If your pet still hasn’t returned home, there are a few simple things you can do to help find your missing cat. The first thing to do is to check your own home and garden. Cats love small cosy spaces and might be hiding in the unlikeliest of places – from cupboards to garden sheds. Check every room in your house, including any outbuildings and sheds too. Look behind curtains, under duvets and even in household appliances like tumble dryers and washing machines. If you’re having building work completed, check under floorboards or any holes big enough for a cat to nestle into.
If you’re sure your cat isn’t at home, the next thing to do is to speak to your neighbours as well as any delivery people nearby. They might have seen your lost cat somewhere and can let you know of their whereabouts. Ask them to check their own sheds and outbuildings, as well as under any parked cars in the neighbourhood. Remember to check homes on both sides of the road, as well as homes that have gardens that back on to yours. You could even provide neighbours with an up to date photo and your cat’s name, reminding them to keep an eye out. You could also ask at local shops if they can display a missing poster for you, and give your postman or milkman (or woman) a leaflet so they can keep a look out on their rounds.
Advertising on social media is a great way to get the message out that your cat is missing, particularly if you’re a member of local Facebook community groups, also Nextdoor and local Lost and Found pages. Post a clear photo of your cat, their details, your area and your contact details. If you would like to advertise your cat on our page, please email socialmedia@atherton.cats.org.uk with the details and a photo. To reach further afield, you could advertise on Pets Reunited, Pawboost or Animal Search UK.
If your cat has a registered, up to date microchip, when taken to a vet or rescue they would contact you. Otherwise, ring round local vets. If your cat is chipped, inform the chip company too. IF YOUR CAT'S MICROCHIP DETAILS ARE OUT OF DATE, PLEASE GET THEM CHANGED STRAIGHT AWAY. If you have lost the paperwork, speak to whoever chipped the cat.
You could also ring the Cleansing Department of your local council to see if they have picked up any deceased cats. Even if your cat is microchipped it is worth checking with them.
It can be helpful to keep a list of useful phone numbers pinned to a board in your kitchen. You can download our list below, complete with handy checklist. Please click here Lost cat checklist