Finding Your Lost Cat

The American Humane Association suggests you act fast in case of a lost cat. Don’t wait, hoping he’ll come home. The quicker you begin your search, the better chance you’ll have of finding him.

Check your local shelters every day in person. The shelter workers may describe a particular breed or markings differently than you and won’t be able to match your cat with you.

If possible, have a cat carrier close at hand so if you do find him, you can place him inside it so a sudden noise or movement won’t send him springing from your arms again.

Setting up a humane cat trap can often trap your cat when he smells the tempting food. You can get them from your local shelter or animal care division for a deposit or purchase one from a pet supply company or Amazon.

Cats usually take longer to find than dogs because they often hide until they can find a safe place to sleep. Their behavior will be different than their normal behavior in the home. Cats are more likely to hide from people and become survival-oriented. When a cat finally comes out, it is more likely to be fed by well-meaning people which will also delay its homecoming.

Animal control agencies are required to keep pets with identification longer than unowned strays. Having both permanent and visual identification on your pet is best. For more information on different types of identifications and their pros and cons, visit our Identification page.

Missing Pet Services

PawBoost – post a free alert

The Center for Lost Pets – post your lost pet info

Petco Love Lost – search for your pet on their database

Lost My Doggie – free alerts to shelters, etc.

Pet Detectives – search for local pet detectives in your area

For more information on what to do when your pet is lost, visit the Missing Pet Network maintained by the Animal Care Unit of the United States Department of Agriculture.

Information on this site is for general information purposes only and is provided without warranty or guarantee of any kind. This site is not intended to replace professional advice from your own veterinarian and nothing on this site is intended as a medical diagnosis or treatment. Any questions about your animal’s health or diet should be directed to your veterinarian.