Tips for finding a lost cat

When an “indoor” cat gets outside, whether accidentally or intentionally, most are very fearful and do not travel far. They typically hide in the first place they come to where they can hide. They may hide for days or weeks, only coming out at night when things are quiet but many times will attempt to get back into their homes at night. Be sure to check all doors of your home every couple of hours throughout the night every night until your cat is back inside. The cat may come to the door at any time of the night and wait a short time for their owner to open the door. The cat will retreat back to their hiding place if they are unable to get back into their home before sunrise. A cat may do this for several weeks. 

Utilizing a door camera (ring camera) can help alert you in real time when the cat returns to the door. If available, you might set up a trail camera or similar camera near your property or where you suspect the cat may have disappeared to. This may have to be checked after the fact, but at least you will know if the cat has been in the area.

Using a flashlight at night to look under porches, decks, buildings, etc. can also help locate a lost cat. Going outside and sitting down in the yard and calling your cat very late in the evening or very, very early in the morning may work as well but it has to be done when things have quieted down and there are less people and less traffic around. We have been successful at getting may cats back into their homes through these methods, including our own on a couple of unfortunate occasions when she got out (found both times at the door at 4 a.m.).