How To Find A Lost Cat - PetMD

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 camera, a security camera, or a pet 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.