Last Updated on: March 8, 2023 by Crystal Uys
Losing a cat is a heart-wrenching experience. But is your cat really lost or have they just wandered off? Although it’s hard to know for sure, knowing your cat’s habits is a good first step. In any case, if you think that your cat is missing, keep your cool, but do act quickly to put the odds of finding them in your favor.
Before You Start: How to Know If Your Cat Is Missing
It can be tricky to know for sure if your cat is missing or on an adventure, as it depends on your pet’s habits. For example, I always let my cat go outside. We live in the countryside, and there are no dangerous roads or wild animals around our house. So, I know that when my cat leaves in the morning, she might not come back until evening, and sometimes she even spends the night outside.
However, I know that 36 hours is the longest that her absence usually lasts, and as a cat mom, I couldn’t take much longer than that. Beyond this period, I would start worrying and look for her (fortunately, this has never happened). But you don’t have to wait that long if you can’t find your cat.
Let’s look at two different situations:
- If you let your cat outside on a regular basis, you probably know their habits, so you’ll know when they’ve been out for too long. Most cat parents usually start to worry after 24 hours with no sign of their pet.
- If you always keep your cat indoors and they have suddenly disappeared, the situation may be more problematic. Your pet may not be used to the potential dangers outside. You should start looking for them as soon as you notice their absence.
Even if you are not sure whether your cat is missing, it is better to act quickly if in doubt. The following steps should help you organize your search and find your cat as quickly as possible.
Our 6 Tips to Find Your Missing Cat:
1. Search Your House From Top to Bottom
You’ve probably already done it, but to be sure, check all of your cat’s favorite hiding places. A stressful situation (such as the arrival of a new animal in your home) may have caused anxiety in your animal, and they took the opportunity to take refuge in the depths of your wardrobe. Try to entice them with their favorite treats, and call out to them in a soft, reassuring voice.
2. Check the Neighborhood
If your cat is not in the house, search the whole neighborhood. Bring food with you and call your cat. Be aware that this approach sometimes has a downside: You risk attracting the attention of other dogs or cats nearby, which can startle your pet if they’re around. If this happens, there’s no need to continue looking for them this way, as your cat has probably already gone farther afield.
3. Ask Your Neighbors for Help
Notify your neighbors as soon as possible so they can keep an eye on their backyard and all around their house.
4. Use Social Media
Whether you like social media or not, it can be a huge help when looking for lost pets. Post a photo of your cat on various social networks (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, etc.), and ask your family, friends, colleagues, and others to share your posts.
5. Put Up Posters
Print a good-quality photo of your cat, and write your phone number on a clear area of it. Make as many copies of this poster as possible, and post them all over your neighborhood and on local business notice boards (but ask permission before putting a poster on a storefront).
6. Check at Your Local Animal Shelter
If your cat was found by a stranger but doesn’t have any ID tags or microchips, it’s possible the person took them to the SPCA or other local animal shelter.
What Are the Chances of Finding Your Cat Safe and Sound?
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, about 74% of lost cats are found. However, this statistic dates from 2010 and was established from a survey of only 1,000 pet owners. According to this 2018 study, only 61% of lost cats are found within a year, and 34% within the first week.
In any case, the chances of finding your lost animal will increase considerably if they have an identity tag and/or an electronic chip. Also, be aware that neutering can help curb your feline’s roaming behavior and reduce their risk of running away in the first place.
Final Thoughts
If your cat is missing, keep up hope. Search your neighborhood, ask your neighbors for help, share your kitty’s photo on social media and in your neighborhood, and keep checking animal shelters regularly. Lastly, you can submit a Lost Pet Form to request assistance based on where you live. Visit the Lost Pet Research and Recovery page for more information, and don’t give up!
Featured Image Credit: Astrid Gast, Shutterstock
Cat mom to Ivy – a feisty little rescue kitten that is her one and only child. For now! Throughout her life, she has been introduced to the special love that can be found in the bond with a cat. Having owned multiple felines, she is more than certain that their love is unmatched, unconditional and unlike any other. With a passion to educate the public about everything, there is to know about felines, their behavior, and their unique personalities, Crystal is devoted to making sure that all cats and their owners know the importance of conscious living – and loving!
