If your cat is an indoor-outdoor cat, you might run into a scenario where your pet disappears out of the blue. Even cats that live indoors can suddenly disappear through the door. It’s likely that your cat did not go too far, though. Even neutered cats are fiercely protective of their territory, so carefully examine the surrounding areas for any suitable hiding places.
Think about the reasons why your cat might be missing so you can locate him. Now is the moment to put feelings aside and consider your options, taking the proper action for each.
Human Involvement
It is plausible that your feline companion may have fallen prey to any of the subsequent situations:
- Removed by Wildlife Control
- Taken in by a different feline enthusiast who believes your pet is “lost”
- Captured and “disposed of” by a neighbor who despises cats;
- “Rescued” by someone who believes your cat is a stray, abandoned, or neglected;
- Kidnapped for profit by professional “catnappers”;
- Kidnapped by others for cruel purposes (dog-baiting, ritual sacrifice);
- Inadvertent “abduction” (cat hides in a vehicle; is driven out of the area)
How to Proceed if You Discover a Lost Cat
- A car accident that results in injuries or death; a dog or other cat
- By untamed creatures (raccoon, skunk, or coyote).
- Arrange Your Course of Action
You can plan your approach to bring closure in the event that your cat is found to be deceased, or to retrieve him if he is still alive, with these factors in mind.
Because time is of the essence, you might need to complete the following tasks:
- Start by inspecting your yard: Indoor cats that slink outside typically hide under decks, foundations, and shrubs, or they stay close by in their own yards.
- Place a baby monitor on your porch: Put a food bowl there and point an electronic baby monitor or other home monitoring device at it.
- Make fliers featuring images of your feline: Distribute the flyers door to door within a minimum of a three-block radius and offer a reward. Post the flyer on phone poles and in store windows as well.
- Notify your animal control officer: Provide them with a flyer and request that they keep an eye out for your cat, whether it is alive or dead.
- Make a call to the neighborhood vets. It’s possible that your cat was brought in by a guardian angel with injuries. Find out if you can put up a flyer in the clinics.
- Go to the animal shelter in your community. Drop off a flyer and inquire as to whether a cat that fits the description has been brought in, alive or dead.
- Advertisement: The majority of regional shopping guides and newspapers accept free “lost and found” ads. Investigate the newspaper listing for any information on “found cats.”
- Share on social media and local lost-and-found websites: Certain communities support websites created especially for pets that are missing or lost.
- Speak with nearby rescue groups: Request permission before visiting foster homes in case a cat that fits the description has recently been adopted.
- Hire a pet detective: Select a pet detective with experience using technology to locate misplaced animals.
Identification’s Significance
Your cat is more likely to be returned to you if it is properly identified. Most people will return your cat to you if they believe him to be lost if he is wearing a collar and tags. Even if the collar or tags are removed, many veterinarians and animal shelters will be able to notify you if the animal is microchipped and/or has ear tattoos. When your cat has ear tattoos from a spay or neuter procedure, it may be a sign that it has received prior preventative care and is looking for a home. In the event that your cat gets lost, a GPS cat tracker can also be useful.
Exercise Caution When Giving Out Rewards
There are heartbreaking tales of vicious con artists who took huge financial gains from distraught pet owners pretending to have “found” their animals. Include only one or two relevant identifying details about your cat (e.g., he has one black whisker, one white toe, etc.) if you are offering a reward in your advertisement. By all means, hold off on sending reward money until you’ve seen your cat to avoid giving yourself room for misplaced optimism.
Take Part and Include Your Neighbors
Another pair of eyes to keep an eye out for your missing cat could be your neighbors. Notify them if your cat disappears and provide them with updates on whether your cat was located or if the search is still ongoing. If your neighbors are worried about their whereabouts, take the time to be a good neighbor and watch out for their cats.
Keep your feline inside
Indoor cats can be easily lured back in before they get hurt, even though they do occasionally escape. An indoor cat is obviously safer than an outdoor cat.
These suggestions should aid in promoting a speedy and complete recovery. Recall, our stray cats experience the same level of fear as we do.
