How To Find A Lost Cat: All You Need To Know

Are you currently wondering, where is my cat?! and freaking out just tiny bit? That’s understandable. Losing a furry friend – even momentarily – can be any pet parent’s worst nightmare. And with all the reasons why cats run away, it’s essential to know to how find a lost cat fast.

If you have a missing cat, take a deep breath, and try to stay calm. You’ve already started looking – which is a great first step. Because the sooner you get started, the better your chances for finding a missing cat.

So skim through our guide below, which is full of tips and helpful information that can help you bring your cat home safely.

Why do cats run away?

Whether they are indoor or outdoor cats, our feline companions sometimes stray. There are many reasons why cats run away, but here are some common ones:

• 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
• Cats are curious beings who love to hunt and explore their territory
• Of course, it could just be that there’s a friendly neighbor feeding them
• A sick or injured cat might be more likely to hide to nurse themselves back to health on their own

Read more: The most common reasons why cats run away.

Whatever the reason, it’s quite common for cats to run away. So if you find yourself wondering how to find a lost cat, you’re definitely not alone.

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. And reassuringly, cats do have a great sense of direction.

However in some cases, cats can go missing for days, weeks, months or even years. They may return, or might not ever make it home. However, the sooner you get started with your search, the more likely you are to find them again, safe and sound.

In general, how long your cat might go missing for might depend on why they’ve gone missing in the first place. Because in general, if your cat is gone for more than 12 hours or overnight, it’s time to take action.

Don’t panic. Follow the tips in this article to bring your cat home safely.

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: what are the chances of finding a lost cat?

A 2018 study from Animals gathered data on search methods used to find missing cats, which ones were most successful, and where the lost cats were found. According to the study:

• 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 😿

More from their research:

• A physical search increased the likelihood of finding a missing cat
• 75% of cats were found within 500 meters of where they escaped

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

Can a microchip help me find my lost cat?

No. A cat microchip only works as an ID tag for your cat. It doesn’t help you track your cat in real-time or follow their every step.

⚠️ A microchip can help a vet or local animal shelter identify your cat. (By scanning their microchip and finding your contact details.)

• To find a lost cat with a microchip, 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.

• 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.

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. It also doesn’t keep your cat safe from pet thieves, who might not contact you to inform you they’ve found your cat. (Or might – and then threaten an exorbitant finder’s fee.)

On the other hand, a GPS cat tracker helps you find your lost cat in minutes by letting you follow their location in real-time. And in many cases, the Tractive GPS has actually helped rescue cats who’ve been picked up by pet thieves.

Know everywhere your cat goes

See where they are in real-time, no matter how far they go. Get alerts if they roam too far home. Find out where they’ve been and discover their favorite spots. Let others track with you.

Discover Cat GPS Trackers

Cat hiding inside the house

It could well be that your lost cat is actually hiding inside the house. Cats hide indoors (and sometimes outdoors) for a number of reasons:

• They want to feel safe and cozy: maybe they found a comfortable box in the bottom of your closet and decided to take a nap
• They’re scared or anxious: for example, if a two-legged or four-legged “stranger” is over for a visit at your place
• They’re sick or pregnant: cats often go into hiding when they are feeling unwell, or are about to give birth

So do thorough check indoors, and ask other members of the household to help.

💡If you have a Tractive GPS cat tracker, you can also use its Bluetooth, Light & Sound, and Augmented Reality features to locate your cat at close range.

So here are 3 quick and easy ways to locate a hiding dog or cat when they’re busy playing hide and seek indoors.

Find Your Missing Cat

Cat hiding outside, close to home

According to pet detective and lost cat expert Kat Albrecht, missing cats tend to hide, in silence, typically staying close to home¹. Lost dogs, on the other hand, tend to run and travel great distances quickly.

That means your lost feline friend is probably closer than you think. They might have gone into hiding, outside and close to home, for any of the reasons above. Or they might have gotten stuck, lost or frightened while chasing butterflies.

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

Especially if your cat is an indoor cat, you’re likely going to find them near home.

How to find a lost indoor cat

Having an indoor cat go missing can be especially heartbreaking, because we aren’t used to them wandering far from our feet! 😿 So, how does one find a lost indoor cat?

The first step is understanding that cats are territorial creatures, and that they often don’t leave their territory on purpose.

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 in order to find a lost indoor cat.

• Call their name
• Put out some cat food
• Check any potential hiding spots like in the garage or up a tree

With these steps, your feline friend will likely be back in your arms in no time.

⚠️ Outdoor cats, on the other hand, are known to travel farther. They were found an average distance of 300 meters – or three football fields – away.

Which is where a GPS tracker with an unlimited range can be an absolute lifesaver.

Track Your Cat With Tractive

Conducting a physical search for your lost cat

If your cat is missing and nowhere to be found inside or near your home, it’s time to start an active, physical search for them.

⚠️ In other words, don’t just wait for your cat to return home on their own. In fact, 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 them².

• Start at home and work outwards. Remember, 75% of cats were found within 500 meters of where they call home.
• Make a list of reasons why your cat could be lost. Then, you’ll know where to start your search.
• 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 it³.
• Ask friends and neighbors to help.
• Consider your cat’s personality. Are they more likely to be hiding, or exploring the neighbor’s farm? This story shows how one Tractive user discovered their curious cat Kiwi trapped inside a moving van!
• Check your cat’s old territory. If you moved recently, your cat may have tried to return to their old home.

💡Not sure about your cat’s territory? With Tractive, you can even map one out. Or figure out their favorite haunts with Location History. (Which picks up your cat’s location even in areas with poor cell coverage.)

