5 Tips For Finding Your Lost Cat

As a cat parent and I'm sure you can attest to this, regardless of how much your cat loves home, how much it enjoys being home and how loved you make it feel, they still jump at the slightest opportunity to go outside. Many cats would love to be outside if given the chance and this is evident by how quickly they jump to the window or door and scoot when it is left open. Experts say it is instinctive behavior.

I sympathize with people in my neighborhood who I often see people putting up flyers of their lost cat, hoping to find them.

I'd like to share some tips I acquired volunteering for a local animal rescue organization on how to find a missing cat.

Start Your Search Around Your House

Unlike dogs who tend to stray far from home, cats tend to stay close to their homes when they get out. If this is the cat's first or second time of going out, the possibility of finding it around is even greater. They probably got out only to become fearful and afraid so start by checking on your property and in the immediate areas. Check the nearby bushes, sheds, small and tight spaces, under furniture, under the car etc. Cats tend to climb trees so make sure to inspect trees around the house and in the area. If you cannot find it during the day, try waiting till night. Cats are nocturnal animals and since sounds travel better at night, finding your cat will be easier at night. Go with a flashlight to see better and cat food to lure the cat. Open your blinds at home and turn on your interior and exterior lights so it will be easy for your car to find its way back home.

Talk To Your Neighbors

 Speak to your neighbors. Chances are that they may have seen your lost cat somewhere and can let you know their whereabouts. Ask them to check their sheds and yards as well as any cars parked nearby. Remember to check the houses on both sides of the road and houses with gardens. You can even provide your neighbors with the name of your cat and its latest to remind them to pay attention. Advertising on social media is also a great way to convey the message that your cat is gone, especially if you are a member of a local Facebook or WhatsApp community group. Post a clear photo of cats, their names, and your contact information.

Also, print out a stack of flyers with photos and your phone number and post them in your entire community so people with useful information can get to you.

Lure Your Cat With Familiar Smells

A cat's sense of smell is the main way it recognizes people and objects. There are more than 200 million odor sensors in a cat's nose. This gives them a very keen sense of smell, hence placing their beds, pillows, and blankets on the front porch, terraces, and yards outside to attract them may help get them to come back. Some people have successfully attracted their cats with the smell of their litter box. Cats are especially concerned about how they do their business. This smell might just be what you need to get him/her to come home.

Also, we cannot ignore the power of fresh canned cat food or tuna. When searching outdoors, you should carry a can of their favorite wet food or tuna with you. You can also shake a bag of snacks as the sound may draw them back home if they are hiding nearby. Please note that the smell may also attract other people’s cats, squirrels, or other small animals.

Try A Humane Animal Trap

The idea of ​​trapping a cat may not be delightful but setting up a humane animal trap may be a necessary way for you to get your cat home. Animal traps are used a lot of times to trap wild cats so that they can be neutered and neutered. Your local humanitarian association may be willing to lend it to you or lease it to you. They are completely safe and easy to use, and the food left in them will lure your kitten into them. Some equipment needed is dropped traps, baits, work gloves, paper towels, antibacterial wipes, and a first aid kit. Be careful not to use darts or tranquilizers to attempt to catch a cat. These methods are harmful and can aggravate, injure or even kill the cat.

Go To Your Local Shelter

If your cat hasn't returned home after 36 hours, it is best to go to local shelters around you. Report your missing cat to every shelter within 60 miles of your home, and visit the nearest shelter every day if possible. To find your local shelter, search online or check the phone book.

Take a photo with you every day to prove that you are the owner. Keep going, because many shelters can only keep pets for a few days before putting them up for adoption due to limited space

If there are no shelters in your community, please contact the local police station. Provide these agencies with accurate descriptions and recent photos of your pets. If you think your pet has been stolen, make sure you also notify the police.

Preventing Your Cat From Getting Missing

Needless to say, it is always best to do everything possible to prevent cats from going out. You can install mechanisms that automatically close your door after it is opened.  To reduce stress levels, leave an ID tag on your kitty’s collar with your phone number engraved on it. You may also need to work harder to chop up your cat. In this way, any cat that finds your cat and decides to keep it will find that you are the real owner on the first visit to the veterinarian. The vet will call you to pick up your cat. You can also buy a collar and ID tag for your cat.