Here are a few tips to help you find your missing/lost cat. Follow the steps below to help you search for your missing cat. When searching remain calm, plan ahead what actions to follow in order to find your cat quickly.
Leave Escape Routes Open: If your cat escaped through a window or door, leave it open as he may try to return the way he got out. The smell of home can also help your cat find his way back home.
Open Doors and Windows: If your cat is familiar with a particular exit point, such as a door or window, leave it open to allow them an opportunity to re-enter the way they left.
Create a Welcoming Environment: Make the area around potential entry points inviting. Place familiar items like their bed or some food near the entrance to attract them back.
Stay Vigilant: Keep a watchful eye on the open escape routes. Cats are more likely to return when they sense the environment is safe and unchanged.
Minimize Disturbances: While waiting for your cat, try to minimize disturbances in the area. Keep other pets indoors and reduce loud noises that might frighten them away.
Use Familiar Scents: Place items with familiar scents, such as their bedding or a piece of your worn clothing, near the exit. This can help them recognize their home.
Be Patient: Cats may take their time returning, especially if they're cautious or scared. Exercise patience and remain observant during the waiting period.
Search at Quiet Times: Choose Early Morning or Late Evening: Cats are generally more active during dawn and dusk. Try searching during these quieter times when there is less human and traffic activity.
Use a Calm Voice: When calling for your cat, use a calm and reassuring voice. Cats may be more likely to respond to familiar and soothing tones.
Avoid Noisy Areas: Steer clear of busy streets, construction sites, or areas with loud noises. Cats may be frightened and less likely to come out in noisy environments.
Bring a Flashlight: If you're searching in the evening or early morning, bring a flashlight to help you see in darker areas and corners.
Listen Carefully: Take moments of silence to listen for any sounds that might indicate your cat's presence. Cats may respond with meows, especially if they hear a familiar voice.
Check Hiding Spots: During quiet times, explore potential hiding spots such as under bushes, in tall grass, or near quiet corners. Cats often seek shelter in these areas.
Use Treats or Familiar Sounds: If your cat responds to a specific sound or the crinkling of treat bags, bring those items with you to attract their attention.
Be Patient: Quiet searches require patience. Spend time waiting and observing, as your cat may be nearby but hesitant to approach.
Engage Neighbours: Speak to your neighbours and ask them to open sheds, garages, and outbuildings. Under decking, and behind sheds are often great hiding places for cats Check nearby empty houses, allotments, and places where cats may seek shelter. It is so important that you go door knocking and speak to neighbours and local people...for further information read What is the most important thing to do when your cat has gone missing ?
Posters and Leaflets: Put up posters and distribute leaflets in the neighbourhood. Leaflets are one of the best ways to get information to every household in the area. Keep the poster simple, using a good photo of your cat and a contact number . Read How to Make a Lost Cat Poster That Gets Results
Social Media and Online Platforms: Share photos picture on social media, make a page about your missing cat. people can then join the page and share in local cat groups, and cat groups across the country.
Contact the Microchip Company: Identify the microchip company associated with your cat's chip. The brand or company name is often provided by the veterinarian or organization that implanted the chip.
Call the microchip company's customer service hotline. Provide them with the microchip number, and confirm that your contact information is up-to-date in their database. Double-check the accuracy of the information on file with the microchip company. Ensure that your current phone number, address, and email are associated with the microchip. Inform the microchip company that your cat is lost. They may have specific procedures for marking your cat as missing in their database.
Compile a List of Local Vets: Create a list of veterinary clinics in your area, including both your regular vet and others nearby. You can find their contact details online or through local directories.
Check with Animal Shelters and Rescues: Contact local animal shelters and rescues, such as the Humane Society, Cats Protection, and other non-profit organizations dedicated to animal welfare. Inform them about your missing cat and provide them with relevant details.
NEVER give in to quickly when searching for your missing/lost cat. Sometimes it takes a while to find them. Keep sharing on social media daily, and continue to to widen the area that you leaflet.