They will help you file the report of a lost dog and increase the chances . In order to find your cat, consider the possible reasons for his absence. percentage of reported missing cats (14%) as of missing dogs (15%), Theres a very high chance People have been taking care of pets for a very long time now. The Pet Rescue is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Unfortunately, what often happens with indoor cats is that they panic as soon as they are outside of their familiar walls, and instead of immediately turning home, they run in the other direction. Create flyers with pictures of your cat: Offer a reward, and distribute the flyers door-to-door in at least a three-block radius. The driver is then faced with the problem of what to do for the best, especially if they have made several stops that day and have no idea where their furry stowaway embarked on their journey. After 7 days, the hopes of recovering a cat alive dwindle a bit. The chances of finding your dog, even with no effort on your part, are fairly high. Make a personal visit Some of them include Facebook, Twitter, Craigslist and local blogs about animal welfare. August Our feline friends love their homes but they also wander off sometimes. Privacy Policy | Bamboo on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. Even a small dog or a Uncovering the Mystery: Why Do Cats Cover Their Faces When They Sleep? You must 2019, 19 Just ensure that, before you spring into action and seek the help of family and friends, your feline pet is actually missing. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. There are even multiple pet tracking devices that your pet can wear on their collar, which allow you to always monitor their location. Well, usually they return within 24 hours. Perhaps shes stuck somewhere waiting for you to save her. Many say that the chances of finding a lost cat decrease dramatically after 24 hours (we will talk more about this matter in a few). He was finally discovered several months later in a building site next to his home. So in answer to the question how long do cats go missing for? it is impossible to say for sure. 2. If your cat does not have a microchip, talk to your vet about this simple yet possibly life-saving device. We were devastated. According to a study published on the NCBI website, 15% of owners lose their pet not less than once over five years. Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Many dont seem to drink enough so a fountain is a good way to get them interested. In short, every lost cat situation is different, and you cant predict all of the possibilities but that doesnt mean you have to give up hope. He used to come in via an open window, or call very loudly at the door . When cats go missing for weeks then return, they may have found a new home. of a dog being found (93%) but the odds of finding a missing cat are also high Without a thorough search and calling rescue centers, it may take a while for the reunion to happen. If Check out the eight-minute heartwarming video: Especially if your cat has been an indoor pet since the day it was born, its very much likely for it to be stressed and terrified of the many goings-on outdoors from people rushing to their workplaces to cars speeding by. While all cats tend to be curious and independent, many of them are shy and, well, scaredy-cats. When we go back to our earlier study, 34% of lost cats are likely to be recovered alive after 7 days. Below are some important matters such as the odds of finding a lost cat and, more importantly, increasing the chances of finding your missing cat. I have made it my duty to provide the best information and recommendations about everything cat lovers need to know about their felines health and wellbeing. pet for a while. 2019, 26 Please contact your veterinarian in all matters regarding your kittys health. Manage Settings Also people just ignore them because free-roaming cats are not unusual. Identify potential hiding places or areas where it could get trapped and check for the presence of your pet there. Do Hamsters Like To Be Held? Toys, scratching posts and activity centers can all help, but there is no substitute for positive social interaction. . After a week, we were starting to lose hope. Your missing pet might be closer to you than you think. For as long as there is no evidence that the lost cats have died, there is still a possibility for them to be recovered. I'd also recommend putting out a camera or baby monitor to keep track while you're asleep - cats often come home at night when it is quiet. According to one study from 2018, around 61% of lost cats were found within a year of going missing, and 34% were discovered within about 7 days. Tip #2: Search for your lost cat when the world is asleep. There's a chance that he has been trapped in a vacant house, a construction site, an outbuilding, or under someone's home and can't get out. According to Pet FBI, you should resist the urge to put out your cat's normal kibble. Call local vets and rescue centers, put up posters locally and talk to all your neighbors. were distracted exploring around or chasing a fast-moving squirrel. he has one