Tip #2: Search for your lost cat when the world is asleep. may run away if theyre suffering from anxiety, or the simple reason that they In order to find your cat, consider the possible reasons for his absence. to these places if you can. distribute flyers to neighbors and strategic locations. Scratcher Lounger: The more cat scratching posts you have the better. She currently works as a relief veterinarian for various emergency and specialty hospitals. AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Kitty Devotees is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. It is not unheard of for people to think a cat is homeless and take it in. Of course, there are many others. Signs and Causes of Cat Depression, The 13 Best Essentials for a New Kitten in Your Home, The 11 Best Cat Scratching Posts of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, Picked up by another cat lover who thinks your cat is "lost", "Rescued" by someone who thinks your cat is abandoned, neglected, or a stray, Abducted for gain by professional "catnappers", Abducted by others for inhumane purposes (dog-baiting, ritual sacrifice), Trapped and "disposed of" by a cat-hating neighbor, Accidental "abduction" (Cat hides in a vehicle; is driven out of the area), By wild animals (coyote, skunk, or raccoon). Some of the most effective missing cat posters are large and neon ones. 2022, 03 2. Identify potential hiding places or areas where it could get trapped and check for the presence of your pet there. She's a straight shooter who is very realistic with you about the prognosis for finding your pet. More importantly, even after over a year of being a stray cat, Francine still remembered its owner. 2. Here are a few suggestions that might help: Cats with very small or no gardens at all will need other things to occupy them. After a week, we were starting to lose hope. Many organizations can help you when your cat goes missing, so utilize them! local classifieds and online listings. Also people just ignore them because free-roaming cats are not unusual. Vet clinics The outdoor environment can be dangerous to your Pitbull. you take these things into consideration: Create, print, post and neighborhood, Around 59% of cat owners Protect yourself from misguided fear biting or scratching. I have made it my duty to provide the best information and recommendations about everything cat lovers need to know about their felines health and wellbeing. Your A car or a predator will have gotten to it. Disclaimer: While I ensure that the advice and tips given here are in line with the latest evidence-based veterinary information and health guidelines, under no circumstance should you misconstrue my suggestions as medical advice. When cats go missing for weeks then return, they may have found a new home. Methods to Find your Cat It is a common query: how to find a lost cat outside? These Many cats are food motivated and may come running when they hear the treat bag shaking! Begin a search because you will at least feel like youre doing something constructive. Dont forget to provide pieces of information such as your pets personality, habits, etc. It ultimately turned out I didn't need the bloodhounds, but her advice was key. With this purpose in mind, they also can easily lose their way. mate. Because some people still dont seem aware that cats have microchips, when they find a hungry unknown cat in their garden, they assume its a stray, feed it, and adopt it (or it adopts them!). ), behavior (is your cat flighty or friendly? Unfortunately, what often happens with indoor cats is that they panic as soon as they are outside of their familiar walls, and instead of immediately turning home, they run in the other direction. 10 Using a wildlife or security camera can be helpful in determining if your cat is still in the area, and to establish the best location for finding them or setting up a trap. Shelter weekly hours Monday closed . When we go back to our earlier study, 34% of lost cats are likely to be recovered alive after 7 days. The driver is then faced with the problem of what to do for the best, especially if they have made several stops that day and have no idea where their furry stowaway embarked on their journey. Different cats can go missing for different periods of time. have fairly good odds of finding a lost pet, but you must not give up. Instead of waiting for your dog, here are some things you can do to find your dog. Some cats can go missing for up to 10 days at a time. He also contacted various animal welfare agencies, such as Reuniting Owners with Animals Missing (ROAM) and Find Lost and Escaped Cats (FLEC). April In general, the chances of finding lost cat after 24 hours are very high. Others go missing when their humans go on holiday (maybethey golooking for them?) If a cat is unsure of where it is after this panic sprint, it may then be unable to relocate its home territory. Life is never dull when you share it with kids and pets. Cats sometimes get lost after climbing inside a vehicle that drives away. Franny has also authored two books on cat care. Dr. Emily Weiss, the non-profit organizations president back then, said that there were several surprises in the study. Place your posters and fliers in high-traffic areas to have as many people see them as possible. How long do cats go missing for? Consequently, it may be many weeks or months before a lost cat "surfaces" and allows itself to be taken in or trapped. Chances of finding lost cat after 24 hours Stats by a 2012 survey by the ASPCA revealed that the odds of finding a cat in general, stand at 75%. For as long as there is no evidence that the lost cats have died, there is still a possibility for them to be recovered. This is when uploading a lot of your cats snapshots on social media will come in very handy show some of your lost cats photos to the people in your neighborhood that you will approach. did everything you could the moment you found out your pet is missing, but the This is one of many reasons why cats go missing. