If you’re currently wondering, where is my cat?! and freaking out just tiny bit – we completely get it. Take a skim through our guide below on how to find a lost cat, bring them home safely – and prevent them from going missing again.

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What are the chances of finding a lost cat?

“If my cat has gone missing, will they come back?” We’ve all wondered this – so we turned to science to help us find an answer. A 2018 study from Animals found that:

  • 61% of lost cats were found within one year
  • 34% of lost cats were found (alive, thank goodness) within 7 days
  • after 90 days, lost cats were less likely to be found alive 😿
  • A physical search increased the likelihood of finding a missing cat
  • 75% of cats were found within 500 meters of where they escaped

💡 The faster you can get outside and go search for your missing cat, the higher your chances of finding them.

Why is my cat missing?

  • Reproductive instincts
    A female cat in heat or an unneutered male cat have a strong mating drive, which may cause them to roam in search of love
  • Hunting instincts
    Cats are curious beings who love to hunt and explore their territory
  • Getting fed elsewhere
    A friendly neighbor – probably a few districts over – could be feeding them, especially if they’re an outdoor cat.
  • Sickness
    A sick or injured cat might be more likely to hide to nurse themselves back to health on their own
  • Comfort
    Maybe your cat found a comfortable box in the bottom of your closet and decided to take a nap
  • Fear
    For example, if a two-legged or four-legged “stranger” is over for a visit at your place
  • Pregnancy
    Cats often go into hiding when they are feeling unwell, or are about to deliver a litter of kittens.

💡So do thorough check indoors, and ask other members of the household to help. Else, a cat GPS tracker can help you locate your missing cat with just a glance at your phone.

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How long do cats go missing for?

Most cats don’t go missing for very long. Even if they stay out longer than usual from time to time, they’ll usually come home when they’re hungry. However in some cases, cats can go missing for days, weeks, months or even years. The sooner you get started with your search, the more likely you are to find them again, safe and sound.

⚠️ If your cat is gone for more than 12 hours or overnight, it’s time to take action.

Can a microchip help me find my lost cat?

No. A cat microchip only works as an ID tag for your cat. You’ll need to wait until someone finds your cat and brings them in to a shelter or vet where they can scan your cat’s microchip ID. If your contact details on the microchip ID are up to date, and if you’re lucky enough to get a call about your missing cat, you’ll be reunited.

⚠️ So while a microchip is a security must-have, it does not actively help you search for a lost cat or guarantee that they will be returned to you. You can use the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup or the US Pet Chip Registry to learn more about microchip registry and missing pet identification.

How to find a lost cat close to home

If your indoor cat is missing

Indoor cats usually have a much smaller territory than outdoor cats. This means they only feel comfortable exploring their “home territory” So they probably won’t travel much further than a small distance from where they live. In fact, a 2017 study found that missing indoor cats were found, on average, a distance of only 39 meters (128 feet) away from home.

So start by searching your immediate surroundings if you’re wondering how to find a lost cat that doesn’t much stray outdoors. Call their name, put out some cat food, and check any potential hiding spots like in the garage or up a tree. If your cat is primarily an indoor cat, you’re likely going to find them near home.

If your outdoor cat is missing

Outdoor cats, on the other hand, were found an average distance of 300 meters – or three football fields – away. But on the bright side, according to pet detective and lost cat expert Kat Albrecht, missing cats tend to hide, in silence, typically staying close to home.1 That means your lost feline friend is probably closer than you think.

After searching in the house, do a thorough check of your property or your immediate surroundings. Check places they could be stuck or hiding, including:

  • under the deck or porch
  • on the roof
  • in the garage
  • up a tree
  • inside the car
  • in a chimney
  • around the trash and recycling bins

How to find a lost cat around your neighborhood

If your cat is missing and nowhere to be found inside or near your home, don’t just wait for them to return home on their own. A study by pet detective Kat Albrecht and professor Jacquie Rand found that 59% of lost cats were found alive precisely because their humans actively searched for them.2

  • Start at home and work outwards
    Remember, 75% of cats were found within 500 meters of where they call home.
  • Call for your cat by name
    Researchers found that cats can recognize their human’s voice as well as their own name, even when strangers call it.3
  • Ask friends and neighbors to help
  • Consider your cat’s personality
    Are they more likely to be hiding, or exploring the neighbor’s farm?
  • Check your cat’s old territory
    If you moved recently, your cat may have tried to return to their old home.

