If your indoor cat has been missing for a week, it's essential to take action and remain vigilant, as there's still a good chance of finding your beloved pet.

Over 70% of lost cats are found. However, the majority are located within 7 days. This is why it's essential you do all you can to find them after a week.

We offer our expert advice and tips for making your search as effective as possible. We'll also take a look at why cats run away and how to keep them safe in the future.

1.

Expand the search area: Your cat might have wandered farther than you initially thought. Broaden your search radius and explore new areas, including nearby parks, wooded areas, and other neighborhoods. Check out how to find a lost cat in the woods for useful tips in wooded areas.

2.

Revisit previous search locations: Cats can be elusive, and it's possible your cat was hiding when you first searched the area. Recheck all previous search locations in case your cat has returned or come out of hiding. Learn more about how long cats may hide when scared.

3.

Continue notifying neighbors, local community, and shelters: Keep your cat's information circulating in your community. Update your lost cat posters and provide new information to neighbors, local animal shelters, and veterinary clinics. Check out our missing cat poster template for helpful tips on creating effective posters. \

Adjust search strategies based on weather conditions: Rain, wind, or extreme temperatures might affect your cat's behavior or location. Keep an eye on the weather and adjust your search tactics accordingly. Be aware that cats might behave differently in hot weather.

Search at different times of day, especially dawn and dusk: Cats are often more active during these times, so searching at dawn and dusk might yield better results. Learn how far cats typically go when they run away to guide your search.

Utilize social media and community forums to raise awareness: Post about your missing cat on local community pages, Facebook groups, and other online platforms to increase visibility and reach more people. Follow the lost cat Facebook tips on how to spread the word effectively.

Check local shelters and vet offices regularly: Regularly visit shelters and vet offices to look for your cat in person. Cats can look similar, and staff might not recognize your cat from a photo alone. Use this essential guide and checklist for reporting a missing cat.

Send you a printable, expertly-designed missing cat poster for free

Offer constant support and guidance

List your pet on our missing pet database

1.

Scent plays a vital role in helping cats find their way home. Place an item with your cat's scent, like a used litter box or their favorite blanket, outside your home to guide them back.

2.

Leave out food and water to sustain your cat if they're nearby, but don't overdo it – you don't want to attract other animals.

3.

Keep your windows and doors open. This will help familiar sounds reach your lost cat, helping them navigate their way back home.

Curiosity: Indoor cats are naturally curious creatures, and they might sneak out to explore the world outside their safe haven. Learn more about the top reasons why cats go missing.

Fear or stress: Loud noises, unfamiliar guests, or changes in the household can spook your cat, causing them to escape in search of a calmer environment.

Accidental escape: An open door or window can be an invitation for your cat to venture out, and before you know it, they're gone. Read about what to do if your cat gets out.

Scared and disoriented: After a week, your cat is likely to be frightened and confused, making them more prone to hiding or avoiding human contact.

Hiding spots: Your indoor cat may have found a hiding spot, like under a bush or in a garage, where they feel safe from perceived dangers. Learn about the top hiding places for cats outside.

Unfamiliar with the outdoors: Unlike outdoor cats, indoor cats lack the skills to navigate their surroundings and find their way home, increasing their risk of getting lost.

Provide proper identification: Make sure your cat wears a collar with an identification tag and consider getting them microchipped as a backup form of identification.

Regularly play with and engage your cat: Dedicate time to playing, petting, and grooming your cat, helping to strengthen your bond and keep them content. If you're struggling to engage with your cat, try some of our top techniques for locating your cat for fun and interactive games.

Monitor your cat's health and behavior: Keep an eye on your cat's overall well-being, and consult your veterinarian if you notice any changes in health or behavior. If you suspect your cat may be sick, learn about why cats run away when they are sick.