How To Find A Lost Cat

• Check Inside And Outside The House

  First let's get the obvious out of the way. Cats like super tight spots to hide and can get into small cupboards, pantries, wardrobes, etc. Outside they can hide up on trees or in wood piles, downpipes or between walls. Think small spaces, smaller than you imagine your cat would fit into.

• Prepare Before Heading Out To Search

  Make sure, just in case your cat returns in your absence, it has food and water waiting for it. Many recommend putting a used kitty litter tray out or something with a familiar smell like a blanket or a worn t-shirt. Some say it is a myth, but we won't take any chances as it is free and only takes a second to do.

• Print Lost Cat Flyers

  You will need them in the next step. You can make your own or look for online sites that provide a template. Some lost pet finding websites provide them for free as part of their service.

• Sort Out Your Communications

  Charge your phone! Make sure you are easy to reach. When you hand out those flyers with your phone number people will expect you to be waiting for their calls. If they cannot reach you they may make a decision to let your cat go, pass it on to someone else or surrender it.

• Start Your Neighbourhood Search

  While on your search do a door-knock and talk to your neighbours, ask them to check their properties including sheds and garages. It's ok if they find nothing. Ask them to keep an eye out and give them your flyer. Your cat may still be there, just hiding very well. Neighbours not home? Leave your flyer in their mailbox. Take a friend with you and always ensure your personal safety.

• Place Flyers Everywhere

  Lamp posts, local noticeboards at supermarkets, shopping centres, parks, schools, pubs and clubs, vets and pet shops. Everywhere you can think of but be sure to check council bylaws. Some consider flyers on lamp posts as littering.

• When Is The Best Time To Look For Your Lost Cat?

  Night time! Bring a torch and repeat the physical search at night or early in the morning when it is dark and quiet. It is a lot easier for you to hear your cat and for it to hear you. Call out in a calm voice, make familiar sound, listen out, repeat. Again, take a friend and ensure your personal safety.

• Be Patient!

  It may take a few days for your cat to attempt making a move or crying for help. It may take a few days for the neighbours to return home and check their properties. I know that every day is a torture for you, but cats are great at surviving on their own for days, weeks and even months.

• Broaden Your Search

  Why is my cats still missing? Don't stop searching, keep covering more areas, keep doing flyer drops and door knocks. Your cat may be hiding somewhere nearby scared to come out, or may be a lot further away than you would expect especially if your cat likes to climb into cars or trailers.

• Check Your Old Place

  If you recently moved, keep in mind that many cats will make an attempt at returning to the place they consider home even if it is many kilometers away. Make sure someone at the 'old' location is keeping an eye out for you.

• Go Over Same Areas

  Check the same areas regularly. Today your cat may not be there, but tomorrow is a different day, fresh eyes, better light. Your cat may feel calm enough to call to you.

• Do Not Expect Normal Behavior

  Your cat may be stressed to the point where it does not recognise your voice and will not come out to you, even if it can see you walking past on your search. Familiar sounds and smells may take a while to convince your cat it is safe, but as long as they are there, it will work eventually. Your cat needs you to keep going!

• Analyse The Circumstances

  Did you have visitors before your cat went missing? Could it have gotten into their car? Call them. Do any of your neighbours have outdoor cameras in the area? Ask them to review the footage. Did someone get a new dog or a cat? Any new situation can make a cat feel uncomfortable within their territory. It will take time but don't give up. There is a lot of support out there if you know who to ask. 

Other Steps You Need To Take:

Look For Your Cat At Vets & Pounds

Ways to look for your cat with the help of microhipping companies, vets, pounds, shelters and more. Lost Cats at Vets and Pounds 

Look For Your Cat On Facebook And The Web

Best ways to engage social media and lost pet websites, lists of Facebook and Web pages and groups where you need to posts your lost cat. Lost Cats on Facebook and the Web 

Reasons Why Cats Go Missing

By understanding the behaviour of your missing cat you can target the most common scenarios for maximum success. Reasons Your Cat Is Missing