OK, the first thing to do is try to relax and not to panic. Cats often go ‘missing’ and then arrive home later in the evening or even the next morning, wondering what all the fuss is about. So try to relax, wait at least a few hours and take action if your four-legged family member has not returned. The following checklist will help.
Tip #1
Cats are excellent hiders, so first of all check all the obvious (and not so obvious!) places in you home and surrounds; whilst looking, listen to sounds of distress. If your cat is stuck, he/she will be trying to tell you. Places to look include:
- every room in your house, the loft/cellar and inside all cupboards
- behind curtains, under doonas, behind settees and under beds
- inside/behind the washing machine, dishwasher, tumble drier, oven and microwave (yes they will hide anywhere!)
- inside fireplaces, chimneys, rubbish bins, compost bins, sheds and garages
- inside green houses, outside toilets, the family car and gardens.
Tip #2
Next visit your neighbours; ask them to look and listen for a cat in their area and to check their garage or other outdoor structures for your cat. In addition, ask them to call your cat’s name and listen carefully for signs of distress. Remember, most people will gladly cooperate so do not be shy when asking them for your help.
Tip #3
Place a listing with your local newspaper, local websites that specialise advertising lost/found pets; make sure you include the following details (remember the more detail the listing the better):
- your cat’s name, age and colouring
- when and where your cat was last seen
- the length of hair of your cat
- any distinguishing features that your cat has (eg. black paws, striped tail etc.)
- your cats gender (and whether it is de-sexed or not)
- whether your cat was wearing a collar, and if so, what colour?
- whether you cat is microchipped or not (see below also)
- upload a photograph if possible (people remember photos better than descriptions).
Tip #4
Print out a flyer and distribute around your local neighbourhood including:
- post offices, supermarkets, pet stores, library, launderette, hairdressers, pubs
- all public notice boards (such as at local churches, sports centres, pubs)
- vets, catteries, animal shelters, pound, homes
- letter-box drop within 10-15min walk of where your cat was lost
- tape your flyer to telegraph poles, lamp posts, phone boxes, bus shelters and letter boxes.
Tip #5
If your cat is microchipped, then ring your local lost cat homes, vets and cattery’s to see whether they have found your cat. Most vets and homes have the equipment to scan lost animals brought in.
Tip #6
Get out there and search the streets:
- walk around your local area, paying particular attention to any garages, lock-ups or empty houses
- call for your pet by name (you may feel daft at first, but this often works)
- shaking a box of his favourite biscuits, or squeezing a favourite squeaky toy may help
- stop regularly and listen ~ give your cat a chance to answer your call
- stay in one area long enough for your pet to reach you if he is in the vicinity
Tip #7
Finally, do not give up. Cats are tough creatures and can last many days without food or water so keep looking, calling and listening. Broaden your search to include areas close to your suburb and where the cat was lost.
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