Cats used to going outdoors often find their own way home and are less likely to encounter risky situations than those who spend their lives inside. Indoor cats, conversely, are at significant risk if they go missing out-of-doors; acting quickly is vital.
Indoor cats are more likely to come to harm the longer they’re missing. They may be unable to find food and water, or appropriate shelter. They may panic and wander further away with each passing day. It is imperative to search intensively and daily from the time a cat goes missing, and never to give up hope. Many are found even a year after disappearing.
Know the Missing Cat
Knowing the personality of the cat and anticipating his behaviour under stress helps determine the best ways of finding him.
If the cat is wary of strangers and unusual sights and sounds, the pet owner should do all the work in finding him, rather than accepting outside help.
If a cat is inquisitive and unfazed by new situations, owners should look further afield and include places like empty houses. Many inquisitive cats enter empty properties via cat flaps and cannot find their way back out. Contact property agents to gain access to vacated homes.
These are just two examples, but when indoor cats go missing it helps if a cat owner imagines how the cat’s personality may affect his decisions.
Lost Cat Search Tips
- Early morning and late night searches are best. Indoor cats feel safer exploring at dawn and dusk when there is less activity. Road-kill such as dead birds and rabbits will also tempt cats to scavenge at dawn.
- Searchers should walk silently, alone or as a pair, but never walk with someone who doesn’t know the cat; even if a cat recognizes his owner’s voice or scent, he will be frightened by a stranger’s presence.
- Clothing worn for a search makes a difference. Soft non-rustling fabrics are best, as are shoes with soft soles. Cats in hiding are terrified by even simple sounds.
- Searchers should look under every shrub and bush and in every hiding place, including private yards and gardens. Injured cats hide beneath shrubs or structures and will not emerge to their owner’s voice.
- A prior note can be distributed or flyers posted, advising that a lost pet search is being conducted. Flyers can name identifiable clothing to be worn so that the search avoids arousing concerns.
- The searcher should call the cat’s name softly and without urgency, as a tone of stress or panic may cause a cat to continue hiding.
- Essential items to take include waterproofs, a torch and a blanket in case the animal is found injured.
- In future, consider preventive measures such as GPS collar tracking devices, magnetic cat flaps, and microchipping. Always use lost and found pet services when a pet is lost.
Help from the Community
There should be no encouragement or incentive for strangers to look for the cat; ask strangers to stay away from the pet if seen and contact the pet-owner; offer a reward.
Veterinary practices and rescue centres should be informed the pet is missing; quality photos should be distributed. Owners should ensure they have issued workable contact instructions for all times of the day and night. Reappearing felines will not wait until the hours that best suit their owner!
Other Petcare Articles by Cheryl-Anne Jenkinson:
Pet Adoption Centers; Tips for Making A Visit
Tips for Moving Home With Cats
Complaining About A Veterinarian
Cheryl-Anne Jenkinson - Cheryl-Anne Jenkinson is 44 years old and has spent the last 20 years working in the qualitative strategic research sector, where she has ...
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