Find Lost Cat

By Sitter For Your CrittersCats

Have you ever lost your cat? The feeling you get when you can’t find your pet is overwhelming. You panic, you get upset and you are scared.  I get it.

The best way to find your cat is to act quickly and get the help of friends, family, and neighbors.

In this article, we are going to run through all of the things you can do in order to get your pet home safely and as quickly as possible.

I recommend keeping the following items in an easy to find place:

  • Recent photo of each of your Cat (s)
  • The microchip information
  • A checklist of things to do when your cat goes missing
  • Numbers of family, friends and neighbors

With a ready to go checklist, you can act quickly when time is of the essence.

How to Find Your Lost Cat In Chico: The Complete Guide

The most important thing is not to panic. If you cannot think clearly you will not be able to help your cat. Acting quickly is super important when it comes to finding your lost cat. Take a few deep breaths so you can stay calm. Grab your checklist and work through each item as fast as possible is going to be the best way to get your cat back to you.

#1. Get help from Family, Friends, and Neighbors

You can assign people to different tasks – getting your cats’ information online,  another one making phone calls, others looking in the area the cat was lost. This will help speed up getting the list of items to do done more quickly.

Ask your neighbors if they have seen your cat and if they can keep an eye out in case your lost cat shows up. Have a picture ready to show them in case they do not recognize your cat. You can text them a photo of your cat – this way they will have a recent photo to look at if they think they see your cat. It will also ensure they have your phone number so they can reach you.

#2. Check Local Buildings

Often cats can get locked in a garage or a shed, so make sure you check local buildings.

Ask neighbors to check their garages, sheds, and buildings to see if your cat is trapped or hiding inside.

If you can’t get access to any buildings then calling your cats’ name might make them meow so you know they are in there.

#3. Check With Your Local Rescue/Pound

Call the local rescues in your area. Butte Humane Society (530) 343-7917 and Chico Animal Shelter (530) 894-5630are the two main ones in Chico. You will also want to have someone go in person and fill out the lost cat information. They keep a binder in their lobby.

#4. Share On Social Media

It’s important to get the word out to as many people as possible. Make sure you share all the details on social media and ask people to share the post for you.

There are several Facebook Groups set up for butte county and the city of Chico where you can post details of your missing cat. Make sure to include where your cat went missing.

Be wary of people contacting you with sightings of your pet. Never go alone to meet anyone – always take someone with you.

#5. Create a Dog Is Missing Flyer

The flyer should include

  • Recent photo of your pet
  • Where they went missing
  • Your Contact information

#6. Check Lost and Found Websites 

Check online at found pet sites such as HomeAgain and TabbyTracker, and issue a PetAmberAlert.

Check Craig’s list, Nextdoor and other local listings. I would also post on these sites your lost cat’s details.

#7. Search For Your Cat

While searching for your cat have their favorite treat with you.

What Can You Do To Protect Your Cat

The following are things you can do to try and help get your cat back to you if they do go missing.

#1. Keep Their Microchip Details Up To Date

Make sure to register your pets’ microchip and keep it up to date. There are several different websites that you can register your pet’s microchip with.

#2. Teach Them To Come 

Associate a certain loud noise (a whistle for example) with getting their favorite treat. This will help ensure they will hear you when you’re out looking for them.

What To Do If You Find A Dog/Cat

  • If you find a cat or a dog then take it to your local vet so they can scan their ID chip and contact the owners.
  • If there is a tag on you can always contact the owner directly.
  • If neither of these are available then you should list the pet on one of the lost and found websites and on social media.
  • Always make sure you check for proof of ownership before you hand over the pet. For example, photos, color of the collar, unusual markings etc

Leave a Reply