Key takeaways
Finding a lost pet can feel impossible. But the most important thing to do is spread the message. The more people on the lookout, the more likely you are to find your furry friend.
An effective way to do this is through lost cat signs or posters. In this guide, we'll explore how to create an effective flyer to catch the eye of passers-by.
We'll also look into other effective search methods and explain how you can get your free, expertly-designed missing pet poster from PetRadar.
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What are lost cat signs?
Are missing cat posters effective?
Physically search for them: Using a flashlight, strong-smelling food, and gently calling their name, search nearby parks, streets, woods, yards, and outbuildings. Many cats are often found in the neighbor's garage, so ask permission to search their property, too.
Lure them home: Cats have a natural homing instinct, which means they are able to find their way back home within their territory. However, if they have become lost this may be difficult. To help them, leave food, treats, water, and their litter box outside to lure them home.
Start a PetRadar search: A digital high-tech search can greatly improve your chances of finding your beloved pet. We'll distribute a sponsored post of your missing kitty on Facebook and Instagram that will show up on the social media feeds of over 4000 of your neighbors. They can then report a sighting, send it to a friend, or save it for later.
How to create a lost cat sign
Choose clear photos
Does it show memorable physical features? A photo that shows specific and recognizable features will help your neighbors identify the right cat. These can include markings, eye color, and tail length.
Does it show their breed? If your cat is a specific breed, then a photo showing their coat length, color, size, and distinctive look can help people in your area find them.
Is it a clear photo? A blurry black-and-white photo doesn't help anyone. Make sure you include multiple sharp photos that are easy to spot.
Make it eye-catching
1.
Write a bold title: A title in a large, bold font that takes up at least a quarter of the page is an essential element. To make this even more effective, try to think of interesting wording that will grab the attention of passers-by.
2.
Use primary colors: Bold colors that imply emergencies, like yellow, red, and orange, are useful in signifying the poster's importance. Naturally, more people will be attracted to the poster.
3.
Don't use too much text: Lots of small-font text will often put people off from stopping to read your poster. Use only essential information and format it in bullet points.
Ensure it's waterproof
Print on waterproof paper
Put the poster in a plastic wallet
Laminate the poster
Include essential information
Name
Age
Physical description
Description of personality traits (shy, aggressive, fearful, confident)
Where they went missing
How long they have been missing for
Contact information to report a sighting \
Where to stick a lost cat sign?
Community bulletin boards
Shops
Veterinarians
Animal shelters
Streetlights
Parks
Communal areas of apartment blocks
PetRadar's lost pet poster
QR codes
FAQs
How do you know if a cat is lost?
You will know if your cat is lost if they don't return home when they usually do. You will know if they are lost and not hiding if days go by without any sign of them.
What do cats do when they get lost?
When cats get lost, they will likely hide out of fear. However, during the night they will try to find their way home, find shelter, and hunt.
How far can a cat travel when lost?
A cat can travel very far when lost. While most cats usually only roam within 0.2 miles of their home, when they are lost, they can roam for miles.
Do lost cats usually come home?
Many lost cats do come home, thanks to their advanced homing instinct. However, most lost cats are found through a thorough physical search or recovered from an animal shelter.
How do I attract my cat back home?
To attract your cat back home, leave strong-smelling food, treats, water, and their litter box outside. They will be able to pick up the scent of these items from far away.
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.