How to lure out your lost cat

If you haven’t been able to find your cat so far, the next thing you can try is luring out your lost cat with treats. Put a bowl of your cat’s favorite treats or food outside your doorstep. You could even put food in additional spots around your home if you have a large outdoor space. Your cat might catch the smell and run home for a tasty snack.

Just make sure someone is there to spot your cat in case they come home for a bite to eat and watch out for raccoons (and other wildlife) it may also attract! Else, try these tips to help lure a lost cat back home:

  • Leave the garage, or another door cracked open
    Cats like to sneak inside. You might just find yours at home as if nothing happened!
  • Put your cat’s favorite bed, blanket or scratcher outside
    The scent will attract them. Avoid hanging out any food, as this might attract other critters instead.
  • Go outside, and talk in your normal voice
    As if you’re chatting on the phone. Cats are known to be attracted to their human’s voice
  • Keep an eye out around dusk and dawn
    Cat parents have reported their cats returning most often between the hours of 8 PM-2 AM and 4 AM -7 AM.4

How to create lost cat posters

An effective lost cat sign should include:

  • A high-resolution photo of your cat
  • A physical description including age, sex, coat length and color, and any other special markers (like a unique fur pattern, or a colorful collar) that could be used to identify your cat
  • When and where your cat was last seen
  • Your contact details, including your name and phone number

When putting up the cat posters, remember: cats go farther than we sometimes think. Hang posters at public transport stops to make sure as many people see your poster as possible. Cover the posters in plastic or tape for durability.

Click on the image below to download the free lost cat poster template from Tractive

Lost cat poster free download from Tractive banner

You’ll also want to post your cat’s picture and description on various social networks.

  • Ask your friends to keep an eye out
    On most social media platforms, there are specific groups or lists for lost & found animals in specific regions.
  • Check the pages of animal shelters in your area
    They’ll often post their latest finds online.
  • Share the news on Petco Love Lost
    This is a nation-wide database for missing and lost pets. You can upload your missing cat’s photo and stay tuned for news of similar animals found at nearby shelters around you. (Which may include your lost cat.)

Contact your local vets & shelters

Leave them your number, so that they can call you in case your cat is eventually brought in. Also check shelter websites – people often post missing cats they’ve found here. You might find these regional resources useful in your search to being reunited with your lost cat:

More tips on how to find a lost cat

Look when it’s dark & quiet outside

  • Use a flashlight to search in the dark
  • Don’t bring other animals with you when you’re on your search – they may scare your cat away
  • Search places where a lost cat could find warmth

Make it easy for your cat to return – calmly

  • Bring your cat’s favorite toy and treats
  • Continue calmly calling their name
  • Walk slowly and take frequent breaks from calling out, so that your cat has a chance to call back
  • Scan the surrounding area for movement or sounds.
  • Check places where your cat could get stuck indoors.
  • Leave a piece of clothing or towel that smells like you outside your door
  • Sprinkle flour around and check for paw prints, if you suspect your cat is hanging around but not coming home
  • Install motion sensor cameras or baby monitors around your house.

Seek help from others

  • Hire a lost cat finder or pet detective
  • Offer a reward to anyone who can find your cat
  • Ask anyone who visited your property (such as a delivery person) to check their van or truck
  • Share the news on social media and ask your friends and family to spread the word
  • Publish a missing cat notice in the local newspaper

Finally, don’t give up! If your cat is scared, they may not come out of their hiding place easily. So have patience – and faith that your cat will return.

Use a cat GPS tracker

If your lost cat is wearing a Tractive GPS cat tracker, you’re in luck! This will make your search for your missing cat much easier. Just hit LIVE to follow every step in the Tractive GPS mobile or web app with real-time location updates.

A cat wearing a Tractive GPS tracker

Besides LIVE tracking, you can also:

  • Find your lost cat together
    By sharing their location via Family Sharing to your friends, family, or even neighbors.
  • Find your cat indoors or at close distance
    Use Radar Mode once you’re nearby to pinpoint their location – they might be hidden behind or under something
  • Find your cat even if it’s dark outdoors
    Activate a small LED light on your cat’s tracker if it’s dark out, or Sound if it’s hard to see where they are. This will trigger a high-pitched melody to help you figure out where your cat’s hiding.
cat wearing tractive gps cat tracker collar, app screenshot showcasing live tracking for cats

Track your cat wherever they go

Get real-time location information, wherever they go. Find out when they go somewhere they shouldn’t, with Virtual Fences. And discover their favorite spots with Territory.

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And if you’ve found this post helpful, then share it with a friend or loved one – and let’s help create a safer. kinder world for our furry friends together