When to Stop Looking for a Lost Cat? Important Answers for Owners
Key takeaways
It's a question nobody wants to ask, but unfortunately, it's a very real consideration for owners of missing cats.
First, it's important you have done everything you can. We'll detail some great search tips so you can be sure you've covered all ground.
Cats go missing for a number of reasons, including pregnancy, injury, illness, and a disruption to their environment.
We suggest never to completely give up the search for your kitty. However, if they are elderly or sick, it may be time to accept they may never come back.
In this article, we’ll offer our expert advice and insights to help you through your tricky time.
Quick Navigation
Key takeaways
Why do cats go missing?
When should you stop looking for a lost cat?
Grieving a lost cat
How to find a missing cat
FAQs
Final thoughts
Why do cats go missing?
According to recent research, 12-18% of cats will go missing at least once in 5 years (source). This is a significant amount, so if your kitty is currently lost, it's not a reflection on you as an owner.
Below are some common reasons why cats go missing. See if any relate to your situation and then get proactive.
Sick or injured
When cats are sick, their natural instincts kick in. This means that they will seek quiet, safe, and sheltered hiding places away from potential predators.
If you think this might be the case, you'll need to keep looking for them so you can provide the care they need.
Similarly, if your cat is injured, they will do the same to avoid any situation where they will be vulnerable. Even indoor cats that feel safest in their house, it's likely they'll naturally leave to find somewhere completely isolated.
Change in their routine
Domestic cats are creatures of habit. They like structure, safety, and routine. So, if this is broken, they may leave to find a new setup. Some common changes that can unsettle a cat include:
New visitors
New pets (especially the introduction of other cats)
Loud noises
Building work
Moving house
Try to limit the changes in your cat's life and respect their environment. If you can't help but change an element of their life, like moving house or a new housemate, try and let them adjust slowly and naturally.
Pregnant
Pregnant cats need somewhere safe and secluded to give birth to their kittens. If this isn't provided, they'll often run away to find it.
Caring for a pregnant cat is an involved and rewarding process. It's important you do your research to make sure you care for your kitty in the best way possible.
If they do go missing when it's time to give birth, this could put them and their babies in a vulnerable and dangerous position. If you suspect this has happened, you'll need to immediately start searching for them.
When should you stop looking for a lost cat?
Unfortunately, nearly every owner will experience losing a cat. This means they’re also likely to experience asking the question, “When should you stop looking for a lost cat?” It’s a horrible consideration but something we have to ask ourselves.
The decision to stop looking for a lost cat is a heartbreaking one to make. With stories out there of cats being found years after they have disappeared, it's important not to lose hope.
Whether it has been seven days or several weeks, we suggest never completely giving up on a search. However, there are specific occasions where you may want to consider accepting that your cat may not be coming back.
If your cat is elderly or sick
Unfortunately, it is true that cats tend to take themselves off when they die. While they can't predict their death, they will understand that they feel weaker or more sick than usual. For this reason, they'll seek somewhere isolated and away from any predators.
Our 21-year-old cat knew it was her time and took herself off to fall asleep under some farm equipment in an abandoned barn. Despite her mostly living indoors, loving a bed, and being scared of the outside world, her instincts were to remove herself from people.
If you have been searching for your cat for a while but suspect that they may have passed away, it could be time to accept that you may not find them.
It's incredibly difficult to move on when you don't have certainty, but you can still celebrate their life to give you a sense of closure.
Grieving a lost cat
Grieving a lost cat can be devastating. The lack of certainty, the hope, and the frustration can make it a torturous process.
As pet owners, we know that our furry buddies are part of the family. So, don't feel as if your emotions and grief aren't valid.
It's important to reach out to family and friends for support. This will give you a safe place to talk about your memories and share the love you have for your missing cat.
It can be a nice idea to ask people to share photos and videos they have of your kitty. It may be painful to see them, but it's a lovely way to celebrate their life. It can also make it easier to start accepting that your kitty has passed on.
"As pet owners, we know that our furry buddies are part of the family. So, don't feel as if your emotions and grief aren't valid."
How to find a missing cat
Before you start asking the question of when to stop looking for a lost cat, you need to make sure you have done everything you possibly can to find them. Waiting for them to come home or calling their name a few times just isn't enough. Follow our best tips on how to find a lost cat.
Keep searching
According to recent research, the most effective way of finding a lost cat is through a thorough physical search (source).
