Login | Sign Up

Finding Your Lost Cat

Unlike dogs, who when presented with a glimpse of freedom, will take it and run off like there's no tomorrow, cats are a different breed of animals. Both animals are territorial, but cats are much more so than dogs. Dogs have no problem venturing away from home, but it takes extreme circumstances for cats to wander off. Understanding this fact about our feline friends can help you find them if they become lost.

Cats are naturally cautious animals. They prefer hiding and waiting to throwing caution to the wind and rushing out into the unknown. Cats that spend some or all of their time outside, start out marking their territory close to home, and then gradually widen their territory. As they increase their boundaries, it may happen that they begin to intrude on that of other cats. Cats that live in close proximity to each other also have what they regard as neutral territory. Males that have not been neutered will freely roam these territories, while females and neutered males will almost never (unless they are frightened into them). When cats are in their own boundaries they feel safe, know where all the safe hiding places are, and, of course, know where the food will be placed by the owner. If a cat is scared into unfamiliar territory, the cat can be considered 'lost.' It is not really lost, as this unfamiliar territory may only be a half a block away, but it is not home, and a 'lost' cat may take days to work its way back - cautious, patient, and silently gliding home through the dark. Obviously, lost outdoor cats are much better prepared for this kind of activity than indoor cats, because they have a much larger safe zone to return to, and are more aware of the outside world.

Indoor cats are very domesticated, and if they don't spend any time outdoors and suddenly find themselves there, their first instinct is to hide. The indoor cat has very little landmarks with which to find its way home. Its scent is only there in traces, and all of its instincts are telling it to hide, hide, hide! Once night sets in, the lost indoor cat may try to find its way home, but can become even more lost. Its overriding sense of self-preservation may send it into hiding, further from home. Lost indoor cats have a much harder time returning home than lost outdoor cats.

The key to finding lost cats - especially lost indoor cats - is to act fast. The cat is most likely near the house, or in the yard somewhere. If you know where its favorite hiding places are, start looking there. Here are some other tips to help you find your lost feline friend:

• If you know where the cat escaped from, start looking there. Look in all corners, trees, shrubs, and in any open holes leading under the house, or to drainage spaces. All cat owners know: cats can crawl into almost any size opening.
• Gently call the cat while you are looking. Your lost cat may be too scared to call back, but it may respond with a timid reply.
• Lost cats are afraid of EVERYTHING, even their owners. If your cat is found, calmly approach it while calling softly. If you frighten it even more, it may bolt again.
• Lost cats move in the night, so if you don't find it during the day, try again at night. Search all the favorite hiding places again with a light.
• Putting some of the cat's favorite food outside can also help attract it to come back home. Strong smelling foods, such as fish or liver work especially well. The cat may not be waiting for you in the morning, but if the food is gone, the cat may have eaten it, and gone back into hiding, but closer to home. If you have a live trap, you can put the food in the trap and catch the cat.
• Putting the cat's toys, bedding, or treats around the yard can help the lost cat find its way home through their smell.
• Call your neighbors, talk to kids in the neighborhood, and speak with joggers, crossing guards, mail carriers, and other people who spend time in the area.
• Post flyers and offer a small reward. Be sure to contact animal shelters, hospitals, vets, and humane societies. Give them photos and call regularly.
• Cats are survivors, and patient creatures. It may take weeks or even months for your furry friend to find its way home, so don't give up!
• Post your lost cat to The Found Bin for FREE!

There are some precautionary measures that you can take to help lessen the chances of your cat winding up lost, or helping him to return if he does end up in this unfortunate circumstance.

• Make sure your cat has a collar with an ID tag and that the collar is secure. Keep his rabies tags on, as well.
• Having a microchip implanted can also raise the chances of you finding your lost cat. Vets, shelters, and animal hospitals all regularly scan found animals for these chips, and if your cat ends up in one of these places, you should be contacted.
• Spaying or neutering of animals helps reduce their instincts to run off.
• Know where your cat is when you open doors and windows. Also, make sure you don't leave doors and windows open while you are away.
• If you are having a party, or work done on the house where many people will be coming and going, lock your cat in a room until things calm down.
• Make sure that your cat is in the house each night before you go to bed.
• If you allow your cat to go outside on its own, installing a door that he can enter if frightened is a good idea.
• During trips or car rides, always keep your cat in a carrier.
• Always keep clear, updated photos of your cat on hand, especially of the unique characteristics he or she possesses.

Hopefully, you'll never find yourself in the position of having to look for a lost cat, but if you do, a little preparation goes a long way. Not panicking, keeping calm, and realizing some basic behavioral traits that all cats possess can help you know where to look, and where your lost cat may be hiding.