This article was written by Lauretta Williams, co-founder of Pawmaw.com.
Finding a lost cat is a difficult thing, but not impossible. Before you start producing placards and knocking on neighbours’ doors, start your search at home.
You’ve probably come to this page because you can’t find your pet. First and foremost, do not be alarmed. There’s a strong probability your cat is still around and will show up again soon. Moreover, 15% of cat owners lose them in the first 5 years, according to PubMed.
Your cat is nowhere within the house? They either got outside when you opened the door and you didn’t notice, or they opened a window or located an exit and are now outside.
If you were lucky enough to see him or her flee, you might have some idea of where they could be. However, how can you locate a lost cat if you’ve no idea where they went?
Photo by Mitchell Orr on Unsplash
How to Locate a Missing Cat
Finding a missing cat is tricky, but coaxing them back into the house could be much more difficult. Your cat may prefer to remain in their hiding place but here are some actionable tips on how to find your cat.
1. Tempt your cat with their favourite meal
Owners should use food to entice their cats out, according to Albrecht. You can even put food just inside the door and then close it when your cat returns.
If the cat returns at night, you might consider providing food and water outside the house.
2. Search around your home
Cats usually hide behind porches, cars, or other things in the vicinity of their houses. In reality, 75% of the cats were discovered within 500 meters, or a third of a mile, of their escape site.
18% were hiding right outside their house’s front door. There is a distinction in behaviour between indoor cats and cats who have regular access to the outdoors.
75% of the latter travelled up to nearly a mile from home, possibly because they feel more comfortable outside.
3. Create eye-catching posters for awareness
Post large and eye-catching posters around the neighbourhood. For example, use bright coloured paper with your lost pet’s information. Post information about your missing pet on social media platforms and lost pet sites such as Pawmaw, Facebook, Nextdoor.com, and PetAmberAlert.com.
4. Construct a trap
Set up humane traps in areas where you can check them frequently; animal shelters frequently rent out these traps to the general public.
By leaving doors open, you can utilize your house or garage as a trap. Check out all of the shelters in your area, not just the ones closest to you.
5. Submit a help request
Enlist the assistance of friends, neighbors, or a professional missing cat locator. Anyone looking for the cat should be warned that if they find them, they should stay calm and not chase them! It’s better if the cat’s owner approaches them, especially since the cat is likely to be terrified.
Exchange mobile phone numbers with everyone involved in the search, and make sure everyone has a flashlight, even if it’s daytime.
6. Look for warm spots
Your cat may become trapped behind a heating appliance, crawl into a heating vent, or even jump it onto the engine of a car from underneath if the weather is chilly.
7. Keep an eye out in case your cat returns
Over the next few days, Look around the inside as well. Your cat could become trapped or injured beneath furniture, in a closed room or closet, or in an attic or basement that you rarely visit.
It could just be hiding, especially if your house or area is currently filled with loud, unexpected noises.
Recliner chairs, beds or mattress boxes, the chimney, dresser drawers, tangled draperies, behind books in such a bookcase, behind access panels, or appliances are all good places to look.
How do you keep a cat from fleeing?
Hopefully, with the help of these tips, you were able to locate your cat. What can you do now to keep your cat from fleeing and disappearing again?
Here’s how to keep from having another nightmare:
With a GPS cat tracker, you can keep an eye on your cat in real-time and create safe
zones to receive alerts if they leave their typical territory.
Make a safe haven for your cat.
Make every effort to keep your cat entertained and happy at home.
To prevent your cats from fleeing owing to their intense mating instinct, spay or
neuter them.
Make sure your cat is microchipped or wears a collar with an ID tag so you can easily reunite if he or she finds up at a shelter.
Wrapping up
Don’t give up on your missing cat, whatever the reason for their disappearance may be. Some cats can be gone for days, weeks, or even months before returning home.
If you require professional assistance, you may always contact a pet detective to assist you in your quest. The good news is that according to studies, approximately 74% of missing cats are eventually reunited with their families.
So, until your feline companions are back in your arms, try to remain calm and positive.
Hi, my name is Sheryl I am the “hoosis” of WangWang, some may remember that WangWang was lost a few months back and this is my personal experience.
We see posters of missing dogs, cats, birds, etc around Singapore almost every day, I don’t know about you but truthfully I thought nothing of it and in my mind “This will never happen to Wang”. So from my experience losing WangWang was traumatic, to say the least.
Overestimating
Overestimated myself and WangWang, thinking that she would be fine in a crowd and I could handle her at the same time get food. Around 2pm September 15, in the coffeeshop WangWang got spooked and bolted harness and leash still on, tried calling her while running after her but her fight or flight, flight response was too strong. Almost heading to the main road, her leash got caught onto a pole, people were standing around watching her as she struggles out of her harness, and nope no one helped, either afraid or did not care. Now out of her harness, no collar no tag…
Asking for help
Knowing that I could not catch up, I immediately called Christine from Causes for Animals Singapore (CAS), WangWang’s shelter because I know that they are experienced in such situations, I informed my parents, posted an Instagram story all in the midst of me running around panicking looking for her. Around 4pm, CAS volunteers had printed out posters, posted an Instagram (IG) and Facebook post on a lost dog, along with many sharing the posts on IG.
