? Check your local shelters every day in person. The shelter workers may describe a particular breed or markings differently than you and won't be able to match your cat with you.
? Call all animal control offices in your town and surrounding areas at least every two days.
? Do not give up after only a couple of weeks, generally speaking, most cats are found six to eight weeks after being lost, whereas dogs are generally found within two weeks.
? Use your cat's photo to make "lost pet" signs. Put them up in your neighborhood, local post offices, libraries, pet supply stores, veterinarian offices, and grocery stores.
? Place ads in local newspapers and offer a reward and watch the found ads. Call local radio stations that broadcast lost pet information and give them detailed information on where the cat was last, its description, and how to contact you.
? Search your neighborhood and area where he was last seen. Ask people if they have seen your cat. Call your cat's name or familiar phrases that could bring him out of hiding. Check places where he could have become trapped, such as basements, garages, or under vehicles or sheds. Was there a moving truck in the neighborhood the day your cat disappeared? Possibly, a garden shed was left open, a worker or delivery truck may have been in the area, or cardboard boxes may have been placed out on someone's property.
? Indoor cats that find themselves outdoors often hide and will not respond to your calls. They go into survival mode and hide for days or even weeks. Many of these cats can be found weeks later, only a few feet from where they were lost. They may eventually come out looking for food, gain some confidence, or decide that now is the time to come to your calls.
? Try both at night and day. Many frightened cats will venture out at night where they feel less conspicuous. Bring a flashlight and call his name.
? To entice a hiding cat from cover, try some canned food, cat treats, or other favorite food of his. Leave water and food outside.
? If your pet has a tattoo, microchip, or ear tag, contact the company immediately.
If possible, have a cat carrier close at hand so if you do find him, you can place him inside it so a sudden noise or movement won't send him springing from your arms again.
Setting up a humane cat trap can often trap your cat when he smells the tempting food. You can get them from your local shelter or animal care division for a deposit or purchase one from a pet supply company.
Cats usually take longer to find than dogs because they often hide until they can find a safe place to sleep. Their behavior will be different than their normal behavior in the home. Cats are more likely to hide from people and become survival-oriented. When a cat finally comes out, it is more likely to be fed by well-meaning people which will also delay its homecoming.
Animal control agencies are required to keep pets with identification longer than unowned strays. Having both permanent and visual identification on your pet is best. For more information on different types of identifications and their pros and cons, visit our Identification page.
National Lost/Found Networks
Pets 911 - free service where people post lost pet information, the database is linked to about 3,700 animal control and other agencies.
AWOLPET - register your cat with a rabies license tag number, tattoo, or microchip code.
