Things you can do when your cat goes missing:
1. Create posters with picture
and details plus contact number(s) ..... hand out to neighbours and anyone you
see. Put them in plastic wallets and
seal the wallet. Put up in local shops,
pubs, bus stops, libraries and supermarkets - in fact any public/communal areas
in the neighbourhood. Stick to all local lamp posts. Also put one in your car and friends' cars -
it's amazing how many people see them this way.
2. Make smaller flyers and push through every letterbox on your streets and the
surrounding area. They don't have to be big - you could have six or eight to a
page and just cut them into smaller notices. Remember you can never have too
many posters out there!
3. Knock on doors and ask neighbours to check their sheds and garages WHILE YOU
WAIT … it's surprising how many people say they will check but as soon as the
door is closed they forget. Or better still go and check the shed etc yourself.
Your cat may respond to you but not a stranger. Remember though, a cat's instinct
is to remain quiet to avoid capture. Your cat may not respond at first. Call,
wait and call again. Ask your neighbour(s) if you can repeat this at different
times of the day for the next few days, or if possible ask if they can leave
the door/window open for a few hours or even overnight.
4. Register the cat lost at all
vets/catteries/rescue homes within a 20mile radius (remember to keep a record
of everyone you contact). And, if he is microchipped, inform the microchip
company that he is missing (that way, if anyone tries to change the address,
they should contact you first). Keep checking with them - some are less
reliable at getting back to you than others.
5. Contact any other "animal" organisations/establishments you can find - these
might include dog groomers, pet sitters, animal feed shops etc etc. Although
they probably won't operate a "lost and found" register, they will chat to pet
owners, and word may get around. Remember to ask them to display a poster
6. Leave food out and a toy
7. Leave out an unwashed item of your clothing - socks are a good idea.
8. Put the contents of your vacuum cleaner bag on your garden - it's full of
smells that the cat will recognise and if doesn't bring the cat directly to
your door will at least hopefully keep him/her in the area. Alternatively if
you have a litter tray that the cat has used put some of the used litter on the
garden as this will have familiar smells in it.
9. If your cat wears a collar with a magnet to enable her to open the cat flap, prop the cat flap open in case she has lost her collar and can't get back in.
10. Contact the local fire brigade and see if they have had to rescue any stuck
cats
11. Ask the local children to look - they are great for knowing all the local
hidey-holes and love helping. Ask the children to TELL you if they find a cat,
not to bring it to you (it might not be yours!). Also have a word with your
local post-person, milk man and any other delivery people in your area.
12. Ask the local radio station to announce the cat is missing and give out a
contact number
13. Put an advert in the local paper. Repeat the advert after a fortnight.
14. Contact your local environmental services dept (bin men/cleansing) they
keep a log of all deceased animals picked up on the roadside ... this is not a
pleasant call to make and hopefully it will come back as negative, but at least
it may help with uncertainty. Make this call every couple of days or so, as
they may not phone you back if they find a cat after you've contacted them.
15. Go out after dark when it is quieter with a friend/partner and walk round
the local area gently calling every so often (give the cat a chance to answer
you). Keep talking as you walk round, that way if s/he is in the area s/he will
hear you. Note, it is better to call when you are on the way home rather than
the way out, so that you don't inadvertently lead him further from home.
16. Check out any known local feral colonies - vets/rescue groups may be aware
of some, or you might hear of some as you make other enquiries. S/he could be
living there.
17. Ask local dog walkers to keep an eye out, and
if you can, hand out flyers to dog owners/walkers. Many people have dogs as well as cats and
this will help spread the word.
Good luck and stay positive.
Hopefully your little one has just got himself shut in a shed somewhere.
And finally ……. IMPORTANT NOTE: When you get your
cat back remember to remove ALL the posters and inform all vets / rescues /
websites /microchip company etc that they are home. And if you haven't already done so, get the
cat microchipped!
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