6pm, people from Sunny Heights, Dawk_star (daycares Wang has been to), my neighbors, even people on IG that we never met before offered to help in the search (which I am so thankful for), contacted SPCA and Animal Communications (AC), basically doing everything we can to locate her but still nothing.
The frantic post I made.
WangWang came back!
1:45am, After hours and hours of searching, putting up posters, and driving around we decided to head Punggol as we received a few phone calls that people spotted a brown dog that looked like her, just then I receive a message saying that a brown dog was lying at the fitness corner with a picture.
2am, recognizing her immediately we rushed back calling my neighbor to try and secure her and it was emotional, I cried my mom cried, WangWang was not hurt but covered in mud and so happy to see us, she was lost for a total of 12 hours, the guy saw a post of a lost dog on IG because of the many people that shared. Also thankful that we got her back before the heavy rain that night!
My initial fear/Conclusion
My fear was that people might not care even if they have spotted her because she looks like an ordinary stray or that other strays in the area might attack her. No one wants to lose their pet so now a collar, tag, and harness is a must for me but if you do, contact any AWGs and an AC immediately for help, unfortunately, they did not reply to us till the next morning. Post on IG and FB, be thick skin and contact anyone you know because pride does not matter at this point. But if you do have the money to splurge a GPS would be the best.
But on a positive note, this proves that Singapore Specials are very intelligent too, the fact that she was able to possibly wait till dark to cross the junction from Seletar mall and find her way back to our usual spot and wait there for us.
Thanks for reading!
These are some websites you can visit for more info on if you lost your pet or if you have found one:
I will be sharing with everyone the whole story of how Rico was lost and found, and some measures to take if (touch wood) any of you experience it in the future.
It was just an ordinary day when I was off from work, doing my own things, running errands and catching up my life. I still can remember how Rico greets me when i am back from the errands which was around 5.15pm. After a while around 5.30pm, my grandpa came back home and I also went to my nanny’s house for a chit chat, which was just one floor below mine. I just close the gate door without locking it. Now, the house is left with my grandparents.
“Panic starts to creep in…”
About 6.35pm, I came back home and that was when the panic started to creep in. I felt utterly quiet and Rico did not come forward to greet me at the door. I asked my grandparents and they thought I brought Rico out with me the whole time. I tried to find Rico around the house but to no avail.
Ignoring my grandparents’ nagging, I started off searching the corridor. I was still in disbelieved at the moment, my heart raced very fast. Realizing that Rico was really lost, I went into panic mode frantically searching for her high and low at my housing block. I walked aimlessly to each floor and every unit hoping I could find her. To my dismay, none.
By this time, my aunt had come back home from work and knew about Rico. We soon start to search around the void decks, carparks, parks and places that usually Rico will go to. But, none.
We then went back home, trying to cool down and think of what exactly had happened and ways to find her. We had different views such as:
Grandma – “I saw someone at the door playing with Rico while I was in the kitchen. I thought it was one of our neighbours. But I don’t really know who is it, is like some woman wearing dark shirt. Don’t know is it carried away by someone else already.”
Grandpa – “When I came back home around 5.30pm, I didn’t saw Rico already.”
It was so hard to figure out exactly what had happened. My grandparents were not very sure about a lot of things and they also did not really pay attention during that timing. Plus, our neighbours would usually come and play with Rico whenever they passed by as Rico is very friendly to humans.
Soon my parents came to help for the search and we also asked for CCTV footage from our neighbor. The CCTV footage only managed to record a woman wearing dark clothing; carried many things, passing by at 5.53pm. This was when we suspected that it might be the same woman that my grandma mentioned and she might have carried away Rico while the door was not locked. We decided to report to the police, hoping police could help retrieve CCTV footage around the block and lifts to see any traces of Rico.
7.30pm at the police station: we gave whatever information we have. However, they cannot investigate as we were lack of information and some do not tally with one another’s views. “What is the timing that your grandma saw the person come and play with Rico?” “Is Rico still around at 5.15-5.30pm before you went to your nanny’s house? Your grandpa said didn’t saw her but you remember she was at home. So which one?” My mind went blank and speechless. The only action they could do was to take note of a lost dog and lookout if any of the public came to return Rico. They suggested to contact AVS and SPCA (which I also knew).
As I was back home disappointed, I call both AVS and SPCA but sadly SPCA was closed for the day. It was then that I decided to inform my friends and asked them to spread and share on social media. My parents will then settle the posters however it can only be done the next day.
With the help of my neighbours, we went searching for Rico again at my housing block. Hoping to attract Rico’s attention this time, we called out her name and using toy. We believed that Rico might be still somewhere in my housing block, maybe one of the units as she do not really know how to climb up/down the stairs. Rico will also get tired out easily, she would not run that far unless it was really carried away by someone else.
