Lost your cat? What to do next
On this page you’ll learn what to do if you’ve lost your cat, why they go missing and how to encourage them home.
Cats are natural wanderers. They can venture away from home for days, or longer, before returning. Fortunately, 62% of lost cats are returned to their owners. However, if your cat sadly doesn’t return, we’ll also help support you through this difficult time.
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What to do if you’ve lost your cat
If you think your pet has been stolen, contact the police.
You may be worried that your cat is trapped somewhere, has been hit by a car or even stolen – this is completely natural. However, according to a Petlog 2024 report, as many as 62% of lost cats usually return home or are returned successfully to their owner, often thanks to being microchipped (with up-to-date details).
If your cat has gone missing, take these steps to find them:
- Contact the microchip database: To report your cat missing and ensure your contact details are up to date. If you’re unsure what database your cat is registered with, identi provides a free search to help you find out.
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Report them missing on Animal Search UK: This is the leading search service for missing UK pets. Once you’ve reported your cat missing on the site, their system will cross reference their records everyday, and if somebody finds your cat and registers them to Animal Search UK, the database will link the cat back to you. Any pet found by the RSPCA will automatically be registered to the site.
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Share on social media: Share the details and photos of your missing cat across your social platforms. Check local groups regularly, as members of the public often share found or sighted pets on Facebook pages specific to your area.
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Report them elsewhere: You can also report your cat missing on Petlog and PetsReunited.
- Ask around: Talk to your neighbours and check your area, asking about your lost cat at your local RSPCA centre or branch, nearby vets, rehoming centres, other local animal shelters and Cat’s Protection. They may have information about your cat, already have them or will keep an eye out. Some places will only take in cats if they’re injured and unwell – they may already be inundated with animals, and if the cat is fit and healthy, they may advise you to return the cat to where they were found. Others, however, will accept them even if they’re in a healthy condition, especially if they believe them to be stray. Always call to check just in case.
Has a cat been in a road accident?
If you’ve spotted a cat that’s injured or at risk of harm – and you’re able to safely get to them – take them to a vet immediately. Otherwise, find out what to do if you’ve hit a cat with your car, witnessed a cat being hit by a car or have found a cat with severe injuries.
microchipping
In 2024, it became law to microchip cats if they’re older than 20 weeks. Owners found with cats that haven’t been microchipped are given 21 days to have one implanted, or may face a fine of up to £500. Make sure your cat is microchipped, the chip is registered and the details are up to date.
How to find a lost cat
After following the immediate steps above, there are a few other things you can do to encourage your cat home:
- Go out searching: Research suggests that physically looking for your cat and searching nearby increases your chance of finding them unharmed. 75% of cats are located within 500m of where they escaped. Try looking early in the morning and late at night, as cats are crepuscular creatures; most active at dusk and dawn. Call out for them loudly, giving them time to hear you.
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Lure them back: Shake treats, put out their favourite food (especially smelly foods), or leave items with familiar scents (such as toys, bedding, even used litter) to entice them home.
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Check unusual places: Thoroughly check your home and garden. Cats love tiny spaces to curl up into: boxes, cupboards, sheds, behind the curtains, on top of the fridge, beneath the bed, under your car, inside your washing machine, under floorboards, behind the TV, etc. Search in every confined space they may be able to squeeze into or get stuck in.
- Double check online and with neighbours: Continue to post online, in as many local groups and sites as possible. Ask neighbours to check around their home, as cats can often get stuck in sheds, garages or vehicles. Contact any delivery drivers who’ve visited recently, as cats may climb inside their vehicles without them knowing.
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Create a poster: To share online and around your local area. It should include:
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Images of your cat from all angles
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Details of their temperament and personality
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Recognisable features
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Whether they should be approached
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How they act around strangers
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The area they went missing
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Your contact details
Why your cat may have gone missing
Cats are known to roam. While some cats with access to the outdoors stick to familiar outside areas (gardens or the local neighbourhood), others may wander. Many return home after a few hours – or days – but sometimes, cats become trapped somewhere and need assistance.
Cats go missing for various reasons, such as:
- They’re stuck: In sheds, garages, vehicles, shut inside somebody else’s home or another building, etc. This is common when it’s cold out, as they may have entered somewhere looking for warmth.
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They’re new to the area: If you’ve recently moved or an indoor cat has escaped, their unfamiliar surroundings can make it difficult for them to navigate their way home. If they wander off, they can easily get lost. Keep your cat indoors for a while after moving, giving them time to settle and become familiar with their new surroundings before allowing them outside.
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They’ve been taken in: Cats can love a good meal and great company. If a neighbour is feeding your cat or has let them inside, they may stick around. This can also happen if the person thinks your cat is a stray. Ensure your cat is microchipped and speak to neighbours to spread the word that the cat is yours.
- They’re injured or unwell: Your cat may have gone for a wander, become sick or injured and unable to get home. Cats may also hide somewhere if they’re feeling unwell.
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They’re anxious or stressed: Changes to their routine (such as new surroundings, people or animals) or disruptions (such as construction work and fireworks) can cause your cat to run off and hide.
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They’re searching for a cat to mate with: If your cat is unneutered, they may wander off looking for a mate and disappear for days. Neutering can help to reduce these behaviours. Learn more about cat neutering here.
How far can cats wander?
Cats can travel distances of up to 80 miles, though most will stay close to home. Their refined sense of smell, hearing and visual memory helps cats find their way back to familiar territory; their instincts often bring them home.
However, research has found that outdoor cats usually travel further from home than indoor cats. If looking for an outdoor cat, you may need to search a larger area.
How long are cats lost for?
According to a 2018 study, 61% of lost cats were found within one year. Some cats can go missing for days, or return years later – it depends on their situation. Cats that are trapped, injured, have been taken in or stolen may be unable to return on their own and will need to be found or rescued.
Unfortunately, some cats might not make it home. During these heartbreaking circumstances, we’re here to help. Find more support on grieving a cat loved and lost below.
If your cat doesn’t return
If your lost cat never comes home, or has been missing for a very long time, it can be easy to think the worst – but it doesn’t mean the worst has happened. They may have been adopted by people who think the cat is a stray, or jumped into a vehicle and settled into a new neighbourhood. Your cat may simply be starting another of their nine lives.
Try to stay positive where possible. Cats can go missing for days, weeks, months – even years. Just like Chloe, the tabby-and-white cat returned to her owner after six years, thanks to her microchip. And Quincey, the black-and-white cat who'd been missing for 12 years before he was safely brought home.
They may still find their way back to you yet.
Grieving a lost cat
Many years may have passed without your cat coming home. It can be hard to accept that they might never return, or to decide when it’s time to stop searching. Whatever you choose to do, know you’re not alone. Grieving a missing cat is normal, even if after only a few days. They’re a part of your family, and will always have a place in your heart.
Or maybe your cat was found, but sadly hadn’t survived their time away. This unexpected loss can hit hard and hurt for a long time. Whatever you feel, however you’re feeling it, we’re here to help you through this tough time. Our pet bereavement toolkit offers support, expert guidance, and real-life stories to help you navigate the pain of pet loss and honour the bond you shared.
We understand how anxious and worrying it can be when your cat goes missing. We're here for you during this time. Our advice can guide you through the best steps to take to find them.
