What to do if your cat is lost or stolen
If your cat goes missing, it is important to act as quickly as possible for the best chance of them being reunited with you.
How to be prepared
- Keep a set of up-to-date photographs of your cat from lots of different angles. This way, if the worst was to happen, you can post pictures on social media or make up posters quickly.
- Write down a description of your cat including any distinguishing features, if they are microchipped, neutered, etc. This helps you to be ready in an emergency.
- Ensure your cat is microchipped. Cats must be microchipped by law.
- Keep all your cat’s documentation in one place to help prove ownership. This includes microchip numbers, vaccination certificates, registration documents, purchase receipts, rehoming contracts, and vet bills. It is also a good idea to keep some photos of your cat over the years.
- Make up some slips of paper with your name and phone number on, plus a brief description of your cat. This means you have them ready to hand out if you end up searching for your cat.
- Make sure your details are kept up to date on your cat’s microchip database and save their number in your phone in the event of an emergency.
What to do if your cat goes missing – who to contact and tools to use
- ACT QUICKLY! - immediately inform your microchip provider and ensure someone is always on hand to take calls from the number provided.
- Report it to the local authority animal warden.
- If you believe your cat has been stolen, report the theft to the police and ask for a Crime Reference Number. Also check if there was any CCTV operating in the area that might provide clues.
- Make full use of social media using Facebook, Twitter and even YouTube. You can also contact the local radio and local papers.
- Contact your insurance company, as most insurers cover advertising and reward costs.
- Ensure to contact your vets, as not only will they know if your cat has been handed in, but they can also keep an eye if you think your cat has been stolen.
- Contact the council, groomers, rescues, local community groups, churches, schools, and businesses to let them know your cat is missing.
- Make posters to put up in the local and surrounding areas.
Missing pet websites
Searching – where to begin?
- If your cat is sociable with people, check any areas where people gather such as cafes and shops. Leave your contact details and a description of the cat just in case.
- Stand still in one spot for 5 minutes and call out, if you get no response, move on and repeat. We recommend going out when its quiet.
- Immediately inform your microchip provider and ensure someone is always on hand to take calls from the number provided.
- Ensure to contact your local vets in case they are handed in or sadly caught in a road traffic accident.
- To try and encourage them back home, try placing scent markers around your property such as a cat litter box, bedding, hoover contents (place in a bag and poke a few holes in it), unwashed clothing, etc.
- As distressing as it is, it’s important to contact the council to find out who is responsible for collecting animals that have been involved in car accidents to rule it out. And if you live near a railway, it’s worth contacting the National Rail to rule that out too.
- Make full use of social media platforms. A lot of local areas have Facebook groups dedicated to people posting their missing pets, so then the local community can help to keep an eye out.
- Try to think where they could be hiding – could they be trapped in someone’s shed? Make sure to check nearby gardens, sheds, and outbuildings.