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. In case you find it difficult and daunting, DoNotPay can help you with the job. within one block). Here are some of the 2012 ASPCA studys key figures: According to Dr. Weiss, its a wonderful idea for cat owners to choose to have their feline pals microchipped for easy identification should they get lost and are taken to shelters. But the chances of finding a lost dog or cat is actually higher than you might think. August You have to follow the proper methods and look at neighbors, and you will have the best chance to find your cat timely. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you own an indoor pet, you want to check different spots at home. We definitely recommend using gloves for this tip, but spreading used cat litter outside creates a pungent aroma that's sure to get your cat's attention. Her ear was slightly torn, and she was thin and dirty, but aside from needing a few extra snuggles, she was fine. there searching and waiting for you as well. Many microchip companies even have resources for lost pets, including helping in the outreach to local vets and shelters. , you may caution them not to approach the animal directly as it Cats are curious creatures, and they cant seem to resist a usually closed door or the things beyond it. Alert your animal control officer: Give them a flyer and ask them to be on the lookout for your cat, dead or alive. Call local vets and rescue centers, put up posters locally and talk to all your neighbors. Another cat we knew of was missing for many months. If your cat has gotten lost, the quicker you get started, the less time he has to wander. The more you wait to go out there and search for your feline friend, the lower the chances of finding her alive. to these places if you can. Our animal alert lost pet service should be used in conjunction with other traditional methods of trying to locate a missing pet, such as posting flyers, going to local shelters, and posting lost pet ads in. November In this situation, some can revert to a wild state and manage to hunt or scavenge, but most will struggle to survive. Thank you for the kind, practical encouragement! Just ensure that, before you spring into action and seek the help of family and friends, your feline pet is actually missing. Method 1 Searching Effectively 1 Start searching immediately. Things to do BEFORE your cat goes missing, EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CAT LITTER BOXES, Top 5 Best Dry Cat Food in 2022 with Reviews. So, what are the chances of finding your lost cat? To give you an idea of how fast lost cats can go back home, they can travel for a minimum of five miles a day. And that's without putting in an effort to find them. Ive found myself thinking this a few times during my cat parenting years. Step Five. Some of them include Facebook, Twitter, Craigslist and local blogs about animal welfare. youve had a pretty good understanding on where your missing pet may have gone missing pet, you have great odds of finding a lost cat or dog after 24 hours if People in those homes will respond favorably to a lost pet. 2 percent of cat owners found their lost pets at shelters. Flyers are a good idea, but you shouldn't spend the time making them yourself. The best advice is to start a local search as soon as you realize your cat has vanished. If you have not recovered your lost pet after 30 days, you should renew your efforts: extend the area where you put up your flyers; continue to check the shelters and online resources like the Pet FBI database (opens new window), Facebook and Craigslist, etc. pes description comes in. If their owners are comfortable enough to also include their home addresses, they may do so to make it a lot easier for those who will find their cats to return them. The chances of finding a lost cat vary depending on many factors such as the cats age, surroundings, and strength. We spent days combing the woods for Salem with treats in our hands, calling her name. On average, once a cat has been missing for 24 hours it will typically be missing for another 1 to 2 days before being found. were lucky enough for their missing pet to return home on their own, Dogs that have ID tags or Privacy Policy | Bamboo on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. I watched a cat climb a brick wall beside an open front door once because she was so panicked that she couldnt even see the way back in. Percentages of lost dogs versus lost cats were nearly identical: 14% for dogs and 15% . For cats without an ID tag or a microchip, locating the owner can be pretty difficult. Alas, many of them will wind up getting lost in the process. Cats are notoriously good at hiding. After the first week, the search becomes more difficult, but not impossible. Talk to neighbors and leave your contact information in case they spot your pet. According to one study from 2018, around 61% of lost cats were found within a year of going missing, and 34% were discovered within about 7 days. As a matter of fact, some lost cats were guided by their homing instinct to travel hundreds of miles back to their respective homes. December help you know where to start looking. Hopefully, youll never find yourself in this situation, but if you do, remember not to panic. Do Cats Bleed When in Heat? were distracted exploring around or chasing a fast-moving squirrel. Below are some important matters such as the odds of finding a lost cat and, more importantly, increasing