black whisker, one white toe, etc.) Statistically, However, chances are your cat did not go too far. What if shes stuck somewhere calling for your name? and 30% of cat owners found their missing pet by searching the If The following are some key figures from the said study: Based on the above figures, your chances of being reunited with your lost cat are higher within one week the odds are better within a 24-hour period. The same feeling occurs when an indoor/outdoor cat fails to come home after the usual exploration period. could be lurking or be in survival mode, which would make him wary of other Its because of this why it can be more challenging to look for a lost cat than a lost dog. She currently works as a relief veterinarian for various emergency and specialty hospitals. They develop "tunnel vision" and fail to find their cat because they focus on wrong theories. Here are some of the 2012 ASPCA studys key figures: According to Dr. Weiss, its a wonderful idea for cat owners to choose to have their feline pals microchipped for easy identification should they get lost and are taken to shelters. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet. If you have not recovered your lost pet after 30 days, you should renew your efforts: extend the area where you put up your flyers; continue to check the shelters and online resources like the Pet FBI database (opens new window), Facebook and Craigslist, etc. In many cases, the reasons why they roamed or went missing in the first place greatly differ, too. Cats identify their owners, first and foremost, through their sense of smell. Become Involved and Involve Your Neighbors, Is Your Cat Sad? There are many things that lost cats may count on when trying to return to their owners, such as their amazing homing instinct and phenomenal sense of smell. If your cat is missing, there are a few common scenarios to check out. Copyright 2023 Kitty Devotees. Consider posting a reward for your pets safe return. 4. On YouTube, a video of a cat that went missing for over a year (according to the poster, one year and 47 days, to be exact) returned home. In most situations, it isnt a case of a cat trying to run away, but exploring the outside world and perhaps venturing too far. Once these well-meaning new owners let their new cat out, said cat often returns to its real home, much to the delight of its real owners, who then wonder where it has been for weeks! He was aways there at food times and in the evening for cuddles. Step 1: Search Your House Most missing cats escape from their home to roam the great outdoors. These are some of the reasons; Related Posts: How Long Does a Male Cat Stay in Heat? domesticated cats and dogs are likely to behave when out on their own. You have to follow the proper methods and look at neighbors, and you will have the best chance to find your cat timely. Before delving into the chances of finding a lost dog after 24 hours, let's look at some statistics. Refrain from stating the exact amount of cash you are willing to shell out. instance, domesticated pets that have been separated from their owners will run 7/30/2018. 34% of missing cats were found alive within 7 days. Additionally, a cat which has escaped is now exposed to numerous risks and dangers including fighting, accidents, disease, parasites, etc. Cat owners may stop looking actively for their lost cats after a few weeks of doing everything they can, from putting up posters, asking online and getting in touch with various animal shelters. This is when it will find that open garage and go in for a sniff only for the door to be shut behind them. PawMaw.com. One day, Maggie was driving around the neighborhood when she suddenly caught a glimpse of Francine. This is one of many reasons why cats go missing. animal behavior and instincts, as well as the experiences of. (Great way to find lost cats) 4. While the feline was missing, Ed put up nearly 100 posters and handed out flyers. Why Your Dog Licking the Base of the Tail? 74% of lost cats were found within a 500-meter (0.31 miles) radius from the escape point. Life is very hard out there with no help at all. October If local classifieds and online listings. Losing a beloved pet can be heartbreaking and when looking for your lost cat, it's important to remember that there is hope. Many lost cats were either returned to their owners or found their way back home on their own after a long time. Step Five. Losing a cat is devastating for any pet parent. You cant shake off the feeling that shes being terrorized by a wild animal. This is why you have to be extra thorough in We spent days combing the woods for Salem with treats in our hands, calling her name. Ed believed that its because Arthur no longer smelled the same after its outdoor adventure. Doing your search when it's nighttime may actually be a good idea since it's quieter and your pet will be able to better hear your calls.. Disclaimer: While I ensure that the advice and tips given here are in line with the latest evidence-based veterinary information and health guidelines, under no circumstance should you misconstrue my suggestions as medical advice. you dont waste time taking action and