How to Find Your Cat Easily If He Gets Lost

As a cat parent, you love your cat and you’re committed to keeping him safe, healthy, and happy. However, despite your effort, cats are mischievous little rascals! No matter how well-behaved your kitty is, there is always a chance that something outside of the fence or backyard will interest them.

In a previous post, we analyzed how important it is to microchip your cat and what you can do to prevent your cat from getting lost. In the following lines, we will try to cover all possible actions you can do in advance so that you increase your chances of finding your cat if he gets lost.

Get a bluetooth or GPS Tracker

Trackers are the quickest and easiest way to track your cat. You don’t limit your cat’s freedom, but you can check on his location when needed. Depending on your need and budget, there is a wide range of trackers to choose from.

Bluetooth trackers are smaller, cost less, and don’t require a monthly subscription fee. You just connect the tracker with the mobile app and attach it to your cat’s collar. They do have a limited range, usually about 200ft but if your cat gets out of the limits you’ll see a map with the last known location of your cat.

GPS tracker is heavier than a Bluetooth tracker, so your cat might try to get rid of it, but real-time location tracking will help you find your lost cat more easily. GPS also provides real-time tracking data, so you can always check where your cat is, no matter their location. This, however, comes at a price; GPS trackers have a monthly subscription plan that you have to pay for, on top of the price of the tracker.

Use a Collar with an ID tag

With an ID tag, your contact information is immediately accessible to anyone that finds your cat, so that he can contact you and return your furry friend. Also, they let anyone, who crosses paths with your cat, know that he isn’t feral and has a home where he is fed and loved. And should your cat be picked up by city or county animal control, administrative staff will know exactly how to reach you.

Always make sure that the info on the tag is up to date and that it hasn’t been damaged in any way and isn’t likely to fall off.

Take regular pictures of your cat

All cat parents are crazy about our cats, so you probably have a ton of pics of your furry companion, but it’s worth mentioning anyway. Recent photos can be a literal lifesaver if your cat gets lost.

Make sure to take at least one pic of your cat per week and focus on any unique identifiers, for example, unusual color patterns or face shape. Use that photo to print flyers to hang around the neighborhood or to distribute to animal shelters.

Keep documents of ownership

If your lost pet is brought to a vet or an animal shelter, you will most likely have to present some proof of ownership. This can be crucial when you’re trying to recover a stolen pet, or someone else is trying to claim them as their own. Make sure to keep records of their vet visits, immunization records, and records of any procedures they might have had.

No matter how careful you are with your cat, even 3-5 seconds are enough for your cat to disappear. So you have to be prepared, to increase the chances of finding your cute feline.

Have you ever lost your cat? How did you find him? Share with us your experiences and anything we might have missed.

Photo: Cole Keister