Along the way, we got some insights such as a unit at the 11th floor saw Rico running across their corridor, someone saw Rico-lookalike at the minimart. We also met some helpful neighbours who came to help a little. But still, none again.
Soon around 9.45pm, my friends specifically came down all the way to help me out. Taking over my neighbour, we continue searching my housing block. Despite knowing that Rico would not bark when outside, we still try all possible means to catch her attention. My friends also help to deal with the social media sides at the same time and give me suggestions such as animal communication (AC) etc. However, AC was busy at the moment, could not attend Rico’s case.
As time passed by, we felt the urge to get the posters up asap. My friend helped to draft out a few posters to paste near my area so that at least someone would be aware of it. Only by 10.45pm, we then started to put up the posters.
11.20pm: posters were up but still no sign of Rico. We could not continue the search as it was quite late and we afraid that we might disturb the neighbours. My friends all went back, I still did not gave up and just walking around the neighbourhood in hope for Rico.
“Worst day of the life…”
12.20am: came back empty-handed, disappointment, lost. It was the worst day of my life. I did not expect such things to happen on me. A lot of thoughts running through my head now. “Where is Rico exactly?” “Why you suddenly so daring to run away?” “Are you in a safe place now?” “Have you eaten or drink anything?” “Did someone really carried you away?” All I could do was just to pray and hoping Rico could come back home soon. I even placed toys outside the corridor so that Rico can smell her way back home.
2.30am: I was settling the social medias. Seeing everyone trying to help me find Rico and all the prayers from them really warms me. I was touched that so many friends and even strangers were helping me.
“I couldn’t sleep at all…”
4.15am: I was still wide awake, crying. I switched off my silent mode, waiting for any calls or messages to inform me Rico was with them. I even dreamt that I have found Rico.
7.30am: It was raining, I got really worried. Why does it have to rain today! My aunt went out early to search for Rico again. But still no sign.
8.30am: I was fully awake and have taken urgent leave for work. Still, there were no calls and messages. I prayed that the rain could quickly stop but it rain even heavier. The weather was cold, I am afraid that Rico was out without any shelter.
10.30am: Still no calls or messages, I assumed many had not gone out and saw the posters as the weather that day was too good to sleep in. Finally, a full stack of posters was ready to put up. I have told my parents to paste the posters around the neighbourhood while my friends and I would go door-to-door knot in my housing block.
11.30am: My friends and I started the door-to-door knock. Since my block was in a L-Shaped, I decided to start off with the top floor (12th) on right side of the block which the unit had last seen Rico running across their corridor.
“Is that Rico?!”
11.50am: When we were about to go to our 3rd unit of door-to-door knock, I heard my friend gasped loudly. “Is that Rico?!” Shockingly asked me. I immediately went forward and I SAW RICO! She was sitting near the door. WE FINALLY FOUND RICO!!! We were so overjoyed that my friend even cried. Rico saw us too, but she just happily wagging her tail away. I approached the uncle in that unit and he was glad that Rico was found too.
Luckily, the uncle saw Rico loitering outside his corridor and brought her in as he was worried about Rico’s safety. The uncle tried to find the owner but Rico did not wear any collar tag and the posters were not put up yet. I also recalled that we have gone to that unit previously but the door was closed, hence unable to see that Rico was in that unit. Thankfully all this while, Rico was in good hands. She got a proper shelter, the uncle cooked her a good meal (better than mine), he even accompanied Rico to sleep in his living room. In summary, Rico was enjoying while everyone was panicking searching for her. ?
12.15pm: Rico finally got back home safely, everyone was elated. I was really really relieved that I can reunited with Rico again. Gave the uncle a small token of appreciation and here is his return:
“Thank you for the goodies. And the sweet memories Rico gives me. Take good care of her, I missed her already” – Uncle
We are so fortunate and bless to have met such a kind soul. Without the help from the uncle, we could not imagine how Rico would be like. I am also glad that we are able to make new friends.
Pointers to Note:
From this incident, here are a few points to take note:
Do always wear a collar tag on your dog
Timing is very important. Try to remember as much as possible and the whole timeline should your dog get lost.
Take actions immediately and waste no time. This could help quicken the process of finding your dog.
Report to AVS and SPCA. AVS hotline is 24/7 but do take note of the operating hours for SPCA.
Report to police (optional), unless you have valid informations. They can’t really help much though.
Do up posters immediately
Spread and post up on social media
Try your very best and continue the searching
You may contact animal communication too
Lastly will be the waiting game. It may be very dreadful but please do not give up and continue to pray for it. I see many people have come together in helping to find Rico. I am sure some days your dog could be found soon.
Finally a peaceful night
At last, everything was back to normal, Rico was still her usual self. In fact, I am actually wondering does she even know that she got lost? It is still a mystery how did Rico run out from my house which is on 6th floor of the left side of the block, and ended up on 12th floor of the right side of my block. By the lifts? Or did she really climb up the stairs? No one knows, only Rico does… ?
