How to Find Your Lost Cat As Soon As Possible

When a beloved cat goes missing it is obviously upsetting and stressful. However, if your cat is lost there is still a chance you will find him or her. Time is important. As soon as you think your cat might be missing it is time to get searching. Your cat may be injured or stuck, so it is important to find them quickly.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Microchipped cat
• Photos of your cat
• Paper
• Printer
• Copier
• Phone numbers for vets and shelters

1. Take measures to increase the likelyhood of your cat being found before they go missing. To do this go to a vet and get your cat microchipped. If your cat is lost and they show up at a vets office or in a shelter, one of the first things that will be done is a check for a microchip. Via the microchip the vet or shelter has a better chance of tracing you and reuniting you and your cat. Make sure you keep your contact information up to date with your vet if you move.

2. Go searching. If you think your cat is lost head out and search for them. Don't run around franticly as this could scare them. Take a little bit of dry food and shake it as you make a sound that they usually respond to. If your cat doesn't respond to the shaking of dry food take a can and tap it as you walk around. If your cat doesn't respond to either of these it is good idea to teach them to, before they go missing. Carrying an open can of tuna fish could also help attract your cat's attention as the smell is strong and attractive too them.

3. Be quiet and listen. As you walk around searching for your cat be quiet and listen for meows. If your cat is stuck or injured they may start to meow if they hear you.

4. Look everywhere. When I say everywhere I mean everywhere. You would be surprised at the places your cat will go. Check in drains, pipes, the underside of cars, up trees and sheds. Lost cats will sometimes show up in pipes that they have somehow managed to get stuck in.

5. Speak to your neighbors. Ask you neighbors if they have seen your cat. It may be a good idea to bring a picture with you. Ask them if they had left their shed or garage open during that day. It is possible your cat went into a neighbors garage or shed and it was closed, trapping your cat. Kind neighbors will sometimes even help you search for your lost cat.

6. Think about what happened on the day your cat went missing. Try to remember what happened on the day your cat was lost. Was anyone around doing work that had left a car or van open? If so contact them, it is possible that your cat climbed into their car.

7. Call local vets and animal shelters. If your cat is lost it is possible someone else has found it and brought it to the vet or animal shelter. Give the vet and animal shelter a description of your cat and their microchip number. This way they can contact you if a match arrives.

8. Put some food and a favourite blanket outside. This is an especially good way to find a lost cat that is an indoor cat and escaped. Indoor cats that escape will often be very scared and hide. However, when it is dark and quiet they may make an appearance, especially if they are hungary. Check the food a few times at night to see if they have appeared.

9. Print up flyers with color photos of your cat and their distinguishing charateristics. Pass the flyers around your neighborhood and post them in local stores.

Tips & Warnings

• Take measures that will help you find your lost cat before they go missing
• Be quiet when walking around searching.
• Don't give up hope, cats can turn up weeks and even months later
• Be careful of scammers if you offer a reward

Resources

• How to Groom a Long Haired Cat
• How to Know If Your Cat Is Sick
• How to Know If Your Cat Has Kidney Failure
• eHow Cat Guide

[twincapes]

on 8/24/2009 Don't forget that outdoor cats need a collar with ID tags, they could lose it, but its another thing that could help.

[gahazeleyes]

on 5/31/2009 I have a cat, so thanks for the good tips.