Don't assume lost cats will make their way back to you on their own. Instead, complete the checklist below and repeat the search for every day that your cat is missing:
Gardens: Gardens are safe and exciting places for cats to explore. However, they do have lots of hiding places perfect for scared kitties to wait. Check in long grass, hedges, bushes, up trees, and under garden furniture.
Nearby fields, farms, and abandoned buildings: If you think your lost cat is scared, they'll most likely seek somewhere isolated, sheltered, and quiet to hide. Farms and abandoned buildings are dark places that offer security, making them popular choices amongst lost cats. Remember, cats can wander far, so be sure to explore a little further afield than usual.
Local animal shelters: You should be constantly calling and visiting local animal shelters and vets. Check for updates, new animals, and any advice or tips they can give you.
💡 Top tip: Cat owners, remember to call shelters outside of your neighborhood. Lost cats can travel far, so if they've been missing for a while, they may have been found in a different neighborhood.
Lure your cat back home
There are going to be times when you can't search anymore. Whether you need to rest, get some sleep, or you're heading to work. However, you can still make these moments count by taking steps to help lure your cat back home. Try the following:
Leave their litter box outside: Cats can detect a scent from 4 miles (6.5km) away. They are extremely territorial and will recognize their own scent, which will be strongest in their litter box. By leaving it outside, you can help the homing abilities of your lost cat.
Leave food and treats outside: If your cat has been missing for a while, it's likely they're getting pretty hungry. Leave their favorite treats and food outside to try and attract them back to the house. Be sure to change it regularly because it will probably attract some wildlife you weren't expecting.
Keep your house calm: Avoid visitors, building work, and loud music. By keeping the house quiet and calm, your lost cat will be more likely to make their way back if they're scared.
💡 Top Tip: An open door can help familiar smells and sounds make their way to your lost cat and help them locate your house.
Spread the message
Keep your neighbors and the local community engaged with the search. You can join social media groups on WhatsApp and Facebook to update the local community and provide photos to help them identify your kitty.
Posting online will ensure as many people as possible in the search area will see it, and hopefully, some fellow cat owners will help out.
You can also start a PetRadar search. We'll create a digital missing cat advertisement that will pop up on your neighbors' social media feeds. You choose the area and the radius, and we'll make sure it reaches thousands of people.
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Expert Advice: Cat owners, remember to get your cat microchipped. This will mean next time they go missing, shelters, vets, and pet stores will be able to contact you via the ID tag if they find them. This will prevent losing them for too long in the future and help keep your cat safe.
FAQs
Should I keep looking for my missing cat?
Yes, you should keep looking for your missing cat. Cats can go missing for weeks, months, and even years, so it's important not to give up hope that you will find them. At CatRadar, we have reunited 8000+ cats with their owners, so start a search now.
What are the odds of a lost cat returning?
At CatRadar, we have reunited 8000+ of cats with their owners. It's very likely your lost cat will return, so it's important to continue the search and try to lure your cat back home.
What to do if your cat has been missing for a week?
If your cat has been missing for a weekd, keep searching for them. A thorough physical search is the best way to find your kitty. Also, leave litter boxes, food bowls, and blankets outside to help lure them back to the house.
What is the longest a cat can go missing?
A cat can go missing for weeks, months, or even years. The likelihood is that you'll find your cat after 48 hours, but if you don't, remember not to give up. Keep searching and let your neighbors know.
Do cats miss you when they go missing?
If your cat goes missing, they will most likely miss you. They may become frightened, disoriented, and lost.
What is the most common reason cats go missing?
The most common reasons cats go missing include:
Moving house
Curiosity
The cat is in heat, looking for a mate
Sick or injured cat[[/faq-answer]]
Do cats get sad when lost?
Most lost cats will probably become frightened, distressed, and disoriented. This means they'll probably find somewhere to wait and hide before trying to find their way home.
Do cats run away to die?
Unfortunately, many cats do run away to die. This is because their natural instincts tell them to find somewhere secluded, isolated, and safe to hide because they are weak and vulnerable to potential predators.
Final thoughts
So, when you're asking the question when to stop looking for a lost cat? Start a PetRadar search. We'll support you through the whole process. Finding a lost cat can be traumatic and feel never-ending. But as we mentioned earlier, don't stop hoping.
As well as ensuring thousands of people see your cat is missing, we'll provide you with your own personal dashboard to monitor sightings, list the ad on our website, and instantly notify you with any reports of your missing kitty.
Our priority is reuniting you with your beloved pet. With {(petsFoundBack)} cats already found, you can rest assured that, as a pet owner, you're in good hands. We're all cat lovers here!
Written by
Lauren Jeffries
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.