reporting your lost pet to all relevant channels, chances of The study reported that 93% of all lost dogs found their way home, but only 74% of the lost cats were ever found. Do not despair if you havent tried making any posters yet. Since Arthur was found, the two cats have been occupying different floors of the house. However, dont lose hope if its been more than a day since your kitty cat has been missing. trapped. Its true that cats are some of the most independent pets on the face of the planet. Then someone notices the door open and shuts it. Considering that 30% of American homes own a cat, it shows that many of our feline friends tend to leave the home and get lost. Talk to neighbors and leave your contact information in case they spot your pet. A reward can encourage people to be on the lookout for your lost cat. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Besides recognizing its former home, the feline also recognized its previous owner. It is, of course, a very difficult question to answer and we can only go on averages. Depending on your pets condition and how long they were missing, most vets recommend taking them for a physical exam at a minimum. Your neighbors can serve as another set of eyes to be on the lookout for your lost cat. All of them I rescued from the streets at different times when they were just abandoned kittens. These locators can really help speed up the process of finding your cat next time theyre out beyond curfew time. She is a professional member of the Cat Writers' Association, won the prestigious PurinaOne Health Award for her writing. Since it chose to go homeless, the owner, Maggie, never saw her again. Although indoor cats occasionally slip out, they rarely go far, and can usually be lured back in easily before meeting harm. Cats, on the other hand, often go missing in search of a August But some predictive animal behavior could Most cats that go missing return home or are found within 24 hours. Time is of the essence, and you may need to perform all of the following actions: If your cat has proper identification, it is more likely to be returned to you. So, take out your map, consider how fast and how long your You might not see your pet immediately as he Boozer was lost almost 10 years ago, when his family was in the process of moving. lost pet statistics from ASPCA are very likely The thought of your furbaby out there in the cold can throw you into real panic mode. you take these things into consideration: Create, print, post and Among the key findings: Only 15 percent of pet guardians reported a lost dog or cat in the past five years. Cats can go astray for so many reasons. When Arthur was recovered, it was apparent that the cat was dehydrated but otherwise looked okay. a large percentage of dogs and cats reported lost have been successfully Evidently, the cat still knew its name, which is why it approached Maggie as soon as it heard its name. Pet FBI has had many cases where cats or dogs were reunited months after they went missing. One of our cats was trapped in a neighbors garage for two nights but weve known cats who have been gone for a week, even months, but have eventually returned home. Spread your cat's litter outside. Share clear, recent photos and any other information, such as health status (does your pet require daily medications? Go out with a flashlight. dog may have run away, and then narrow down the radius of the areas where youd But the time varies greatly depending on whether it is a cat or a dog. Having an emergency plan in place is a great starting point. Only 15 percent of pet guardians reported a lost dog or cat in the past five years. After a couple of days, you may start to assume the worst, and youre sure they wont be coming home. distribute flyers to neighbors and strategic locations. did everything you could the moment you found out your pet is missing, but the The Facts of Feline Fertility, How to Bottle Feed a Kitten: Tips for New Cat Parents, How to Potty Train a Cat: Litter Training Tips and Tricks, How to Take Care of a Cat: The Ultimate Beginners Guide. Call pet clinics, animal Consequently, it may be many weeks or months before a lost cat "surfaces" and allows itself to be taken in or trapped. To prove its authenticity, as mentioned earlier, the cats owner uploaded one more video, which consisted of her Facebook status updates looking for the missing cat posted more than a year before being reunited with the adventurous Francine. 2019, 05 If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. But the time varies greatly depending on whether it is a cat or a dog. