How to Find a Lost Cat

Several years ago, my tomcat, Miron, ran out of the house in the middle of winter and was lost for the entire day.  Luckily, he came back late the same night. I was very lucky that he came back, and I know other cat owners aren’t so lucky.  Thousands of cats are lost every year, and many are never found.  I honestly can’t imagine how painful that must be for their owners.  My pets are like my children. If one went missing for a long period of time, I’d be desperate for help on how to find a lost cat.

All I can do is attempt to help people who are in this position.  Here are some tips on how to find a lost cat by Cat Health & Training Expert, Mary Mathews.  I hope this helps someone.  And if you’ve lost a kitty, please know that there are thousands of people like me who have sincere sympathy and hope and pray your cat is found.

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9 Tips for Finding a Lost Cat

1.  Walk around the area where the cat was lost and call the cat’s name.how to find a lost cat  Walk slowly and listen – your cat may be too scared to come out of hiding, but may whimper, meow or cry.  If your cat just ran out the door of your home, leave the door open.  He may just come back.

2.  Make sounds that may attract your cat.  Shake a box of her treats or dry cat food – or open a can if the cat could be hiding within earshot.

3.  Search the neighborhood at night – preferably, late.  Include your old neighborhood if you’ve recently moved to a nearby place.  Search hiding places like garbage cans or under porches.  Ask your neighbors to be on the lookout for your cat.

4.  Put fliers all around your neighborhood or in the area where your cat was lost.  Include a clear and large picture, a description of the cat and the cat’s name.  Also mention where the cat was lost and give your name and phone number.  Put the fliers in a plastic cover before stapling them to posts, trees, buildings, etc. so they won’t get wet if it rains or snows.  Be sure to disclose any identifying marks your cat may have, whether he has a collar, etc.

5.  Use your local newspaper(s).  Check daily for any “Found Cat” ads and place a “Lost Cat ad” yourself.

6.  Check with your local animal shelter (like an SPCA). Usually, animal shelters will let you fill out a Lost Cat form, so they are aware in case anyone brings your cat there.  Give them one of your fliers that includes a picture.  Visit the shelter regularly and ask to look at the cats available for adoption.  These shelters are often understaffed – if your cat is brought in, the fact that he matches the description in your lost cat report may be overlooked.  So go to the shelter and look at least once a week.

7.  Try placing some of her favorite things in your yard or on your porch. Place familiar smelling items such as t-shirts you’ve worn and not washed, the cat’s bed or toys, and some of its food plus water, somewhere near your house if your cat ran out your front door.  If your cat got lost elsewhere, try placing similar items in a nearby location, then check that location often (preferably at night or early morning).

8.  Check Facebook and Craigslist.  In some areas there are Facebook pages for lost animals, such as WNY Lost & Found Pets in Western NY State, where people can place an ad about their lost cat or place an ad if they’ve found a cat.  People also place ads on Craigslist for both lost and found cats. Place an ad for your lost cat on Craigslist, then sign up for emails letting you know about 1) any new “Lost Cat” ads placed and 2) any new “Found Cat” ads placed. Either might lead you to someone who may have found or seen your cat.

9.  Sprinkle flour to obtain footprints.  Frightened cats will not come when called.  Try sprinkling flour around areas where the cat might be. Then look for paw prints and follow them

Microchipping for Cats

These days it is common to put a tag or microchip on your cat to increase the chances of recovery if they get lost. A microchip is an identification device inserted beneath your cat’s skin. All humane societies and agencies have scanners to read the chip. I highly recommend their use.

how to find a lost catTry to Stay Positive

I know it’s difficult and painful when you’ve lost a pet but try to stay positive. Sometimes cats run away and stay away for weeks at a time, then come home.  I have friends whose cat ran away and went to live with a neighbor down the street.  They searched for months only to realize the cat had simply decided he’d rather live with the neighbor!

Other times cats are lost, and they don’t have a collar.  So, whoever finds them takes them in.  I know it’s painful not to have your cat home with you but realize your cat could very well be in very loving hands, being well cared for, fed, and loved.

How to Keep Your Cat Indoors

If you’re having difficulty keeping your cat indoors, read my article, How to Keep Cats Indoors – Why You Should and How (includes video).  That post covers:

  • Is it cruel to keep your cat indoors?
  • Should cats be kept indoors?
  • 6 Ways to keep a cat indoors

Some cats just refuse to be indoor cats.  If they run away, they may stay away – exercising their right to be an outdoor kitty.  If your cat returns, you may get some help keeping them inside by reading my article, How to Keep Indoor Cats Happy.

Stay Strong!

Remember we all have a journey – and that’s true for our pets as well.  Know that no matter what happens, you will see your precious pet again – even if it’s not until you’re both safely back in Heaven.  Try to stay strong.  Debra

2 thoughts on “How to Find a Lost Cat”

  1. HI Debra thanks for this post I agree it is devastating when a pet wanders off, I lost a Tom cat a few years ago, he always enjoyed hunting at night and then one day he never came back. I never did find out what happened, and just hoped that someone took him in.

    Our local vets is another place that people often put notices for lost pets and Facebook is a great tool to post pictures and info even to share amongst friends living in the locality.

    Hopefully it won’t happen but cats are independent, I did watch a programme that explained how cats map out their locality, and so long as your cat wasn’t frightened away they will be able to find their way back to their home.

    1. Thanks so much for the comments. That’s also a great idea – putting fliers at local vet offices as well. I’m sorry about your lost cat. 🙁

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