As a cat pet parent, losing your beloved cat is painful. You may have gone insane while searching for your beloved cat.
Numerous questions may be racing through your mind: how likely is it to find my lost cat? How can I bring my cat back home? The answer is simple: never give up on searching for your missing cat! At the same time, you need to consider some factors to know if your years of searching are truly worthwhile.
During this highly emotional phase, it’s understandable that you may struggle to make the right decision. That’s where we come in to support you.
Factors to Consider: When Should You Stop Looking For A Lost Cat?
Cats are sly and curious pets. They usually hide or move off. This is a cause for concern because they could lose. A variety of circumstances can influence the likelihood of returning home. These include your cat’s age, health, location, and time.
1. Time
The time since your cat vanished is essential. In the beginning, they might still be nearby, perhaps hiding or exploring. Keep searching actively during these initial hours and days. Especially if your cat enjoys outdoor time or if you’ve been away, they might return once they start missing you.
Cats are quite mobile and can cover up to five miles a day. So, within the first day, find within a 500-meter radius from where they disappeared. After 24 hours, the odds decrease, but don’t lose hope. Cats can wander far, and some are found weeks or even months later.
2. Indoor Cats Vs. Outdoor Cats
If your lost cat is an indoor pet, he is probably closer to the house than an outdoor cat. Because outdoor cats always roam outside. There is no one to watch them out.
So, conduct your search based on whether the cat is outdoors or indoors. Indoor cats are more likely to be found, whether outdoor cats may or may not come.
Statistics show that 75% of lost indoor cats are returned to their owners, compared to 33% of lost outdoor cats.
3. If Your Cat Is Young Or Elderly
It is very hurtful to say that cats have a tendency to wander off when they pass away. Cats typically live for about 13 to 14 years. If your cat is only 1 or 2 years old, they are still young.
But if the age is 12 years or more, then it is possible it is going to pass away. Your cat is now weak and has to hide from predators. Though they can not predict their future, it is their gut feeling. Consequently, they will seek out a secure place, far from any potential threats.
So, if you want to continue your search, consider your cat’s age. If they are middle-aged, then there is a high chance they are alive, and you can find them. They might recall familiar areas, landmarks, or even the layout of their home. If you have kittens, it’s important to start searching right away.
4. Less Possible chance for sick cats to return
If your cat is older and unwell, you should stop looking for them after a few days. They could be experiencing severe health problems. It’s possible that without access to food and water, they might not be able to find their way back home. If your cat is sick, especially with common feline health issues like infectious diseases or kidney disease, it’s wise to reconsider your search efforts.
Also, when a cat is feeling unwell, they usually seek out a safer spot. During this time, they become more susceptible. Cats believe that if their sickness remains unknown, they will be safe from harm.
In such situations, cats may venture off in search of a secure location. Typically, they don’t stray too far from home but rather find a hiding spot. In such a case, search thoroughly.
5. Wildlife Or Urban Area
Consider the area where your cat disappeared. Is it a safe locale, or does it pose potential risks such as busy streets, severe weather, or wildlife?
Harsh weather conditions, whether excessively hot or cold, can also pose serious threats to cats who are accustomed to the comfort of indoor living. Extreme temperatures may lead to heat-related illnesses or even hypothermia. In such environments, it’s crucial to extend search efforts and take extra precautions to ensure your cat’s safety.
Immediate Actions You Should Take When You Lost Your Cat
The best is to take some immediate action right after your cat loses. This will increase the likelihood for you to find your lost pet.
Check Your Home
Start by thoroughly searching your home, including small spaces where your cat may be hiding. Search in your garage, backyard, below the blanket or bed, small holes. Your cat may be hiding somewhere you do not visit frequently. Do not leave any space uncheck before you search outside.
Inform Neighbors
Spread the word in your neighborhood by talking to neighbors and asking them to keep an eye out for your cat. It may be possible your cat went to your neighbor to play. Or someone may have seen the cat heading somewhere.
The neighborhood includes the local shops, nearby parks, schools, or anywhere you take your cat.
Use Social Media
Use social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to reach a wider audience. Post a description and photo of your cat, along with contact information. Ask people to share the post more. By doing this, you can reach more people within a short time.
There are many online groups that help people find lost pets. You can ask for their help. Search for groups in your community. Or you can inform your family or friends group instead of asking them one by one.
Contact Local Resources
Reach out to local resources such as animal shelters and veterinary clinics to report your lost cat. Visit nearby areas where your cat may have wandered off. The cat might be roaming around and lost the way back. If you are lucky enough, someone may take the cat and give it to the shelter. So, do not forget to give a physical visit to those areas.
Utilize GPS and Microchip
If your cat is equipped with a GPS tracker or microchip, use the data to track their whereabouts or inform relevant authorities.
Expand Search Efforts
Coordinate with friends, family, and volunteers to form search teams. Assign specific areas to search and communicate regularly to cover as much ground as possible.
Verdict
A lost pet is very painful news, and nobody wants to stop searching until they get back to their beloved pet. But if the cat is old, sick, or missing for several years, then it is wise to stop searching. While we understand the pain, we encourage you to conduct an immediate search. We have shown some steps you can take once you find out about your missing cat. However, it is up to you when you want to stop looking for a lost cat. We have guided you with the factors you should consider, but the decision would be totally yours.
