Morninglory Persians: tips on searching for a lost cat

Probably one of the greatest fears we all share is losing a pet. With the exception of entire males and calling queens, cats do not usually wander far from home - they are territorial animals. If the cat is accustomed to having the freedom of the garden / area it may of course 'investigate' any new place or cubbyhole so organise a thorough search of all gardens including both inside and where possible under, outbuildings, hedges, culverts, ditches, trees etc. However a cat not accustomed to going out will usually find a hiding place and lay low.

Assuming that the cat has not been carried off, a lost or escaped cat is usually surprisingly close - often within a few hundred yards. However this can cover a considerable area - if you look at an ordinance survey map and draw a circle encompassing a radius of about 800 yards of your house, it is highly likely your cat is within this area. A lost or frightened cast will usually run a couple of hundred yards - in a more or less straightline - often instinctively up hill if possible. The cat will then often dive into the first available cover and stay there for a fairly long time.

So what do you do now?

notices and advertisements: Most people are fairly sympathetic however you need to ensure that there is some interest in helping you to find your cat - a reward is generally the best way to do this.

The notice should include:

• a clear description of the cat and if possible a photo
• area where the cat was lost from
• some information on the cat's temperment
• offer of a reward
• your contact details
• other comments useful comments include: 'needs regular veterinary care' (all cats do); children or companion pining; elderly cat, etc. (If someone has 'taken a fancy' to your cat, they are less likely to hang on to it if they thing is is old, ill or going to cost them a fair amount in vet's fees.)

Where should I advertise and place notices?

• advertise in the local newspapers and shops
• put notices in the vets, local rescues and pet shops - if you live near a park speak to the park attendants
• leaflet the area house by house
• speak to dog walkers and ask them to keep an eye out for your cat

Some tips on searching for a lost cat

• persuade /cajole / beg your neighbour to let you conduct a thorough search of their gardens - most people, however well intended, will simply look around to see if your cat is clearly visible - you need to really search - get down on your hands and knees and look into the shrubbery & under things.
• search late at night when it is dark and quiet - a cat is more likely to be active and the sound of your voice will carry farther - also a torch will pick up the reflection in the eyes of an otherwise well hidden animal
• search systematically and when you are searching start from farthest point you intend to search on that night and movre toward your property - otherwise you may be calling the cat away from home rather than toward it.

Take with you:

• a blanket or coat you can use to wrap the animal in - however attached your cat may be to you a frightened cat will often struggle, bite & scratch
• a small amount of food to tempt the cat closer to you if needed

How long should I keep looking?

• Hopefully your pet will be found very quickly, but it is fairly common for a lost cat to turn up weeks or even months later