A lost cat may be a great deal of stress for you, but you need to keep your calm and try to do everything in your power to find your pet. There are a few steps that you can follow to track down your cat. You may also seek help from others; you will be surprised to see how helpful people can be.
1. Call Shelters
The first thing you can do when you see your cat is missing is to call the shelters and humane societies in your area to see if they have recently found a cat matching the description of your pet.
It may happen that if your cat is found wandering on the streets, he will be taken to a shelter.
Make sure you call all shelters you can find in your local directories. Ask your vet if he knows any other shelters in the area.
Make sure to check back periodically, as shelters constantly get new pets.
2. Look for Your Cat
You should also conduct a search in your area and go to places where you know your cat likes to go. If it is the heat season, you can also try looking for neighbors that have female cats, as your pet is very likely to be with one of the females in heat.
It’s best if you start the search as soon as possible, don’t wait for several days before you start looking.
3. Talk to Your Neighbors
Your neighbors may be familiar with your cat and some cats tend to spend time in the gardens of neighbors, so perhaps your cat is not event lost, but just visiting your neighbors. Your cat may be in the garden, garage or attic, so ask if you can check.
Even if your cat is not with your neighbors, your neighbors may tell you if they have seen your cat lately.
4. Print a Missing Cat Poster
Your cat may be still in the area and you should print a poster with a recent picture of your cat, just in case he is with some people in your area.
Make sure you include contact details and you can even list a reward, which can be an incentive.
You can also print a flyer that you can hand out in your area.
5. List an Ad in the Paper
You can also list a missing cat ad in the local paper. This may prove helpful, but it’s not as efficient as placing some posters in your area.
It’s best if you not list your contact details, but make sure you check with the staff at the paper, just in case they get any feedback.
6. Keep Your Home Welcoming for the Cat
While your cat is away, make sure you keep his food bowl full and the door open, as he may return at any time. In some cases, your cat may return as he is hungry or thirsty.