Meow, hello and thank you for reading my newsletter this week. Today, I'm going to discuss what you should do if your cat is lost, and share some tips to keep your cat from going missing—plus, I’ve got some all-new photos of me in my stylish bandana for Memorial Day weekend!

Let’s kick things off with my favorite pic of the week!

What should you do if your cat is lost?

There is a beautiful cat in my neighborhood that recently went missing, only one or two blocks down the road from my home. My mom has been keeping an eye out everywhere for this sweet little guy:

Lost Pet Research & Recovery shares a lot of interesting information and statistics on lost pets in their article here.

For example, here is one particularly promising stat:

If your cat is missing, try the steps below and stay persistent and patient. There are many stories of cats returning after several days, weeks, or even months.

1. Start by searching the area

Of course, you should start by searching extensively around your home and neighborhood. Look high and low—from up in trees to underneath cars or behind bushes.

Also be sure that you’ve checked every corner inside your home, too. I gave my mom a heart attack last year when I disappeared somewhere inside the house for several hours and she couldn’t find me anywhere. She came home exhausted from searching the neighborhood, only to find me walking around the living room.

2. Let your neighbors know

If you have neighbors, it’s a great idea to inform them about your missing cat and ask them to check around their properties, including sheds and garages. In this article from Lost Pet Research, 78% of cats were found outside and 11% were found at their neighbor’s house.

Use Photoshop or a free website like Canva.com to create a flyer with a recent, clear photo, as well as a description and your up-to-date contact information.

3. Use social media

Post about your missing cat on social media platforms, and join and post in local community groups and lost and found pet pages. Spreading the word about your missing cat will greatly increase the chances of someone finding it.

4. Contact your local animal shelter and vets

Inform your local animal shelter and vets about your lost cat and provide them with a description and photo. If your cat is found but is not identifiable with an ID tag or microchip, it’s likely that it will be picked up the local animal shelter, and they will contact you as soon as he/she comes in.

5. Use familiar scents

Place your cat's bed, litter box, and some of your clothing outside your home. If your cat is still nearby, it may pick up on the scent and find its way back.

6. Use pet recovery services

Register your lost cat with free pet recovery services such as Petco Love Lost, PawBoost, or LostMyKitty. These services will help spread the word and sometimes offer additional resources.

7. Try setting up a humane trap

If you believe your cat is still in the area, you might consider setting up a humane trap. Contact local animal control or a rescue group for advice on trapping.

8. Check online listings regularly

Keep checking websites like Craigslist, Nextdoor, local Facebook groups, and local animal shelter websites for found cat listings. You never know when someone may find and post about your kitty!

How to keep your cat from going missing

It is hard to imagine being lost and away from home. Luckily, there are preventative measures you can take to keep your cat from going missing.

1. Have your cat microchipped and properly identifiable

One of the most surprising statistics about missing cats is that the large majority of lost cats do not have any kind of identification on them.

Even if your cat is indoor-only, it’s important to have some of kind of identification on them in case they somehow escape and get lost. Make sure that your cat is microchipped and/or equipped with a safe collar that fits well, and an ID tag with up-to-date contact information.

Also consider attaching a GPS or AirTag to their collar, so you can track your cat’s whereabouts anytime. An AirTag works well but requires an iPhone and a cat collar like this.

2. Keep your cats indoors and only allow supervised outdoor time

Outdoor kitties can not only go missing, but they are also more vulnerable to things like car accidents, predators like raccoons or coyotes, parasites, and other hazards.

If you want your cat to enjoy some quality outdoor time, consider using a leash (I'm training on one right now), or create a secure outdoor enclosure to keep them safe and contained.

3. Cat-proof your home

Make sure your windows and doors are all securely closed and your screens are in good condition. Be cautious every single time you enter or exit your home to prevent your cat from slipping out.

Also regularly check for potential escape routes like gaps in fences or broken screens, and repair them as soon as possible.

4. Maintain a consistent routine and provide an enriching environment

Cats are creatures of habit, so a stable routine will help reduce their curiosity about exploring outside. In addition, with plenty of stimulation and enrichment inside your home such as toys, climbing structures, and playtime, your cat will be less likely to seek adventures elsewhere.

5. Get your cats spayed or neutered

Have your cats spayed or neutered to reduce roaming behavior. Spay/neuter surgery is another cost that is covered by pet insurance, which I detailed in a previous post.