It’s a scenario none of us want to imagine—your beloved feline friend escapes out the front door or manages to slink out the back while no one’s looking. What do you do when you discover that your cat is lost? Here are a few tips for helping to increase the odds that your pet is returned quickly and safely:

In the Yard

If you know that your indoor cat has escaped into your yard or the immediate area around your home, act quickly. Head outside with a bag of treats or a can of cat food. Do this quietly; clapping or shouting your cat’s name may only frighten them further and could cause them to dart away. It’s likely that your cat is hiding nearby, so calmly stand still in your yard and shake the treat bag or open the can of food. If your cat doesn’t come back shortly, be patient. Try again shortly after midnight, as many cats are likely to come out under cover of darkness in the early morning hours.

Hit the Pavement

Create fliers for your lost cat, complete with a recent photograph. Head around town and staple the fliers to telephone poles. Ask permission to post fliers at your local grocery stores, the post office, small businesses, restaurants, etc. You can also ask mailmen, paper delivery boys, and other folks who walk through the neighborhood if they’ve seen any sign of your lost pet.

Spread the Word

Call veterinarian’s offices and animal shelters in your area and let them know your cat has escaped, and check to see if they will allow you to hang a flier in their offices. Often, lost cats will be dropped off at these locations. You can also try placing a notice in the lost-and-found section of your local newspaper offering a reward for your cat’s return.

Prevention Tips

Of course, it’s best to prevent a lost cat in the first place if you can. Make sure Fluffy is microchipped and wears up-to-date ID tags. Pay attention when you leave home or return so that your cat doesn’t have a chance to slip outside. A final tip: be patient. Runaway cats have been known to return home all by themselves days, weeks, or even months after the fact! Would you like further advice on what to do if your pet gets lost? We’re here to help—call today.