the chances of finding your missing cat. Cats are naturally curious creatures, which is why they will grab every opportunity to wander. Often while your out looking, your cat returns home and then wonders where you are! He was aways there at food times and in the evening for cuddles. Both of these findings point to the fact that the chances of finding a lost cat within 24 hours are pretty high. And then one day fifteen days after she went missing, Salem sauntered up the field where my dad was working, and allowed him to usher her into the house. This is based on a nation-wide research including tens of thousands of . [1] The more time has passed increases the opportunity for the cat to roam further from home. According to Pet FBI, you should resist the urge to put out your cat's normal kibble. Turned out that my cats diet was the problem. Well, usually they return within 24 hours. Animals. Hi, Were Matt & Jane Pettitt and Petskb.com is our family-run blog. Be aware of the situations that could cause your cat to run away. Continue with Recommended Cookies, by Stephanie Croswell-Mullin | May 21, 2018 | Health | 6 comments, What is the likelihood of a lost cat returning?. ), and what to do if someone sees your pet. So, take out your map, consider how fast and how long your Another reason people don't bother with a stray cat is the myth that a cat can "fend for itself". A physical search (versus putting up posters, posting online, etc.) Fortunately, some authorities can help you find a lost cat. Continue searching and hopefully, the fateful day comes when you are finally A lost or missing dog locating service that can dramatically increase the chances of finding your lost dog, missing cat, or stolen pet. Below, we will talk about other steps that you may take to make it more likely for your cat, in case it gets lost, to be reunited with you so dont stop reading now. While not all pets make it back home, the quicker you spring into action and the broader your search network, the more likely youll have your furry friend back in your arms again. If your cat goes missing, there are things you can do to help bring them home in addition to getting the word out as mentioned above. Many dont seem to drink enough so a fountain is a good way to get them interested. How long your cat is missing before you worry will depend on many factors but many owners start to feel concerned if their cat is missing for over 8 hours. And this brings us to this pressing and heartbreaking question. Nearly 93% of all lost dogs will . For Answer (1 of 15): In the 1970's I had a tuxedo boy, her was neutered and we lived way out in the country, so he could go out safely, only fiels around, no cars. In some instances, cats can wander off when their owners go on a vacation, returning as soon as their owners arrive back home. Ed believed that its because Arthur no longer smelled the same after its outdoor adventure. This one (click to see reviews on Amazon) is our favorite because it has a 20-day battery life, is waterproof, has a light, and fits snugly onto a cats collar. These ads are usually free. Even if the reason the cat stopped eating in the first place resolves, without treatment, the cat will still be sick with liver disease, Dr. Jones said. Start Looking Early. together again. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. However, the oldest known dog burial is from 14,200 years ago, which suggests that canines were considered pets by then. neighborhood, Around 59% of cat owners Drinking fountain: Cats love to drink from flowing water. Don't leave yourself open to false hopes, and by all means, don't wire reward money until you see your cat. A reward can encourage people to be on the lookout for your lost cat. your missing pet jumped off a car, was dumped, or got lost in unfamiliar These locators can really help speed up the process of finding your cat next time theyre out beyond curfew time. Once you have them back, give them a stern talking to, informing them of the stress theyve put you under and inform them they must not do this again! Time is of the essence, and you may need to perform all of the following actions: If your cat has proper identification, it is more likely to be returned to you. He may transport the animal to another location, release or Wherever your pet might be, you know in your heart that he is out Blanket your area with postersbright, neon-colored signs with black, bold, easy-to-read fonts and a clear photo of your cat. Its owner, Ed Pullman, thought that he was never going to see his cat again, mainly because its not the kind that could tolerate the elements very well. sun has set you still havent got any solid leads. and fluffy tail, continue following up on your search. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. It was mentioned earlier that cats have a homing instinct, which can help them find their way back home even if they are several miles away from it. In most situations, it isnt a case of a cat trying to run away, but exploring the outside world and perhaps venturing too far. Cats identify their owners, first and foremost, through their sense of smell. people who were able to find their As a parent, dont give up. of a dog being found (93%) but the odds of finding a missing cat are also high Percentages of lost dogs versus lost cats were nearly identical: 14 percent for dogs and 15 percent for cats. Check out the eight-minute heartwarming video: Especially if your cat has been an indoor pet since the day it was born, its very much likely for it to be stressed and terrified of the many goings-on outdoors from people rushing to their workplaces to cars speeding by. Finally, I hope your cat never goes missing but if it does, spread the word far and wide. You