What do you 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. Some cats are inclined to wander to where there is fuss or food. They can disappear for days at a time and return with no trouble.
What to do
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The first thing to do is search for your cat. Thoroughly check your home and any outbuildings such as garages and sheds. Your cat might be hiding in the unlikeliest of places - from cupboards to sheds, garages and outbuildings.
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Let your neighbours know and ask them to check their sheds and garages as well.
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Speak to any delivery people - they might have seen your cat somewhere.
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If your cat has a favourite toy, try leaving it in your garden.
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Cats have a strong sense of smell - leave out their blanket or bedding, or even used cat litter to entice your cat out of hiding.
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Cats tend to be most active at dawn and dusk. Go out with a friend or family member at these times to call for your cat by name.
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Leave a bowl of water out and some food. A tasty treat such as tuna might be enough to bring your cat home.
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Create flyers and posters including a good description of your cat, the gender, age, colour, eye colour and any distinguishing features they may have. Include a photo and a phone number Distribute them around the local area. You can download a free template at www.cats.org.uk/cat-care/cat-care-downloads. You can can print the flyers A5 size (two per page) to pop through people’s doors.
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Post details of your missing cat on your own Facebook page. Ensure your own post is made public and share your own post on social media/cat-related social media pages and groups/selling sites to keep comments in one place.
Who to contact
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If your cat is microchipped contact Identibase (was Anibase) on 01904 487 600 or log-in to your account at identibase@account to register your cat missing and to make sure your contact details are up-to-date. Alternatively, contact Petlog on 0844 4633 999 if your cat is registered with them. You can also register your cat missing at www.animalsearchuk.co.uk which is a national organisation.
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Get in touch with animal shelters in your area. Visit www.catchat.org to find those local to you.
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What to do if you have found a cat
Most cats are, by nature, inclined to roam the area surrounding their home. You’re likely to come across a stray cat on your travels, although it might be tricky to find out whether it is a stray cat, a feral or is in fact an owned cat with a sense of adventure.
What to do
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If the cat is sick or appears injured call the RSPCA immediately on 0300 1234 999 and press option 2 then 3 for domestic then option 1 for sick and injured.
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Assess whether the cat you’ve found is a stray, a feral or an owned cat. See https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/found-a-cat for a guide to help you with this.
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Ask your neighbours if they recognise the cat - there might be someone in the local area frantically searching for their lost pet.
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Has the cat got a collar or tag? If the found cat is friendly, you might be able to check for an identification tag. If it belongs to someone, give them a call and let them know.
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Take it to your nearest vet to be scanned for a microchip. If you are unable to do this contact the branch for help.
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Check local newspapers and social media in case the cat has been listed as missing.
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Post a photo and brief description on your own Facebook page. Ensure your own post is made public and share your own post on social media/cat-related social media pages and groups/selling sites to keep comments in one place.
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Tweet a description and photo of the cat on Twitter and ask followers to retweet - you’ll reach a large number of people this way.
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Advertise the cat you’ve found using flyers. These can be posted in the surrounding area or placed in local shops or advertisement boards. You can download a free template at www.cats.org.uk/cat-care/cat-care-downloads. You can can print the flyers A5 size (two per page) to pop through people’s doors.
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Contact us to request some paper collars. If the cat has an owner they will call the number on the collar to let us know. It is important you do this sooner rather than later, as if the cat is stray, it has to wear the collar for about 2 weeks before we can be sure it doesn’t have an owner and go on our waiting list to come into care.
What happens after you have reported the cat to us
Once you have reported a found cat we will ask you, if you have not already, to send in details of the cat with a photo. We will advertise the cat on our website and Facebook page. You will also be sent some paper collars with our contact details on. The cat needs to be advertised and have worn a paper collar for about two weeks before it can go on our waiting list
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