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What to Do If Your Cat Goes Missing
 

First—don’t panic. Most missing cats, especially indoor cats, are found very close to home. These steps can greatly increase the chances of a safe return.
 

Put These Items Outside Your Home

Place them near your door or the area your cat escaped from:

• A used (dirty) litter box

• Strong-smelling food (wet food, tuna, or sardines) and fresh water

• A piece of worn clothing with your scent

• Your cat’s bed or blanket with their scent
   

Your cat has likely not gone far and may try to return quietly at night.
 

Search Close to Home

If your cat is normally indoors, they are almost certainly hiding nearby.
 

Carefully check:

• Under decks and porches

• Bushes and shrubs

• Woodpiles

• Garages and sheds

• Neighboring yards

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🔦 Best time to search: Nighttime with a flashlight. A cat’s eyes will reflect light, even if they are too scared to respond when called.
 

Take These Important Steps
 

• If your cat is microchipped, contact the microchip company to confirm your contact information is correct.

• Create and post Lost Cat flyers with REWARD clearly visible. Hand them out to neighbors.

• Notify your local police department and report your cat as missing.

• Post in:

  • Craigslist (Lost & Found and Pets sections)

  • Your local Nextdoor group

  • Local Buy/Sell/Trade and community Facebook pages

  • Ring Neighbors App

• Let your mail carrier know to keep an eye out.
   

Check Shelters & Online Resources
 

• Visit local shelters in person—do not rely only on phone calls or online listings. Mistakes happen, including missed microchips.

• Check www.petharbor.com frequently.

  • Search by date, not breed or shelter

  • Check the “Found by Public” section as well

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Create a Safe Way Home

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• Leave your garage door slightly open if possible

• Set out a box or plastic tote with blankets for shelter at night
   

Use a Humane Trap if Needed

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If your cat is fearful or not approaching:

• Use a humane trap baited with strong-smelling food

• Create a food trail leading into the trap

• Traps can be purchased at Harbor Freight or borrowed from St. Louis Feral Cat Outreach

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For more detailed guidance, visit:
👉 https://molostfoundpaws.wordpress.com/resources/lost-pets-101/my-pet-is-lost-what-should-i-do/

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