Lost cat tips

A lost cat usually hides. Indoor cats that slip outside often stay very close to home, quiet and out of sight, and may not come when you call, even if they hear you. Search slowly and thoroughly before you search far.

Search close to home first

• Search your own home first: closets, cabinets, behind appliances, inside furniture and boxes.
• Then check nearby hiding spots: under decks, porches and sheds, in bushes, crawl spaces, garages and parked cars.
• Ask neighbors for permission to look in their yards, sheds and garages, and ask them to check too.
• Use a flashlight, even in daytime. Look for eyes reflecting the light.

Search at the right times

• Go out late at night or very early in the morning, when it’s quiet. Many cats move then.
• Call softly, shake a treat bag and then stay still and listen for a meow.
• Put out your cat’s litter box, bedding or a worn piece of your clothing near the door your cat knows, and check often.
• If you spot your cat but can’t reach it, ask your local shelter or animal control about a humane trap.

Tell people who might see your cat

• Call and visit local shelters and animal control. Visit in person, since cats can look alike.
• Call nearby vets and emergency vets.
• Ask neighbors to keep an eye out and to call you instead of chasing your cat.

Flyers, microchip and posts

• Put up flyers with a clear photo, your cat’s colors and markings and your phone number. Mention if your cat is indoor-only or shy.
• Update the microchip. If your pet is microchipped, call your microchip company, report your pet lost and check that your phone number and address are current. If you aren’t sure which company holds the record, a vet or shelter can scan your pet’s records or you can look up the chip number with a free online lookup tool.
• Create a free listing and post in your local social media groups and neighborhood apps.

Watch out for reward scams

• Never send money, a deposit or a “shipping” or “transport fee” before you see your pet in person.
• Be wary of anyone who asks for gift cards, a wire transfer or a payment app, or who says your pet is far away and must be shipped.
• Leave one identifying detail out of your listing and flyer (a scar, a marking, a tag color). Ask callers to describe it.
• Ask for a current photo or a short video call before you meet.
• Meet in a public place in daylight, bring someone with you and tell others where you are going.
• If you offer a reward, pay it only when your pet is back with you.

More tips

Questions people ask

Where do lost indoor cats usually hide?

Often very close to home: under decks and porches, in bushes, sheds, garages and crawl spaces. Search slowly with a flashlight before searching farther away.

Why won't my lost cat come when I call?

A frightened cat often stays silent and hidden, even when it hears its owner. Call softly, then stay still and listen. Searching at night when it's quiet can help.

When is the best time to look for a lost cat?

Late at night and very early in the morning, when it's quiet and cats are more likely to move.

Does putting out a litter box help find a lost cat?

Some owners put out the litter box, bedding or worn clothing near the door so the cat has a familiar scent close to home. Check the spot often.

Who should I call when my cat is lost?

Local shelters and animal control, nearby vets and emergency vets, and your microchip company if your cat is chipped.