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Finding your lost cat1) Start your search as soon as possible. If your cat is sick or injured, she may be hiding in the house or very close by. Telephone nearby vets in case your cat has been brought in. Vancouver area residents should call the SPCA hospital at 604-879-3571. Your search has the greatest chance of success if your cat has been identified with a tattoo or microchip, and if you have kept your records current when you have moved or changed your telephone number.2) Take note of any unusual activity around your home, e.g. delivery or moving trucks on which your cat may have hitched a ride, construction noise or loose dogs, which may have frightened your cat. Check nearby trees, poles and roofs in case your cat has climbed them. Injured cats may hide in shrubbery. 3) If you believe your cat may be frightened or is an indoor cat that escaped, consider leaving a door or window open late at night so your cat can return home. Leave food out at night if there is any chance that your cat might be around. 4) Distribute flyers with your cat's description and a picture if possible to every home in a two-block radius and to vets' offices. Include a reminder to check in sheds, garages and yards. Put up large posters where they might be seen by passersby, i.e., on utility poles, shop windows and community bulletin boards. 5) Ask letter carriers, delivery people and neighbourhood children to be on the lookout. Give them a flyer. 6) Visit your local SPCA (ASPCA) or municipal shelter (some cities have both) every two to three days. Post a flyer on their bulletin board. Ask the staff to check their road kill and found records. Ask about all the cats in the shelter; some may be in isolation. 7) Advertise in the local newspaper and in regional papers if your cat may have travelled. Advertise for at least several months, because your cat may not be noticed for a while. If you don't have an answering machine or service, include the phone number of a friend who has one. Some people will only make one attempt to reach you. 8) Check the "found" ads and respond to any that are even close to your cat's description. 9) If your cat is frightened, injured or locked in a garage, the best time to look is at night when everything is quiet. Call and listen for your cat. DON'T GIVE UP. We know of a cat that was reunited with her owners after 5 years. If you find your cat, consider:
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Keep your cat indoors Preventing or solving scratching problems Watch for signs of illness Spay and Neuter Ask a cat How you can help a stray or feral cat Finding your lost cat |
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