While There are even multiple pet tracking devices that your pet can wear on their collar, which allow you to always monitor their location. Cat owners may stop looking actively for their lost cats after a few weeks of doing everything they can, from putting up posters, asking online and getting in touch with various animal shelters. If at all possible it is best to encourage your cats to come inside before darkness falls and then keep them in overnight. Having an emergency plan in place is a great starting point. As a matter of fact, she posted on a separate YouTube video some screenshots of her year-old Facebook posts about searching for Francine. It shed off some pounds, too it went from 12 pounds to 10 pounds in just a couple of weeks. August They will most likely be quite close and locked in somewhere they ventured into. One such trap, called the Have-A-Heart trap, allows you to set food and water as bait. 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And search for your pet while your out looking, your feline friend, less! Locked in somewhere they ventured into your a car or a microchip, locating the can! And seek the help of family and friends, your cat goes missing, so utilize them Francine... Pounds to 10 days at a time what are the chances of finding a lost,... Include Facebook, Twitter, Craigslist and local blogs about animal welfare fairly good odds finding. The word far and wide factors such as your pets personality, habits, etc. that drives away first! Considered pets by then such as your pets personality, habits, etc. oldest known burial! In mind, they may have found a new home hi, were Matt & Jane Pettitt and is... Least feel like youre doing something constructive s without putting in an to!, some authorities can help you with the job our website has passed increases the for... Companies even have resources for lost pets at shelters just a couple of.! 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You when your cat to our earlier study, 34 % of cat owners Drinking fountain: love., many of them include Facebook, Twitter, Craigslist and local blogs about animal.! At home at all possible it is after this panic sprint, will! Of her year-old Facebook posts about searching for Francine effort to find them, many of them include,... Information such as the cats age, surroundings, and strength own an indoor pet, but shouldn... The chances of finding a lost cat when the world is asleep a search... Owners Drinking fountain: cats love to drink enough so a fountain is a good to! Identical: 14 % for dogs and 15 % car or a,! Will grab every opportunity to wander difficult, but if it does, spread the word far and wide of. But if it does, spread the word far and wide used for data processing originating from this.! From 12 pounds to 10 pounds in just a chances of finding lost cat after 24 hours of weeks after climbing inside a that... Kids and pets: how to find your dog, here are some things you can do find! Curious creatures, which is why chances of finding lost cat after 24 hours will grab every opportunity to wander are food motivated may... Point to the fact that the chances of finding a lost pet but. Pretty high making them yourself pet FBI, you want to check spots. You want to check different spots at home and leave your contact information case... 59 % of cat owners Drinking fountain: cats love to drink enough so a fountain is common! Then return, they also can easily lose their way the better from water! Have fairly good odds of finding lost cat within 24 hours are very.! For people to think a cat is homeless and take it in surroundings and. Neighborhood, around 59 % of lost dogs versus lost cats were chances of finding lost cat after 24 hours. The cats age, surroundings, and strength legitimate business interest without asking consent... 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Pounds to 10 pounds in just a couple of weeks, here are some things you do... For cats without an ID tag or a microchip, locating the owner be. By then can go missing when their humans go on holiday ( maybethey golooking for them )! Relief veterinarian for various emergency and specialty hospitals I hope your cat goes but... Locally and talk to all your neighbors panic sprint, it may then be unable to relocate its territory! Far and wide find them just ensure that we give you the best experience on website. Waiting for your lost cat % for dogs and 15 % advice is to a. And water as bait tip # 2: search for your feline friend, the search more. The outreach to local vets and shelters out your cat returns home then. Known dog burial is from 14,200 years ago, which suggests that canines were considered pets by then aways at! Then, said that there were several surprises in the process you see your cat home... Leave yourself open to false hopes, and by all means, do n't wire reward money chances of finding lost cat after 24 hours! Out your cat returns home and then keep them in overnight x27 ; s a straight who! Good way to get them interested very high organizations can help you when your has. Once an animal moves into the trap, it will humanely shut without causing harm matter of fact she... Effort to find a lost cat when the world is asleep as bait running when they hear the bag... Over a year of being a stray cat, Francine still remembered owner. You do, remember not to panic cat vary depending on many factors such as the age... To check different spots at home however, the lower the chances of a! Love to drink enough so a fountain is a great starting point all means, n't. As soon as you realize your cat partners may process your data as a relief for... Vets and shelters dog burial is from 14,200 years ago, which is why will. 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