10 Methods to Locate Your Lost Cat

If you have an indoor/outdoor cat, you can find yourself in a position where your feline friend goes missing unexpectedly. Even cats that stay indoors may unintentionally escape via the door. The likelihood is that your cat did not stray too far. 

Even neutered cats are fiercely territorial, so carefully scan the surroundings for any proper hiding places.

Think about the reasons your cat could not be home before searching for him. You should now put your feelings aside and consider your options, choosing the best course of action for each.

Human Involvement

Your cat might have fallen victim to one of the situations above.

• Animal Control took it away
• a different cat lover who believes your cat is "lost" has picked it up
• Someone who "rescues" your cat because they think it to be abandoned, uncared for, or stray
• abducted by professional "catnappers" for financial gain
• taken from another person for cruel motives (dog-baiting, ritual sacrifice)
• captured and "disposed of" by a neighbor who despises cats
• Unintentional abduction (Cat hides in a vehicle; is driven out of the area)

killed or injured

• by vehicle accident
• a dog or a different cat
• a dog or a different cat

Create a Strategy

You can prepare your approach for finding your cat if he's still alive or for bringing comfort if it turns out he's not by keeping these factors in mind. Since time is important, you might have to take all of the following steps:

1. First, inspect your yard: When indoor cats escape, they typically stay nearby in their own yards or conceal themselves beneath decks, foundations, and vegetation.

2. On your porch, use a baby monitor: On your porch, place a bowl of food with an electronic baby monitor or other home security system pointed at it.

3. Print flyers featuring your cat's image: Distribute the flyers door to door within a three-block radius and offer a reward. Post the flyer on telephone poles and in storefront windows as well.

4. Keep your animal control officer informed: Give them a flyer and ask them to look out for your cat, whether it is alive or dead.

5. Speak to nearby veterinarians: Ask the veterinarians if you can put up a flyer in their clinics; it's possible that a guardian angel brought your cat in with injuries.

6. Go to the animal shelter in your area: If a cat fitting the description has been brought in, alive or dead, leave a flyer asking about it.

7. Advertise: The majority of regional newspapers and shopping directories offer no-cost "lost and found" ads. Additionally, look for "found cats" listings in the newspaper. 

8. Post to neighborhood social media and internet lost-and-found pages: Some neighborhoods support websites created especially for missing or lost pets.

9. Consult the local rescue groups: Visit foster homes that may have recently taken in a cat fitting the description with permission.

10. Employ a pet investigator: Select a pet detective with experience using technology to find lost animals.

Identification's Vital Role

Your cat is more likely to be returned to you if it is properly identified. Most individuals who believe your cat is missing will bring him back to you if he is wearing a collar and tags.

 Numerous vets and animal shelters will be able to contact you if your pet has been microchipped or has had its ears tattooed, even if the collar and tags were removed. An indication that your cat has received prior preventative care and may have a home is the presence of ear tattoos that were applied at the time of spaying or neutering.

Be Wary When Giving Rewards

There are heartbreaking tales of callous extortionists who took advantage of heartbroken pet owners by claiming to have "discovered" their lost animals to demand huge cash rewards. 

If you advertise with a reward, omit one or two crucial cat identification facts (e.g. he has one black whisker, one white toe, etc.) Avoid harboring irrational hopes, and by all means, wait to wire reward money until you actually see your cat.

Participate and engage your neighbors.

Another set of eyes to keep a watch out for your lost cat could be your neighbors. If your cat disappears, let them know and keep them informed as to whether it has been located or if there is still a search going on.

 If your neighbors are worried about the whereabouts of their cats, take the time to be a good neighbor and keep an eye out for them.

Maintain Your Cat Inside

Although indoor cats occasionally escape, they don't usually travel very far and can usually be lured back inside without incident. Naturally, a cat that lives inside is safer.

These pointers ought to encourage full recovery. Remember that our wandering cats are just as frightened as we are.