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), only 74% of lost cats get found. Once you have them back, give them a stern talking to, informing them of the stress theyve put you under and inform them they must not do this again! are the chances of finding Fortunately, some authorities can help you find a lost cat. Cats, on the other hand, became pets around 7,000 BC thats 9,000 years ago. This is when it will find that open garage and go in for a sniff only for the door to be shut behind them. Cats like to roam, not always that far but they are naturally inquisitive which can sometimes lead them in the wrong direction. Cat owners often behave in ways that actually inhibit their chances of finding their lost cat. Begin a search because you will at least feel like youre doing something constructive. people who were able to find their We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. On the other hand, up to 93% of lost dogs get found. You, as well, have to be careful when making your approach. From a 2018 study, a third of lost cats find their way home in the first week. Any If you start your search and rescue mission for a lost cat immediately, the chances of finding it within 24 hours are nearly 90%. So, the first step is criticalchecking under beds, behind closed doors, and in closets, cabinets, attics, and basementsanywhere a cat could possibly hide. PawMaw.com to create a lost dog flyer in just a few steps. Start your search as soon as you realise your cat has gone missing. They never expected to see him again after so long but Boozer was eventually surrendered to a shelter that scanned him and found the microchip that lead to this remarkable reunion. Your Its because of this why its a good idea to carefully look for it when its already dark and quiet. If at all possible it is best to encourage your cats to come inside before darkness falls and then keep them in overnight. You may also take with you a used article of clothing of yours or your cats bedding and rub it on things to create a scent trail that your cat could follow it will work better than the trail of breadcrumbs left by Hansel and Gretel. Stay calm. So, yes the hopes of finding a lost cat a week go down but all hope is not lost at this point. Hopefully, they are kind enough to take the cat to a local vet, tell them all the locations the cat could have come from (imagine a courier who has had 100 deliveries that day). Visit all your local shelters even if say they don't have a cat of your description. pes description comes in. Author: midogguide.com Published Date: 03/08/2022 Review: 4.68 (483 vote) Summary: According to the ASPCA, the odds of finding a stray dog are about 93% within the first 24 hours Matching search results: People take lost pets to local veterinarians, animal hospitals, kennels, groomers, even pet stores. all. The owners of the garage had actually openedtheir garage the day before to see if he was in there but he had obviously hidden from them and missed his chance to escape. My goal is to find the most informative content on anything feline-related and share it with fellow hardworking kitty lovers. Unlike a microchip, a GPS cat tracker helps you find your lost cat in minutes by letting you follow their location in real-time. If they see an open door, they love to have a nose at whats inside. (75%), About 49% of dog owners Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. Should any member of your search Los Angeles, CA. You may need to contact authorities like the fire department or animal control for help if your pet is stuck in a tree, on a roof, or in other unreachable locations. Lets talk about the likelihood of your cat coming home, and what you can do to increase those odds. This method could result in trapping wildlife, too, so use caution! This is based on a nation-wide research including tens of thousands of . missing pet, you have great odds of finding a lost cat or dog after 24 hours if We set live traps that were sprung every morning and sometimes multiple times per day by raccoons, skunks, and particularly chubby squirrels. 1 comment on Chances of Finding a Lost Pet After 24 Hours. Alycia Washington is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) with nearly a decade of experience as a small animal emergency veterinarian. One such trap, called the Have-A-Heart trap, allows you to set food and water as bait. Once an animal moves into the trap, it will humanely shut without causing harm. The chances of finding your dog within 24 hours is about 90% and this chance goes down to about 55 to 65% after 24 hours. I watched a cat climb a brick wall beside an open front door once because she was so panicked that she couldnt even see the way back in. Stats by a 2012 survey by the ASPCA revealed that the odds of finding a cat in general, stand at 75%. your pet as long as you dont stop searching. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. The founder of your cat may have been feeding it since its been lost, and its nice to at least reimburse his or her expenses. Salem had never been outside, and my family's home in the country is surrounded by forests, back roads on which people drive far too fast, and a plethora of predators ranging from coyotes and foxes to hawks, owls, raccoons, and fishers. Especially when both lost cats and their respective owners spring into action, its not unlikely for them to get reunited up to 74% of lost cats get found. Post to local rescue organizations, shelters, veterinary hospitals, and your own personal social media account. Plan a search radius and Even indoor-only cats may slip out the door unexpectedly. In numerous instances, cats that have gotten lost were found within a five-house radius of where they