{"id":28805,"date":"2016-06-13T17:40:52","date_gmt":"2016-06-13T16:40:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.petspyjamas.com\/blog\/?p=28805"},"modified":"2025-03-03T13:05:46","modified_gmt":"2025-03-03T12:05:46","slug":"help-ive-lost-cat-cat-goes-missing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.petspyjamas.com\/blog\/help-ive-lost-cat-cat-goes-missing\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Do If Your Cat Goes Missing"},"content":{"rendered":"

We all adore our cats<\/a>, but they certainly know how to worry us at times! If yours has ever gone missing, you\u2019ll know exactly how terrifying it can be for the whole family.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"tabcat<\/p>\n

But the look on their face as they stroll back through the door after you\u2019ve been tearing your hair out with worry is a picture, as if to say \u2018what\u2019s all the fuss about, I\u2019m here, aren\u2019t I?\u2019<\/p>\n

Great explorers<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Cats are naturally inquisitive and love to spend time in the great outdoors, and with summer coming the days are getting longer and cats are spending more time exploring outside. Even though they\u2019re pretty much creatures of habit, generally sticking to their own \u2018territory\u2019 when they\u2019re out and about, it\u2019s still possible for them to get lost. Whether it\u2019s the curiosity of following after a butterfly, or being frightened off by a dog barking, if they find themselves in unfamiliar territory they could struggle to find their way home again.<\/p>\n

\"tabcat<\/p>\n

Even if your cat hasn\u2019t got themselves lost or got stuck somewhere they could still go missing. Sometimes a well-meaning neighbour might actually believe that \u2018feed me, I\u2019m wasting away\u2019 <\/em>meow, and start encouraging longer visits, so while you think you\u2019ve got a missing cat on your hands, the reality is that your cat is curled up on another lap a few doors away!<\/p>\n

None of us want to think it could happen to us, but sadly it\u2019s a common situation for cat parents to find themselves in. It\u2019s natural to worry if your cat doesn\u2019t come home when you expect them to, but try not to feel helpless because there are<\/em> things you can do to find them.<\/p>\n

\"tabcat<\/p>\n

Don’t panic!<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

If you\u2019ve thought ahead and your cat wears a tracker, such as the Tabcat<\/a>, you can use that to track them down wherever their hiding place is!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

If you haven\u2019t, start by searching absolutely everywhere in your home, every room and every nook and cranny \u2013 including under beds, on top of wardrobes, even inside <\/em>cupboards. You\u2019d be surprised at some of the hiding places cats get themselves into. Next, thoroughly search your garden including sheds and garages. Once you\u2019re satisfied they\u2019re definitely not either in your home or your garden, it\u2019s time to start searching the local area.<\/p>\n

Start door knocking to let your neighbours know your cat\u2019s missing, and ask them to check their gardens, garages and sheds, all places that are even more likely at this time of year when people are out enjoying their gardens. If any of your neighbours are out when you call, make sure you go back later, because they\u2019re more likely to check their gardens if you\u2019re there in person asking them.<\/p>\n

Gather the troops<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

You can get the whole family involved, because it can really help to take their minds off things (and of course the more hands on deck, the quicker you\u2019ll find your cat!). Put posters all around the neighbourhood, on lampposts and through people\u2019s doors. Any poster you create should include a photo and description of your cat, your contact details, where your cat is missing from, and any other details that might be relevant. For example, if you\u2019ve recently moved house and you think your cat might be trying to return to your old home you should put the street\/area you think it might be heading to, or if your cat usually wears a collar but has a habit of losing it, explain that they might or might not be wearing it.<\/p>\n

\"tabcat<\/p>\n

Branch out<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Social media can be a great tool for reuniting lost cats with their owners, so look for local groups that might be able to help by sharing your appeal \u2013 lost and found pet groups, buy and sell groups and \u2018spotted in\u2019 type groups are all good ones to try.<\/p>\n

Think of places like vets and rescues in your area where people might bring a found cat, and get in touch to let them know your cat is missing. They\u2019ll automatically scan any found cats for a microchip<\/a>, and if your cat isn\u2019t chipped it could be mistaken for a stray.<\/p>\n

If your cat is<\/em> chipped, are your contact details up to date with the database company? It\u2019s really important to make sure they are, because if your cat goes missing and is handed in, scanning offers another chance of reuniting you. Contact the database company to report your cat as missing, and while you\u2019re talking to them, double check they\u2019ve got your correct details!<\/p>\n

So, here\u2019s that list of things to check off:<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n
    \n
  1. Search everywhere:<\/em><\/strong> inside and outside your home.<\/li>\n
  2. Ask your neighbours: <\/strong>get them to check anywhere that\u2019s accessible.<\/li>\n
  3. Make posters: <\/strong>making sure you\u2019ve got all the details on.<\/li>\n
  4. Share on social media: <\/strong>check your local groups and ask friends\/followers to share your appeal.<\/li>\n
  5. Contact vets and rescues in your area: <\/strong>ask if they\u2019ve had a cat brought in matching your cat\u2019s description, and ask them to let you know if one does come in.<\/li>\n
  6. Contact the microchip database company: <\/strong>register your cat as missing and make sure your details are correct.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    A missing cat can be very stressful, but it\u2019s important not to give up hope. Cats are very resourceful, and quite often when you think your cat is lost, the little monster is actually having a cat nap somewhere close by! So try not to get too stressed, keep a positive attitude, and make sure your cats are microchipped and fitted with a Tabcat.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    A missing cat can be very stressful so Tabcat share their advice on what to do if the worst happens.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":33,"featured_media":28812,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,665],"tags":[69,18,796,834],"class_list":["post-28805","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-advice","tag-cat","tag-health","tag-home","tag-lost-pet"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\r\nWhat to Do If Your Cat Goes Missing \/ PetsPyjamas<\/title>\r\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A lost cat is every pet owners worst nightmare! 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