It’s an awful feeling not knowing where your cat is — whether they’re indoor-only and got out or they’re indoor-outdoor and didn’t come home at the usual time. If your cat is lost, there are many things you can do to help bring them home safely. Acting quickly (and thinking like a cat) will improve your chances of a happy reunion.

Lost Cat Dos

• Notify your microchip tracker company. If your cat is microchipped, reach out to the company to let them know what’s going on and ensure your contact information is accurate. Sometimes the company will even send out a notification. You should also notify your veterinary clinic and other clinics in the immediate area, as well as local shelters/rescues. You may want to continue to call your local shelters every few days to see if your cat appears there.
• Spread the word. Let people know your cat is lost. Put up brightly colored posters with a clear image of your cat. Include any distinguishing marks, your contact information, the area where your cat was lost, and the date they were lost. You may want to ask local businesses to post your signs. Use plastic sleeves to protect the posters from rain. (Don’t forget to collect all the posters when your cat is found.) Make sure to say on the poster not to chase your cat, but to call you if they see them.
  
  Check social media for neighborhood pages where they allow you to post lost pets. You may also find dedicated lost pet pages for your community. Finders also post on these pages, so scan them regularly for sightings.
  
  Don’t forget to talk to your neighbors. Make sure they have your contact info. Ask if they’d be willing to review footage from their outdoor cameras and keep an eye out in general.

• Make the rounds. Spend time outside in your own area and walking the neighborhood calling your cat. Take some strong odor treats with you, a towel, and their carrier. These can help you lure and secure your cat if you find them.
• Give your cat access. When and where you can do so safely, leave a window or door open so your cat can get inside if they return on their own. Be aware, other critters will also be able to get in. Be careful if you live in an area with raccoons, possums, coyotes, etc.
• Put out food and water. Make sure your cat has access to food and fresh water. This may keep them closer to home and safer. Use a very high-value food your cat gets excited about. You can even try foods like sardines or tuna in spring water- the smellier, the better. Of course, you may attract other animals as well. This is where a camera can be helpful, so you know who’s eating what.
• Put up cameras. Use outdoor cameras to help you keep an eye on what’s happening outside. You may catch a glimpse of your cat late at night or very early in the morning. You’ll know they’re safe, when they come around, and where they hang out.
• Set a humane trap. Purchase or borrow a humane trap for cats. These humane traps will catch your cat but not cause them any harm or damage. This may be the best way to catch a lost cat. Local shelters and pet-finding services often have traps to lend out. You can also purchase them from some hardware stores and online.
  
  These work on a trigger system. You bait the trap with smelly food. When your cat steps far enough inside, the trigger will release, and the door will close behind them. If you’ve seen your cat on camera, you’ll have a good idea of where to place the trap. If not, put it in a safe, secure location. You can leave a small trail of food to guide your cat toward the trap.
  
  It’s often a good idea to bait the trap without setting the trigger for a few days first. This gives your cat a chance to find the food and get comfortable stepping inside to eat it without the door closing. If you set it to trigger the first time and they don’t step fully inside before triggering the door, they won’t be trapped inside and may not be willing to approach the trap again for a while.
  
  Keep in mind, you may catch a wild animal in your trap. Don’t put yourself at risk. Contact animal control or a wildlife ranger to safely release the animal.

• Stick to a routine. Cats are big on routine. If you put food out for them, go outside and call your cat with treats, open the door or window around the same time each day, etc. you may have better luck catching them.
• Provide shelter. Consider creating a shelter where your cat can escape the weather and rest. Use items heavy with their scent and yours inside the shelter to attract them.
• Consider calling in the experts. There are professional trackers who help find lost pets. Look for someone in your area with lots of positive reviews and ask questions about their methods to ensure you’re comfortable. If you decide on this option, try and do this within the fist few days your cat is missing to have the best chance of them tracking your cat.

Lost Cat Don’ts

• Avoid putting your cat’s litter box outside. While it is heavy with their scent, it can attract predators, and you don’t want to increase the danger factor while your cat is still outside.
• Don’t assume your cat will run to you for rescue. Even if your cat is desperate to return home, they may react surprisingly when you find them. Cats are “fight or flight” creatures and they are highly reactive. In a heightened state of stress or fear, they may act like they don’t recognize you. They could panic when you try to grab them so having a towel and carrier with you is vital, as well as a pair of thick gloves. You want to protect yourself and keep a secure hold on your cat until you can get them in the carrier. This is also where a humane trap may come in handy.
• Don’t expect your cat to be “normal” right away. If your cat was outside for a while and stressed, they will be anxious. It may take them some time to relax and let their guard down. Get them into a quiet room with all their necessities, turn the lights down low, and just let them relax. As much as you want to run in every five minutes to snuggle, resist the urge. Let them tell you when they’re ready for attention. They’ve been through a lot.
  
  Take your cat to your veterinarian as soon as you find it. Even if they appear healthy, a vet visit is still a good idea in the next few days. They can be exposed to parasites and diseases.

• Don’t reintroduce your cat to other pets right away. That extended period of stress also means your cat may not react well to your other pets just yet or your other pets may react differently to the cat who was lost. There are new smells involved that could cause fear or aggression. Your cat could also have picked up a parasite or virus while outside. Give them time to settle back in and make sure they’re healthy before reintroducing everyone.
• Don’t be taken in by scammers. As awful as it sounds, many scammers prey on people with lost pets. If someone contacts you saying they found your cat, do your homework. This is especially true if they ask for money before returning your cat or giving you proof that they have your cat.

Most importantly, don’t give up! Cats are survivors — they still have many natural instincts and characteristics their ancestors used to survive in the wild. There’s always a chance you’ll see your lost cat again.