Finding a lost cat can feel impossible. There are endless places to check, the possibility that they've traveled miles, and the worry that they are injured or sick.
Lost cat finders refer to any tool, technology, or service that aims to reunite you with your missing kitty.
These can include pet detectives, lost and found websites, social media groups, and tools like PetRadar.
In this article, we'll be detailing the options that are out there and when's best to use them. Don't worry, you're not alone. We'll help you find your furry friend again!
Quick Navigation
Key takeaways
What are lost cat finders?
When should you consider a lost cat finder?
FAQs
Final thoughts
What are lost cat finders?
Lost cat finders are tools and services that specialize in reuniting you with your lost cat. There are plenty of different options out there for all pet owners to make a stressful time slightly easier.
Pet detectives
Hiring a pet detective for lost cats is an example of a lost cat finder. This means you can hire an expert who will combine professional search and rescue techniques with an extensive knowledge of cat behavior. These can be great options for pet parents who are short on time.
However, they come with a significant cost, and the search is not guaranteed to reunite you with your lost cat. The pet detective experience can be fantastic, but it depends on your personal situation.
Technology
Our tool, PetRadar, is set up to make a lost cat search easier and more effective. By using paid ads on social media, we can spread the message of your missing kitty to over 4,000 people in your neighborhood.
The website also manages all reported sightings in a clear dashboard to help you stay proactive in the search. So far, this has reunited 8000+ cats with their worried owners.
We also provide:
Ongoing emotional support
Expert advice for every lost cat case
Instant notifications when sightings are reported
Printable missing cat poster templates
Dashboard with insights into the effectiveness of the campaign
A free listing of your missing cat on our website
Lost and found websites
Another common lost cat finder tool are websites set up to list lost and found pets in your area to help in your lost pet search. These are a great resource to check up on when your kitty has gone missing.
Thousands of lost cat owners will visit these sites to check for updates in case their furry friend has been found by someone. If you are UK based, check out the Cat's Protection site, for example.
Social media groups
It's common to find a lost cat group in your neighborhood on social media. This can be a fantastic way to alert your whole community quickly and get some much needed help with the search effort.
If you choose to post on these groups, be sure to include:
Detailed description of your cat's physical traits
Detailed description of your cat's personality
Photos of your cat's whole body
Close up photos of memorable physical features
Information about where the cat lives
When should you consider a lost cat finder?
As a cat owner, it's difficult to know when you should start worrying. If your cat is a natural outdoor adventurer, then you may be unsure when you should up the search efforts. However, if you have an indoor home body, it might be easier to know when to worry.
Your cat has been missing for over 48 hours
While cats can go almost two weeks without any food, they can only survive for 48 hours without water. Now, it's likely they would have found water on their adventure, but you want to be sure. For this reason, if they have been missing for over two days, you need to up the search effort.
Try the different lost cat finder options and see which one works best for you. We'll also give you free advice on how to find your kitty.
Your search efforts haven't worked
If you feel as though you have tried everything but you still haven't found your little kitty, it might be time to try a lost cat finder.
Sometimes, we need a little extra help. Especially if we've got a busy schedule or kids to look after! This is what lost cat services are for, so don't be afraid to reach out.
As soon as you contact PetRadar, we will provide you with advice, insights, and materials to help you locate your cat, like a downloadable missing cat poster.
Your cat breaks their normal routine
Even if your cat hasn't been missing for a full day and night if you suspect something might be wrong, trust your instincts. Our kitties are creatures of habit and routine, so when they break this, it may mean they are in trouble.
For example, if your furry friend hasn't come home for dinner or come in for the night, you should be proactive in starting to search as soon as possible. The quicker you take action, the more likely you'll find your kitty!
FAQs
How do you find your cat when it's lost?
To find your cat when it's lost, you'll need to:
Start a physical search inside and outside your home
It is common for your lost cat to come home. However, you can help them by:
Leaving strong-smelling food outside
Opening your doors and windows
Calling their name
Leaving toys and blankets outside[[/faq-answer]]
How can a lost cat find its way home?
Lost cats find their way home by using their homing abilities. Their incredible sense of smell, hearing, sight, and sensitivity to the Earth's electromagnetic field means our kitties are great at understanding their surroundings.
How long can a lost cat survive outside?
A lost cat can survive for years outside if they can hunt and find water. However, cats can only go 2 weeks without food and only 2 days without water.
How long should my cat be missing before I start to worry?
If your cat is missing and it's not like them, you should be proactive in searching for them straight away. The quicker you start looking, the more likely it is you'll find them.
What are the chances of a lost cat coming home?
At PetRadar, we have a 68% success rate. This means if you use our services to find your missing kitty, you are likely to be reunited with them.
How far do cats travel from home when lost?
Cats usually only travel around 0.2 miles from home a day. However, when they are lost, this could increase drastically, sometimes even distances as far as 5 miles.
Final thoughts
If your kitty goes missing, you're not alone. There are thousands of fantastic tools out there to help you find your furry friend. If you want some extra information, explore our lost cat advice articles in this blog. We detail the best practices for finding lost pets alongside personal experiences and expert insights.
If you're currently struggling to find your cat, start a PetRadar search. You select the radius of neighbors you want us to reach, and we'll do the rest!
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.
