Missing Cats? Tips to Bring Your Cat Home
Losing a pet is an unnerving experience. I’ve personally experienced this nightmarish scenario a couple of years back when a friend lost my pet. When this scenario happens, It’s easy to play the blame game and unleash your frustrations on whoever lost your pet. But let’s be real, this can happen to anyone. It’s could be an honest mistake.
The good news is cats are usually pretty good at finding their way home. Somehow, in a strange way, their built-in compass comes in handy when they navigate around the neighborhood. Unless your cat is old, sick, stuck, or injured, chances are, they will be home safe and sound.
If you do find yourself in this situation, apply the following tips to better your chance of finding your cat.
Join Local Facebook Groups
Social media is an extremely powerful tool to get the word out. There are many local Facebook groups dedicated to animals lost and found. On Facebook, you can alert animal lovers in your area to be on the lookout. Personally, Facebook was a saving grace when I went through the ordeal. Within an hour of my post, a kind Samaritan spotted my little one. Soon, I was able to locate my pet with the tips given to me.
Check Animal Shelters, Vet Clinics, and Kijiji
When most people find a lost animal, they would first check if the animal has a collar. If there is no collar present, they will most likely head to the vet to scan for a microchip. Unfortunately, there are also individuals that will take advantage of the situation and flip your pet for a profit. So, if lost your pet, alert nearby vet clinics, check the local shelters and keep an eye out on Kijiji.
Check within a 500 Meter Radius and Check at Night
You may be surprised, but most cats don’t wander far from their home. They usually operate within a 40 to a 500-meter radius from where they were initially lost. If you are going on foot to find your cat, make sure to go out after dawn. This is because most cats are more active after dawn when their preys come out to play!
Give It Some Time and Leave Food and Items Outside
Cats are natural wanderers. so, it’s not unusual that they spend up to 10 days wandering about before returning home. There are many instances of cats go missing for days on end before finally showing up on their owners’ doorsteps. To increase your chance of finding your cat, your best bet is to leave their beds, food, and water outside. These items will remind them that it’s time to go home.
Check Your Old Address If You Have Recently Moved
Some Cats can be spooked by a change of environment. So, sometimes, they might return to the place where they are most comfortable. If you’ve recently moved, it’s a good idea to visit your old address and advise the new owners to be on the lookout for your cat.
Make Fliers and Talk to People
Ground tactic works! As mentioned before, cats usually roam within a 500-meter radius. Therefore, letting your neighbors know will increase the chance of finding your cat. Have your neighbors check underneath their cars, garage, and backyard. Who knows? your cat might just be hiding somewhere in the neighborhood.
There it is guys! I hope you reunite with your fur baby soon.