What to do if you have lost a cat

22 May 2023

If you've lost your cat, there are a number of things you could do to help find your pet as quickly as possible.

Grey cat balancing on outdoor fence looking back through shrubbery

 

1. Firstly, thoroughly check your home

Check every single room and hidey hole in your house from under the bed to behind washing machines. Cats can squeeze in to very small spaces so they could be hiding or stuck somewhere.

Here's a list of some places to get you started:

  • behind curtains, sofas, cupboards
  • under beds, duvets, tables
  • inside cupboards, chimneys, washing machines, ovens, bins, any storage spaces
  • check outside in and behind bins, sheds and garages
  • check under cars in wheel arches and even under the bonnet.

2. Search your area

Keep in mind that your cat may wander further than you think. If you've moved recently, ask around your old address in case your cat has gone back there. Ask your neighbours to check anywhere where your cat may have got trapped inside such as sheds or garages. If there are any building sites nearby ask them to have a look around there also. During the evening, when it is more quiet, see if you can hear your cat meow when you call their name or shake their food in case they are trapped somewhere and calling out.

3. Report your cat missing to your microchip company

Inform the company where your cat’s microchip is registered as soon as possible. This will stop someone being able to try and change the microchip details. Equally it is an opportunity to check that your details are up to date should anyone find your cat and need to contact you. Some companies, such as Petlog, will also be able to send out alerts of your missing cat to their network.

4. Make a report to your local rescue centres

Many rescue centres keep a lost and found database where your details can be saved in case a match to your cat is found.

Our Lost Cats Line is open seven days a week from 8am until 7pm to receive reports of missing or found animals within the M25 area. The team also works with other lost and found agencies around the country to help reunite as many dogs and cats as possible.

Call our Lost Cats Line on 020 7627 9308 or fill in our form.

5. Report your cat missing to nearby vets

Check with locals vets in case your cat has been injured and someone has taken them to a vet for help.

6. Make a report to the police if you suspect your cat has been stolen

They may be aware of similar activity in your area and be able to help you.

7. Spread the word

Download our missing poster and add your pet's details - remember to put the posters inside plastic sleeves to protect them from the rain if they're outside. Put them up in local shops, vets, pubs, notice boards, the area where your pet went missing and through the doors of neighbouring streets. Register your cat on any lost and found websites and share on social media.

If you find your cat please remember to inform everyone who is still keeping an eye out for them and take down any lost posters.