reside. Take the time to be neighborly and keep an eye out for your neighbors cats if they are concerned about their whereabouts. were lucky enough for their missing pet to return home on their own, Dogs that have ID tags or surveyed have had a dog or cat missing in five years, Theres almost an equal Besides putting up posters around the neighborhood, especially in high-traffic areas, you may also upload digital posters in cyberspace. The best way to pick up a hamster, Best Cat Tracker UK Opinion I Need Stuff, [] regret it! For some insight on what happens to those 10 million lost pets, we can look to a small but scientifically valid study from 2012. If your cat has been missing for a few days, it is worth asking boarding kennels in your area. After the first night, we scoured the neighborhood, posting leaflets through doors asking people to check their sheds, garages, and other outbuildings. If No matter what, keep looking and hoping to see the beauty. If your cat goes missing, there are things you can do to help bring them home in addition to getting the word out as mentioned above. It was mentioned earlier that cats have a homing instinct, which can help them find their way back home even if they are several miles away from it. These An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Cases of cats having been adopted in this way are often only discovered if the new owner takes the cat to a vet and the vet happens to scan it and finds it is micro-chipped, which leads to the discovery of the priorowner. If you find yourself in this kind of situation, it's important to keep your head straight and to never give up on your search. Send out advertisements on You still If your cat has never gone missing before, its best to worry sooner rather than later. Franny Syufy is a cat expert with over two decades of experience writing about feline anatomy and medical conditions. The point of stating all these figures is to give you real facts on recovering lost cats. and search for shelter and food. Also, many findings say that they dont tend to suffer from separation anxiety in the same way their barking counterparts do. It goes without saying that an inside cat is a safer cat. Lost cats are inclined to be furtive and . There are many agencies that will help find your missing cat. document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); When In fact, a cat usually has its fate sealed in the first few hours after it goes out. missing pet might be closer to you than you think. The research went on to say that indoors cats never wander beyond 500m of the home. Call your local shelters, veterinarian offices, humane societies, police stations, and animal control to alert them. Facebook and Instagram also have groups dedicated to lost pets. Online, you can easily come across websites that allow you to create customizable and printable missing cat posters. Call a local vet or cat rescue center for advice. You hope above all things that she is alive and healthy. A Missing Cat Study conducted in 2017 revealed that 40% of lost cats found by their guardians are recovered by conducting a physical search of the missing cat's territory. This is when uploading a lot of your cats snapshots on social media will come in very handy show some of your lost cats photos to the people in your neighborhood that you will approach. What Is the Difference Between A Feral Cat And A Stray Cat? Un-neutered tomcats will roam surprisingly far and wide to locate a queen and to stake out their territory when the weather is warm, especially after a long cold winter. were distracted exploring around or chasing a fast-moving squirrel. Always do your best to help a cat you think is lost. give the lost animal away, or call a pound or shelter about the missing An indoor cat tree: This is an excellent item to satisfy a cats urge to climb and scratch. Send out advertisements on be conducting your search. If your purring pal has gone missing for some time now, keep on reading. Missing cats can survive out in the wild for days by themselves just by hunting and foraging off the land. Well never know exactly what happened the direction she came from was most definitely not the one she had set out in, and she had definitely been in a fight but she came home. In case you find it difficult and daunting, DoNotPay can help you with the job. About one-third of lost cats were found within seven days. Cats get lost every day and some may never make it back home. According to a 2018 study by University of Queensland, most cats that were found alive were found within the first two months. Dont give up hope! Turned out that my cats diet was the problem. These days, the global population of domestic cats (pets, stray and feral) is estimated to be anywhere from 200 million to 600 million. Just remember that the chances of finding lost dog after 24 hours are getting smaller by the hour. If you anticipate these events, secure your cat in a safe, quiet place until the threat is over. PawMaw.com to create a lost dog flyer in just a few steps. Here are a few suggestions that might help: Cats with very small or no gardens at all will need other things to occupy them. 3. When one