What to Do If Your Cat Goes Missing

Sadly our kitty furbabies are notorious for going “walk-about”.  Yes, even those who are homebodies or indoor cats get a bee in their little bonnets and take a stroll elsewhere.  It’s so unexpected and gives us a terrible fright – after all, these little furries are part of our family!  So, let’s take a deep breath and go through a carefully constructed to-do list of what to do if your cat goes missing.

1.  Chat to your neighbours:  It is important that you check in with your neighbours personally and as soon as possible.  the best time is in the late afternoon (and the recommendation is five houses in every direction).  Ask your neighbours to look in any outside buildings such as wendy houses, sheds, garages, etc. also ask them to check their trees.  Your furbaby may be stuck somewhere on their property.  Keep in mind that your furbaby is likely to keep very still and quiet when they are stuck as they will be frightened too.  A torch will help you to see reflective eys, so take one along with you.
2. Search, Look & Listen:  As you walk between houses, look up in the trees, into gutters, and any other possible place your kitty may be hiding (don’t discount the hedges either).  Rather do not call whilst you are driving or walking.  it’s best to call if you are going to be in the same spot for 15 minutes.  otherwise, your furbaby may only make it to where your voice was long after you have moved on.
3. Post Notes & Flyers:  If your neighbours are out, leave a written note or flyer on their gate.  Plead for them to help you by looking in and around their home.
4. Help Your Furry Smell The Way Home:  Place the litter box outside, not a clean one, of course, it must be one that your kitty recognizes the smell of.  Failing a litter box, you could also place an item of unwashed clothing outside, for your furbaby to smell the way home.
5. Call When It is Quiet:  Call from your own yard after 11.00, do this every 15 minutes.  Call, wait, listen.  The likelihood of your furry responding when it is quiet is much higher as the environment will feel safer.
6. Visit Shelters:  Go to the SPCA’s and any other shelters.  They are often inundated and the folk answering the phones are not familiar with all the new arrivals as a result.  You should go there and check with your own eyes.  Keep in mind that your furbaby may not even look the same, this is common due to stress.  The best plan is to walk through and look more than once.
7. Posters & Flyers:  Print colour posters and flyers and pin them up all over the neighbourhood.  All vets and shelters within at least a 10km radius.  The local shops often have noticeboards as do the libraries, pet shops/grooming parlours, and schools.
8. Social Media:  Create a digital poster (Canva is easy to use and free), share in community groups, pet interest groups, and on your own personal page.  Tag everyone you know who may assist in the search.  Also, search for and join relevant groups, you can search for groups by word:  “lost”, “found”, “cat”, “pet”, your area and city.
9. Never Give Up:  It is very hard to stay hopeful as time ticks by, keep in mind that most cats are found and reunited with their families.  Some are even found years after they disappear.

 

Let us know if you have any other ideas to add to this list, please.

Love as always

Louise & Beth 🤍🐾🤍🐾

 

PS  We have this handy little social share on our Facebook page too, you are welcome to share from there