for your feline around the early evening and bring a few cat scented things with you and they may come to you. Cats have a unique sense of smell and the scent of something familiar like their toys can help draw them to you. Leave these in your yard or around your place for the next few days as well, if that is possible.

• Know your cat’s habits and moods. This article about cat searching is a great source into knowing your cat’s mood and temperament. These characteristics can help you to locate your cat.

• Call the Pet Search Rescue Line. If you still have not located your cat, there are services designed to help pets become reunited with their owners. Call the animal rescue line and provide them with your cat’s name, identification information (hopefully this is on their collar as well), offer to give them a photo and give them any and every detail you can about your cat. The animal rescuers will then search the shelters and other places your cat could be.  Make sure you give them your information as well, and offer any and every means of getting in contact with you. If they find your cat you will want to be notified ASAP.

• Post information on Cat Diaries. Cat Diaries community members love cats, after all that is why everyone joined. Post information here about your missing kitty including any pertinent details, such as where they were last seen, and other pet details on our message board. Our community members will be on the lookout for your kitty.  If you find a kitty be sure to post it on our message boards as well.

• Go local. Believe it or not posters and flyers still work in today’s digital age. Just be sure to keep it local. Post up flyers in your neighborhood to keep neighbors alert that your cat might be missing. Make sure you have an up to date picture and identifying traits on your poster.  Include contact information but only information you feel comfortable posting in a public setting – a simple phone number or email you set up will do the trick.   You can also try placing an ad with local newspapers and online news sources.  Also talk to neighbors and ask them to keep an eye out. Just a few words of caution: offering a reward for your cat’s return may get you lots of phone calls but unfortunately some people will take advantage of the situation.

• You’ve found your cat! Now catch it. If your cat is frightened and being uncooperative, the best way to catch your cat is to set a humane trap with bait. Set up some food in a place you can easily catch your cat and that they cannot escape. Remember they are still really frightened and may not come when called. Ask the local shelter for help with traps and catching the cat as well.

The best advice we can give is “don’t give up.” Your cat can be gone for months and then found later. Also don’t listen to stories about cats that are never found.  This will not help, only make your more sad and scared. Good luck with your search and don’t forget Cat Diaries is here to help.

For tips on preventing your cat from going missing, click here.
If you know any tips on how to find a missing cat, please post below.