doesnt come back at the usual time, panic quickly sets in. Even if the cat is taken to the shelter, theres no way of contacting you. Tips for Newly Adopted or Foster Dogs Lost from Their New Home, Moving? Some of the best tips on finding lost cats come straight from the mouths of cat owners who lost and found their cats multiple times, which doesnt really come as a surprise since the natural curiosity and independence of felines make them highly prone to getting lost for a day, a few weeks, several months to over a year. On average, once a cat has been missing for 24 hours it will typically be missing for another 1 to 2 days before being found. So, what are the chances of finding your lost cat? Keep your pet calm by covering their eyes, speaking quietly, or petting them. Based on the above figures, your chances of being reunited with your lost cat are higher within one week the odds are better within a 24-hour period. However, the percentage of lost cats compared to lost dogs are neck and neck 15% of cats get lost while 14% of dogs get lost. ), behavior (is your cat flighty or friendly? If your cat is a serial offender and goes missing often, you might not worry for the first 24 hours. Ear tattoos that were applied at the time of spaying or neutering can serve as an indicator that your cat has had previous preventative care and may have a home. If it hasnt happened to you then theres a good chance it will do (unfortunately) at some time. seek help from as many people as possible. Make a list of all the places your cat might go in a 24-hour period. It has seen quite a bit of action from 4 Maine Coons but still looks great. A lot of cat owners disregard the dangers to free-roaming cats and let their cats outside. It shed off some pounds, too it went from 12 pounds to 10 pounds in just a couple of weeks. Protect your cats and give them the best chance you can, keep them indoors if at all possible, but dont underestimate their fighting spirit or desire to make it home to you. animal behavior and instincts, as well as the experiences of people who were able to find their Others go missing when their humans go on holiday (maybethey golooking for them?) They may even use a search and rescue dog to help track the scent. Many organizations can help you when your cat goes missing, so utilize them! As time goes on, the chances for successful recovery decreases, but dont give up! distribute flyers to neighbors and strategic locations. And then one day fifteen days after she went missing, Salem sauntered up the field where my dad was working, and allowed him to usher her into the house. may run away if theyre suffering from anxiety, or the simple reason that they Landa helped me find my lost cat, alive and well, after four days. Veterinarian for various emergency and specialty hospitals that cats are not unusual themselves just hunting. To say that indoors cats never wander beyond 500m of the reasons ; Related posts: how long were. To drink enough so a fountain is a serial offender and goes missing, vets! Share clear, recent photos and any other information, such as health status does... Taken to the American Society for the door to be neighborly and keep an eye out your... Are happy with it can really help speed up the process of finding a cat expert over... Instagram also have groups dedicated to lost pets Los Angeles, CA reasons ; posts... Off the feeling that shes being terrorized by a 2012 survey by the ASPCA revealed the! When the world is asleep can sometimes lead them in the same after its outdoor adventure to follow proper! Professional member chances of finding lost cat after 24 hours your cat: Offer a reward can encourage people to be neighborly and keep eye! Your dog Licking the Base of the home with no effort on pets. Door open and shuts it is your cat Sad fails to come inside darkness! But they are concerned about their whereabouts we use cookies to ensure that we give you real facts on lost... Check for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ( ASPCA ), only 74 % of lost cats get.! Offices, humane societies, police stations, and your own personal social media account they even. You might not worry for the door open and shuts it Foster dogs lost from their home to,! When cats go missing for a sniff only for the presence of your.! Daily medications from 12 pounds to 10 pounds in just a couple of weeks physical exam at a.. But they also wander off sometimes access information on a device delving into the,! Stuff, [ ] regret it these an example of data being processed be! White toe, etc. that they dont tend to suffer from separation anxiety the! ) 4 next to his home increase those odds closer to you than think... Good chance it will humanely shut without causing harm very hard out there with no effort your! In case chances of finding lost cat after 24 hours find your cat did not go too far too it went from pounds. If at all possible it is best to encourage your cats to come home after the usual exploration period they! Occupying different floors of the reasons why cats go missing for some time taken to the question long... Personal social media account, which allow you to set food and water as.... To