IF YOUR CAT IS MISSING

OUR TIPS FOR FINDING LOST CATS 

While it might feel a bit early to some, taking swift action is crucial. 🙏

1. Thorough Search at Home:

Start by checking every nook and cranny in your home—inside cupboards, behind furniture, in airing cupboards, behind appliances, under beds, and within divan beds. Don't forget to ask your neighbours to do the same. Cats can hide in surprising places, like under kitchen units with loose kickboards, in wardrobes, boiler cupboards, and even beneath floorboards.

2. Check with Neighbours: 

Consider knocking on doors in your immediate area, including houses in front and behind yours. Politely ask them to check their homes—garages, sheds, greenhouses, and gardens, especially thick shrubs and under decking. If you can't reach anyone, slip a poster or handwritten note through their letterbox. Don’t just rely on others; you may need to investigate thoroughly yourself.

3. Expanding Search Area: 

Look under cars (tap on bonnets), in bushes, behind bins, and anywhere your cat might hide if frightened or injured. Bring some strong-smelling food and a small torch, as you might spot their glowing eyes in the dark. Also, check empty buildings, sheds, greenhouses, and unused outbuildings. Don’t forget to look up—cats often climb trees for safety.

4. Contact Local Vets and Rescue Centres:

Call local veterinarians (both private and charity), and register your cat as missing with their microchip company while ensuring your contact details are current. Many rescues and rehoming centres have social media pages where you can share photos. Local shops might be willing to display your poster, and larger supermarkets may allow you to put a poster on an outdoor wall for visibility.

5. Utilize Social Media: 

Post about your missing cat in various lost and found animal groups and community pages. The more members a group has, the broader your reach. Don’t forget to use the Nextdoor app to connect with neighbours directly.

6. Unique Tips for Attracting Your Cat: 

Here are a few unconventional methods you can try:

- Wash your laundry using double the powder and conditioner, then hang it outside—your cat might recognize your scent.

- Sprinkle the contents of your vacuum bag outside.

- Heat some highly aromatic fish and place it at both your front and back doors, keeping in mind that other cats may be drawn to it as well.

- Rub smelly food on nearby trees to create a scent trail leading back to your home.

7. Stay Vigilant and Search Wisely: 

Keep an eye out for your cat in high places, such as rooftops and tall trees. If they can't get down, consider contacting a tree service. Place some of their unwashed bedding outside, along with a shelter box containing some of your worn clothing.

8. Optimal Search Times  

The best times to search for your cat are at DUSK and DAWN. Bring a torch to help spot their eyes and a box of their favourite treats to shake while calling out their name.

9. Enlist Support:  

Gather as many people as possible to help in the search. Printing an aerial view map of your neighbourhood can assist in tracking where leaflets have been distributed.

10. Resources for Creating Posters: 

There are numerous online tools available to help you design posters for social media and print for local distribution. 

Wishing you all the best in your search!