Key takeaways
Finding a lost cat can be extremely distressing. 11% of cats are found because of neighborhood signs (source). While this may not sound like a lot, it's actually one of the most effective ways to help find your furry friend alongside a thorough physical search.
It's important to consider legalities before posting your flyer around your neighborhood. This can change depending on the country and state you live in. The most effective places are communal areas with a lot of footfall.
Download PetRadar’s free and printable missing cat poster to speed up the process of finding your furry friend.
PetRadar provides a modern missing cat poster. We create a digital poster, and you decide how many neighbors you want to reach. Next, we'll organize sponsored ads on Instagram and Facebook.
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What to include in your missing cat poster?
Titles
“MISSING”
"HELP! Missing pet"
"MISSING CAT IN YOUR AREA"
"HAVE YOU SEEN THIS CAT?"
"CAT MISSING NOW"
"MAD CAT ON THE LOOSE"
"THIS CAT NEEDS YOU"
"FELINE FRENZY IN YOUR AREA"
"I MIGHT BE IN YOUR GARDEN"
“Generally, a good rule of thumb is to keep the title short, simple, and to the point. Block capital letters that take up the top third of the page will grab people's attention.”
Information
Cat's name
Cat's age
Description of the cat's personality (E.G., timid, adventurous, aggressive)
Description of the cat's distinctive features (E.G., white socks, stripes, markings)
Your contact number to report sightings
Places your cat usually explores
Images
Shows your cat's whole body
Shows any distinctive features
Is of high quality
Is printed in color
How to download our free missing cat template
Why we use QR codes
Where to stick a lost pet poster?
Communal hallways in apartment buildings
Community centers and town halls
Local parks
Letterboxes
Corner shops
Printing tips
Print on waterproof paper or seal the poster in a waterproof casing
Print on photo paper so the image of your cat is clear
Print in color (it will be easier to see at night)
Print in at least A4 size so all the information is clear and readable. The bigger sizes are better!
Save money and opt for a bulk order. It'll make the unit price less, and you'll be able to reach more people.
A digital alternative?
Support you emotionally
Manage all reported sightings
Provide a personal dashboard so you can monitor how the campaign is going
Instantly notify you when new information comes in
List the ad on the PetRadar website
FAQs
Do lost cat posters work?
Lost cat posters can work very well. In fact, 11% of cats are found through this method, and while that may not sound like a lot, it's an effective form of finding your lost cat compared to others.
Should you put a reward on a missing cat poster?
This is entirely up to you; however, putting a reward on a missing cat poster can make it more engaging and provide an incentive for your neighbors to actively search for your kitty.
Where can you put a missing cat poster?
You'll have to ask permission to put your missing cat poster up in public places like lamposts, shops, and parks. However, some good places that don't require permission include:
Communal areas in apartments
Posting through letterboxes
Public notice boards[[/faq-answer]]
What do you write on a missing cat poster?
It's important to write the following on a missing cat poster:
Name, age, and breed of cat
Contact details to report sightings
Distinctive physical features
Personality traits (aggressive, timid, adventurous)[[/faq-answer]]
What to do if an outdoor cat goes missing?
If your outdoor cat goes missing, it's essential to be proactive immediately. This includes creating missing cat posters, asking your neighbors to join the search, and calling local rescue centers. The most effective way to find your cat is to go and physically search for them.
How long will a lost cat hide if scared?
A lost cat will hide for anywhere between 2 hours to 48 hours. After 24 hours, your cat's stress and adrenaline should subside, and they will start trying to find their way home. Help them by leaving food, clothes, litter boxes, and treats outside. The familiar smells will help them locate your house.
Do cats get sad when lost?
Whether or not your cat will be sad when they're lost depends on their personality. A more adventurous explorer, used to the outdoors, will likely be enjoying their adventure. However, an indoor cat might feel scared, stressed, and disoriented.
How to design a missing kitten poster?
Your missing kitten poster should include:
Photos
An optional reward if reunited
All the necessary information to contact you
Description of physical and personality traits[[/faq-answer]]
Final thoughts
Written by
In this blog, I combine my two areas of expertise: pets and writing. I share my personal experiences alongside plenty of animal behavior research to help owners look after their pets. I have always lived with furry friends and am now a loving cat mum to two orange kitties.
