How To Find a Lost Cat

Losing a pet is more common than people realize. Around 15% of pet parents will lose their cat within the first five years after adopting. It can happen in the blink of an eye, despite your best intentions.

It’s important to know the steps to take to find a lost cat because time is crucial when it comes to your chances of finding your pet after they go missing. Here’s what to do if your cat ran away.

How To Find a Missing Cat

If your cat’s missing, follow these tips to help bring them home.

1. Search Your House

Most missing cats escape from their home to roam the outdoors. However, sometimes your missing cat is actually just hiding in the house.

So, this first step is critical. Check under beds; behind closed doors; and in closets, cabinets, attics, and basements—anywhere a cat could possibly hide.

2. Check the Neighborhood

Once you know your cat isn’t in your house, immediately start walking around your neighborhood. Talk to neighbors and give them your contact information in case they spot your pet. While you’re walking the neighborhood, call your cat’s name and shake their favorite treat or food bag loudly.

Many cats are food-motivated and may come running when they hear the treat bag shaking. Most cats (75%, from a 2018 study) are found within 500 meters of their house or spot where they first escaped, so a thorough search of the immediate area is one of the best initial steps towards finding your missing cat.

3. Use Social Media

If your neighborhood search is unsuccessful, turn to social media. Many websites and apps are extremely valuable in quickly spreading the word and reuniting lost pets with their owners.

Nextdoor is an app that links you to your nearby neighbors in a social network where you can share information and post notices. You may also be able to find local groups dedicated to lost pets on Facebook.

Share clear, recent photos of your lost cat and any other information, such as health status (does your pet require daily medications?), behavior (is your cat flighty or friendly?), and what to do if someone sees your pet.

4. Make Some Calls

While the internet and apps are game changers for finding lost pets, it is still vital to utilize old-school techniques.

Call your local shelters, veterinarian offices, humane societies, police stations, and animal control to alert them of your missing cat. Give them a description of your pet and your contact information.

5. Put Up Posters

Cover your area with posters—bright, neon-colored signs with black, bold, easy-to-read fonts and a clear photo of your cat. Consider posting a reward for your pet’s safe return, if you’re able.

Place your posters and fliers in high-traffic areas to have as many people see them as possible.

6. Update Your Cat’s Microchip Info

If your missing cat has a microchip, update your contact information with the provider. Many microchip companies even have resources for lost pets, including helping in the outreach to local vets and shelters.

7. Set Up a Humane Trap

Purchase, rent, or borrow a humane trap to place near your home or around your cat’s last known whereabouts. Some traps, including the Havahart® trap, allows you to set food and water inside to entice your cat.

Once an animal moves into the trap, the trap’s door will humanely shut without causing harm. (This method could result in trapping wildlife, too, so use caution!)

8. Put Your Cat’s Things Outside

Consider placing your cat’s litter box, favorite toys, bed, and blankets outside to entice them to return. Cats have an excellent sense of smell and will recognize the scents from home.

9. Try a Wildlife or Security Camera

Cats are notoriously good at hiding. Using a wildlife or security camera can be helpful in determining if your cat is still in the area and to establish the best location for finding them or setting up a trap.

10. Hire a Pet Detective

When all else fails, consider hiring a pet detective—it’s not just for the movies! There are many agencies that will help find your missing cat. They may even use a search and rescue dog to help track the scent.

Don’t give up hope! Keep calling shelters and vet hospitals. Update often on social media or change your posters to a different color to gain more attention. Let people know you are still looking for your cat and aren’t giving up.

How To Keep Your Cat From Going Missing Again

So, what can pet parents do to prevent this from happening? Having an emergency plan in place is a great starting point.

1. Microchip Your Cat

If your cat does not have a microchip, talk to your vet about this simple yet possibly life-saving device. Microchips are inexpensive and easy to insert at a regular exam.

Register your microchip with the company so your information is on file if your cat ever goes missing.

2. Keep Your Cat Away From Stressors

Be aware of the situations that could cause your cat to run away. Loud noises such as fireworks, thunderstorms, or loud parties can cause anxiety and panic in cats.

If you anticipate these events, secure your cat in a safe, quiet place until the threat is over. Use calming devices such as a white noise machine, a calming spray, or a calming chew to help your cat through this stressful time.

3. Have Your Cat Wear an ID Tag

Consider getting your cat a collar with an ID tag that lists your contact info. There are even pet tracking devices that your pet can wear on their collar, allowing you to always monitor their location.

Hopefully, you’ll never find yourself in this situation, but if you do, remember not to panic. Act fast for the best chance to be reunited with your pet. Enlist help from friends, neighbors, and family.

While not all pets make it back home, the quicker you spring into action and the broader your search network, the more likely you’ll have your furry friend back in your arms again.