Finding a lost cat with a Tractive GPS cat 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. You can:

• Hit LIVE to follow every step in the Tractive GPS mobile or web app with real-time location updates

• Track together with friends and family using Family Sharing
• Virtual Fence. Set up a “safe zone” around your home or backyard. Now you’ll immediately get an alert on your phone if your cat tries sneaking past it.
• Bluetooth tracking. Use Radar Mode once you’re nearby to pinpoint their location – they might be hidden behind or under something
• Light and Sound. Activate Light if it’s dark out, or Sound if it’s hard to see where they are
• Share your cat’s current location with the public if your cat is further away, and you need help getting reunited – you can do this in the location section under the Tracker tab in your profile
• Reunite with your cat, and give them a big cuddle

Track Your Cat In Real-Time

Luring out a 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.

This can help lure your missing cat home. However, be aware of raccoons (and other wildlife) it may also attract!

How do I attract a lost cat?

Here are some more ideas to attract a lost cat back home:

• Leave the garage, or another door cracked open – cats like to sneak inside
• Put your cat’s favorite bed, blanket or scratcher outside – the scent will attract them
• Put some special food out, like tuna or sardines. The smellier the better! Just make sure it’s salt and oil free. Heat up the food to increase the aroma
• 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 8pm-2am and 4am-7am⁴

Making lost cat posters and social media posts

Still no luck finding your cat after your search? It might be time to put up missing 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

In addition, you’ll 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.)

Contacting local vets and shelters

Perhaps your cat has already been found and brought into a vet or shelter. Call local vets and animal shelters to ask if anyone has brought in a cat matching your cat’s description. 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:

• Missing Animal Response Network – Lost Pet Recovery Training by Kat Albrecht
• Animal Search UK
• Petco Love Lost

Asking local animals

If you want to find a lost cat, here’s an unusual tip from some fellow cat lovers in Japan. If you see other cats in your neighborhood, talk to them! That’s right – enlist the help of other felines in the effort to bring your cat home. According to an article on Japan Today, some lost cat parents have had success by doing the following:

• When you see other cats in your neighborhood, approach them kindly.
• Tell them, if they happen to see your cat, to tell your cat to come home.

It might sound strange, but if it can help you find a lost cat – why not give it a try?

Will my other cat look for my missing cat?

Some people wonder if their other cats will look for and maybe help them find the missing cat in their family. Eva Morchairs shared a success story like this on Quora:

“Tofu (the cat) didn’t come home after being let outside to play. I stayed up all night worrying about her. Come morning, still no sign of her.

I had another cat, Fifi, that wanted to go outside and play. Before I let her go outside, I picked her up and held her face up to mine and made eye contact with her and asked her to go and find Tofu. I told her to go find her and bring her home.

I gave her a small kiss on the nose and I opened the back door for her and let her go play. About twenty minutes later my mom called out to me – Fifi and Tofu were both sitting on the steps outside my back door.“

So, it seems like it’s worth a shot. You could try asking your other cats to help you find the missing one. But of course, this may not work, as the companion cats may not be willing to explore unfamiliar places in search of the lost one, in favor of their familiar territory.

More tips on how to find a lost cat

If your cat is missing, it’s understandable that you may be anxious, and searching the web for the best way to bring your cat home. No one likes the feeling of not knowing where their furball is! But hopefully, with all these tips, you’ll be together again in no time.

To finish, we thought we’d share some extra quick tips on how to find a lost cat:

Look when it’s dark & quiet outside

• Use a flashlight to search in the dark
• Got a Tractive device? Trigger its Light function to locate your cat with an LED light. Or trigger Sound for a high-pitched melody to help you locate your cat audibly.
• 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

• Set up a humane baited trap (available at a feed or hardware store). You can place some kitty litter and towels with your scent on them to lure your lost cat in.
• 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, our last tip for how to find a lost cat: 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.

How to prevent a cat from running away

Hopefully, you’ve found your cat with the help of these tips. Now, what can you do to prevent your cat from running away and going missing again?

Here’s how to avoid another nightmare:

• Create a cat enclosure.
• Do anything you can to keep your cat happy and occupied at home.
• Spay or neuter your cats, to prevent them from running away due to their strong mating instinct.

And finally…

Keep an eye on your cat in real-time with a GPS cat tracker. Or just let your Tractive device do the hard work for you.

For example, with your Virtual Fence, you can create a “safe zone” – like your home and backyard. Your cat’s tracker will continuously monitor this area and your cat’s movements.

But the minute they try and sneak past it? You get an escape alert on your phone. So you can go and pick them up and lead them back to safety every time.

Because the pain and anguish of losing your furry friend is never worth it – but the relief and joy of finding them again always is.

“Tractive is the #1 cat GPS tracker in the industry. And it’s the highest quality cat tracker you can find. I was able to set the safe zone as my house area and once my cat gets outside I get an alert right away.

In fact, it probably saved my cat’s life that time she chased a bird and got lost. She was scared and I was able to find her with the help of the GPS tracker. Tractive’s chip frequently calculates your cat’s location and is updated on the map every 2-3 seconds. Furthermore, the LED will help you guard your furry friend at night.”

– Clair Chesterman, Owner of CFA and CCA-registered cattery and fostering company, FluffyMeowPaws

Never Lose Your Cat Again

How to find a lost cat – and prevent them from going missing

Remember, should your cat go missing, the most important thing is to not give up. Finding a lost cat might feel challenging, but chances are, you will be reunited in no time.

The good news is that studies have shown that about 74% of lost cats are eventually united with their family again⁵. So try to stay calm and hopeful until your feline friends is in your arms again.

For more tips and info on how to find a lost cat and prevent them from going missing, check out the video below:

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.