What to do if your cat goes missing?
First of all, try not to panic. Cats can disappear for days at a time and return with no trouble, looking perfectly healthy. While you might be worried, they’re likely to stroll in and wonder what all the fuss is about. If they haven’t yet returned, give them a few hours before you make a plan of action.
If you think your cat may have wandered off, check your own home and garden first of all.
— Speak to neighbours and ask them to check their house, garden and any out buildings such as sheds & garages
— Advertise on Social Media with a clear, recent photo of your cat (local community groups are good for this)
— Contact Lost Cats Brighton. Visit www.lostcatsbrighton.org.uk/
— Contact your local Cats Protection branch. Visit www.cats.org.uk/find-us and enter your postcode
— Is your cat microchipped? Talk to petlog on 0870 606 6751 to register your cat missing
— Contact all local vets close to you
— Create ‘flyers’ to distribute / put up in your local area
Cats are heavily reliant on scent, therefore do try the following:
🐾 Leave a favourite toy / unwashed bedding outside your house (sheltered from the elements if possible)
🐾 Leave an unwashed item of your own clothing outside your house (this will have your own scent on it and will be familiar to your cat)
🐾 Place any used litter and/or litter tray outside your house (even the contents of a vacuum cleaner will have the scent of your home within it and is worth a try)
🐾 Call for your cat EARLY AM and LATE PM when it is more likely to be quiet outside and your cat will feel safer to move around
🐾 Shake a tin of their favourite treats or food to tempt them home
When your cat Returns home, give them a little of their favourite food and a quick check to see if there are any obvious signs of injury. If they seem fine, give them a chance to settle and readjust, and enjoy having them back! If you have any doubts about their health, or something changes, then it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your vet just to be safe.
