Will my Lost Cat Come Home

The Nature of Cats

Every cat has its own personality, but one thing most cats share in common is a desire to explore the great outdoors. If you happen to let your cat have free time to roam outside, then you already understand how much cats love to put their natural instincts into action. If you happen to have an indoor cat, you've probably noticed the way he/she likes to spend time watching the world outside from your window.

Cats are also creatures of opportunity. They will sometimes wander off and enjoy the hospitality of other kind people who will set food out for them, assuming these cats are strays. If the pickings are especially good, a cat may pay an extended visit before retracing its steps back home.

While outdoor cats have basically learned the neighborhood territory and how to avoid the local perils, an indoor cat doesn't have the skills for immediate survival in the wild. This is why the situation can be so dangerous for a feline that escapes your property.

Question:Will my Lost Cat Come Home

Few things are more alarming to pet lovers than discovering a cherished pet is missing, and many feline owners often wonder "Will my lost cat come home?" The answer to that question depends on many factors.

• Is your cat a complete house cat, or do you let him/her roam from time to time? A cat that knows the neighborhood at least a little has a better chance of coming home than one that has never left your house.
• Is your cat spayed or neutered? A cat in search of a mate may actually travel farther than one that is merely exploring your yard.
• How old is your feline? A young kitten is more likely to be adopted by someone than a mature cat.
• How long has your cat lived with you? A cat or kitten that is new to you and your home may not yet feel a true sense of belonging, and is more likely to wander away. On the other hand, a cat with a firm sense of its own territory is far more likely to return once it gets tired and hungry.
• Do you live in the country or the city? Cats that go missing in rural areas may fall prey to wild animals. In the city, your cat may be taken in by a well meaning stranger, or even turned over to an animal shelter. There is also a greater chance that a cat missing in the city will become the victim of an automobile accident.

These are just some of the factors that can play a role in whether a lost cat is able to find its way back home.

What to do When Your Cat is Lost

It's easy to panic when you find your feline is missing in action, but there are steps you can take to increase the chance your cat will be found and returned to you. Your chances are significantly better if you act sooner rather than later.

Immediate "To Do" List

• Check every inch of your property first.
• Call your local animal shelters to let them know your cat is lost. Give a good description of what your cat looks like, or better yet, make photo copies of his/her picture to drop off. Be sure to provide your contact information.
• Check in with your local animal warden if your municipality requires licensing cats. Your pet could turn up there.
• Put out a bowl of your cat's favorite dry food in hopes of luring him/her back to your property.
• Take a walk through your neighborhood to see if you can locate your pet yourself. Don't forget to look up in the trees. Cats love to climb.
• Take a drive around the area you live in. Many cats are found within a three mile radius of home.

More Ideas

If your cat doesn't come home within the first 24 hours, you will need to step up your search.

• Create a flyer with your cat's photo on it, along with the words "Lost Cat," your address and telephone number. Tack them to utility poles, and ask stores around the neighborhood if you can hang one up with them, especially pet supply stores.
• Call as many local vets as possible to see if an injured, unclaimed cat has been brought in for treatment. Describe your cat in the event that one is brought in later, and leave your name and number at the office.
• Place a lost add in the pet section of your newspaper. Some newspapers actually provide free ads as a public service.
• Check the "found pets" section to see if some other kind person has your cat and is trying to locate you.
• Adults may want to canvass the neighborhood door to door.
• Continue to check with shelters, vets and your animal warden in the days and weeks to come.

Conclusion

In the end, many cats find their way back home, even after an extended time away. However, there is not always a happy ending to the situation.

If you want to be pro-active, have your cat wear a collar with a license, if applicable, and your address tag on it so your cat has a greater chance of being returned to you in the event it becomes lost. Make sure the collar is worn at all times, because you never know when your pet might take the opportunity to slip away on its own. It's always better to be safe than sorry.