Lost cat – what to do if your cat goes missing

If your cat hasn’t come home, don’t panic! Cats will often go ‘missing’ only to arrive home later that evening – or in some cases months later (see the related links at the bottom of the page) – as though nothing has happened!

Follow the advice in this guide:

• Thoroughly check every nook and cranny of your house and any outdoor buildings such as garages and sheds. Let your neighbours know and ask them to do the same.
• Create flyers and posters including a good description of your cat, the gender, age, colour, eye colour and any distinguishing features they may have. Make sure you include a photo and your phone number, then distribute them around your local area.
• Post details of your missing cat on cat-related social media pages and groups too, like the national Cats Protection Facebook page. Pages relevant to your area are even better as locals can keep their eyes peeled. Post photos on your own personal social media profiles too, to notify all your friends.
• Contact local vets – all practices in the area, not just your own.
• If your cat is microchipped, inform microchip database Petlog and they will automatically send out an alert to animal professionals (who have signed up for the service) within a 30-mile radius of where your cat went missing.
• Check local rescue centres and animal shelters to see if your cat has been handed in. Find your local Cats Protection’s contact details by entering your postcode at www.cats.org.uk/find-us
• You can download and print out our handy lost cat checklist.
• Always do your best to keep your cat safe by ensuring they’re fully vaccinated, neutered and microchipped to protect them if they do wander away from home.

Fingers crossed your cat is home again very soon.

If you want more info on microchipping your cat, read our online guide.