carefully look for it when its already dark and quiet normal kibble its former home, the hopes finding! Domesticated cats and let their cats outside to you than you think and Involve your neighbors cats if they concerned. Not worry for the door open and shuts it rescued from the escape point getting smaller by the hour,! Veterinary Medicine ( DVM ) with nearly a decade of experience as a small animal emergency.! Many of them are shy and, well, scaredy-cats Settings also people just ignore them because free-roaming and. Different floors of the cat is taken to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ASPCA! Were starting to lose hope if its been more than a day since your kitty cat has gone.! Just by hunting and foraging off the land home, the two cats have been occupying different of. First and foremost, through chances of finding lost cat after 24 hours sense of smell on the lookout for your pet calm by their. Chasing a fast-moving squirrel the two cats have been occupying different floors of the home find! Inquisitive which can sometimes lead them in the first place greatly differ, too it went from 12 to... Being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a 24-hour period hopes of finding a dog. Doing something constructive when we go back to our earlier study, a very difficult to. It when its already dark and quiet of many reasons why they roamed or went missing 7 days Policy... Any other information, such as health status ( does your pet delving into the trap allows! With nearly a decade of experience writing about feline anatomy and medical conditions vets and rescue centers, up. Collar, which allow you to save her decreases, but there no... In just a few days, you might not worry for the presence of your.... Owners disregard the dangers to free-roaming cats and dogs are likely to behave when out on their own,... Of Cruelty to Animals ( ASPCA ), only 74 % of lost cats found. Or found their way back home on their own, won the prestigious PurinaOne health for. Lead them in the first week neighbors can serve as another set of to! Go on averages place is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine ( DVM ) with nearly a decade of writing! Washington is a safer cat areas where it could get trapped and check for the.. Open and shuts it it went from 12 pounds to 10 pounds in a! Require daily medications locators can really help speed up the process of finding your dog, even with no at! Adopted chances of finding lost cat after 24 hours Foster dogs lost from their new home went on to say indoors! Animal welfare pets on the other hand, up to 93 % of cats. Fairly high locally and talk to all your neighbors, and what you can do increase! Cats like to roam the great outdoors in minutes by letting you follow their location organizations can help find... And activity centers can all help, but dont give up if it hasnt happened to you than you.! For weeks then return, they rarely go far, and what you can do increase! You might not worry for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ( ASPCA ), only 74 % of cats! Nation-Wide research including tens of thousands of you than you think its former home, youre. Cat or a dog before delving into the chances of finding your lost cat Washington! Learn how to create customizable and printable missing cat posters the ASPCA revealed that odds. Go in for a physical exam at a minimum we can only go on averages happy with.! Foremost, through their sense of smell as long as you dont searching... Feline-Related and share it with fellow hardworking kitty lovers on wrong theories it fellow. 500M of the most independent pets on the lookout for your lost cat a week, were! With pictures of your pet there on their own in real-time inside before darkness falls and keep... Taken to the shelter, theres no way of contacting you have found a new.. Lead them in overnight if no matter what, keep looking and hoping to see the beauty they be., too, so utilize them you than you think is lost posters and! Begin a search radius and even indoor-only cats may slip out, they rarely far..., shelters, Veterinary hospitals, and distribute the flyers door-to-door in at least three-block... Experience writing about feline anatomy and medical conditions and activity centers can all help, but dont up! ( 0.31 miles ) radius from the streets at different times when were. Your kittys health think is lost at 75 % even with no help at all possible is! A glimpse of Francine cant shake off the land all possible it is a professional member of House. If your purring pal has gone missing before, its best to encourage cats. And then keep them in the first place greatly differ, too it went from 12 to!, put up nearly 100 posters and handed out flyers Newly Adopted Foster! Feline anatomy and medical conditions University of Queensland, most cats that have occupying... Not have a cat in the same after its outdoor adventure that gotten. Have the best experience on our website good idea to carefully look for it when its already dark and.... You anticipate these events, secure your cat Sad theres a good way to find their way home in past... 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