What to do if your cat goes missing

It can be really stressful when your cat goes missing - I know, it’s happened to me - but a bit of effort can make a big difference in helping them find their way back. Remember, cats are tough little survivors and often show up when you least expect it. My cat came home after two nights away, meowing loudly on the landing at one in the morning, a bit wet and bedraggled but otherwise fine. So don’t lose hope.

Microchipping your cat

First, it’s worth mentioning that one of the best things you can do for your cat is to get them microchipped (from 2024 it became mandatory in England to get your cat microchipped before they turn 20 weeks old).

A microchip is a tiny device (about the size of a grain of rice) that’s implanted under your cat’s skin. Once it’s in, the chip must be registered on an approved database, and it’s vital to keep your contact details up to date.

If your cat goes missing, a vet or animal charity can then scan the chip, identify your cat and reunite you much faster than relying on collars or tags, which might fall off or be removed.

What to do when your cat goes missing

Cat missing for 12 hours or less

It’s not unusual for cats to go walkabout for up to 12 hours, especially in warmer months when they’re more comfortable outdoors and may eat less or nap somewhere shaded and quiet.

If your cat’s been missing a short while, here are a few things you can do:

• Stay calm and focused - panicking won’t help you think clearly.
• Check around your home thoroughly: inside cupboards, under furniture, in lofts, sheds, garages and garden storage.
• Put out food, familiar bedding or a piece of your clothing near the door - familiar scents can help draw them back.
• Visit any favourite hiding spots or garden routes your cat often uses.
• Ask your immediate neighbours if they’ve seen your cat or if it may have wandered into their garden or shed.
• Walk around your neighbourhood quietly, ideally at dusk or dawn when cats are more likely to respond to familiar voices.
• Use a torch to look under cars or in tight spots - cats can get trapped or choose hidden places to nap.

Cat missing for 24 hours

Even if your cat has been missing for a full day, try not to worry (easier said than done, we know). Many cats that spend a night outside come back safe and sound. Even in colder weather, cats are surprisingly good at finding warm, sheltered nooks.

If 24 hours have passed, here’s what to do next:

• Replace those familiar items (bedding or clothing) outside and leave some fresh food in a safe, dry spot to tempt them home - you can even try warming things such as tuna or your cat’s favourite food to create a stronger scent trail.
• Expand your search to nearby streets, alleys and gardens.
• Ask neighbours again to check garages, sheds and greenhouses - cats often sneak in unnoticed. If your street, neighbourhood, or village etc has a WhatsApp group, now could be a good time to send a message.
• Keep going out at dusk and dawn, calling your cat softly. They’re more likely to come out when it’s quiet.

Cat missing for 2 days

After two days without your cat, it’s time to widen your search and reach out further. Even after two days, stay hopeful and consistent. Some cats take several days before being found or deciding to come home.

• If your cat is microchipped, update the microchip database and report them as missing.
• Post lost cat notices in your local area and online (if comfortable doing so) E.g. Facebook groups, Nextdoor and community noticeboards. Include a clear photo, your cat’s name, colour, markings, collar (if worn) and your contact details.
• Contact local vets, animal shelters and pet recovery groups to see if anyone has brought in a cat matching yours - cats are often brought in at odd hours.
• Refresh your online posts and share updates regularly.
• Expand your search area if safe - parks, allotments or disused buildings are all worth checking.
• Ask friends and neighbours to share your missing-cat post - the more eyes, the better.

House cat gone missing

If your cat is normally an indoor-only cat, or rarely goes outside, they may be especially frightened and hiding close to home. Here are a few things you can do to try and get them back.

• Check very close to home - under bushes, in garages, sheds or neighbouring gardens.
• Ask neighbours to look for an unfamiliar cat in their outbuildings or gardens. Indoor cats often freeze and hide when they’re overwhelmed.
• Leave a light on by the door and an item of your clothing nearby so your cat can recognise the scent.
• Make sure your cat hasn’t been accidentally locked inside somewhere - this happens more often than you’d think!
• If you have a cat flap, check it’s working properly and whether anything (like a new dog next door) might be putting your cat off from returning.

Indoor cats can easily get disoriented outdoors, so keep your searches gentle, frequent and focused on the immediate area.

Cat tracker collar

If your cat spends time outside, you live near busy roads, or you’re just curious about where your cat goes when you can’t see them, you may want to consider a cat tracking device. These devices attach to a safety collar and let you track your cat’s location or recent movements via an app.

How effective a device is can depend on both its type and your cat’s environment. For example, GPS trackers tend to work best outdoors for real-time tracking, but may lose accuracy indoors. Radio Frequency (RF) trackers have shorter ranges but are usually more reliable inside, while Bluetooth trackers are better suited to short-range use, like finding a cat hiding at home.

While a tracker doesn’t replace a microchip (for identification), it can add an extra layer of reassurance. And remember, always use a quick-release collar to avoid snagging, and make sure the tracker is lightweight and comfortable. Keep the battery charged and get familiar with the app before you need it.

What to do if you find a lost cat

If you’ve found a lost cat, or someone contacts you about one, there are a few important steps to take. If you don’t know who the owner is, take the cat to a local vet or animal shelter to be scanned for a microchip - they can help trace the rightful owner.

It’s generally best not to hand the cat over to someone you don’t know, but if that’s unavoidable, ask for proof first. Request a clear description, such as the cat’s age, sex, markings, collar details etc, before arranging for collection.

Be wary of missing pet scams

Unfortunately, missing pet scams are becoming more common. Fraudsters may pretend to have found your cat and ask for money to release it to cover things such as “vet fees.” These are often done via social media.

Red flags to watch out for include:

• Unexpected messages claiming to have your cat and asking for payment or bank details.
• Requests for money before you’ve seen or spoken to anyone.
• Fake logos or names of animal charities.
• Overly dramatic stories from someone unwilling to meet or show you proof.

If you suspect a scam, stop communicating, don’t send money and contact your local police or Action Fraud. If you’re dealing with a scam or fraudulent post on social media, you can also flag it with the likes of Facebook or wherever the post has appeared so they can take it down.

Don’t give up

Finally, it can be hard when your cat goes missing. But many cats do come home within a few days. Don’t lose hope too soon. Cats have an incredible sense of survival and can return days or even weeks later. It’s part of what makes them such remarkable creatures.

Pet 24 – Agria customers get free membership

As an Agria cat insurance customer, you get free Pet 24 membership - a 24/7 lost and found service. Each registered pet gets a collar tag with a unique ID number. If your cat goes missing, anyone who finds them can call the number on the tag, and Pet 24 will quickly contact you to get your pet home safely.