Roaming is a completely normal behaviour for a cat. Their wild ancestors were small, solitary hunters and their survival was dependent on regularly patrolling their territory, looking for threats and hazards. Our modern domesticated cats have retained this strong desire to explore and scan their environment; an urge that sometimes takes over even when there is a full bowl of food at home. 

A wander outdoors may result in the odd extended excursion, but when should you start to worry about their safe return?

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When to worry

It’s easy to imagine the worst, but if it’s been more than a day since you last saw your cat, don’t panic. They may yet stroll through the door as if nothing happened. It’s not uncommon for cats to stay away from home for a day or sometimes more; especially in the warmer months when they may decide to hunt and wander further than usual. However, if your cat still hasn’t found their way home after a day or more, it’s time to start a search.

What might have happened?

Cats being as independent as they are, there are a lot of options. However, these are probably the most common.

Has your cat been neutered? 

If not, they could be staying outdoors to look for a mate. When cats go searching for a mate, they are statistically more likely to be injured or killed. There are many other reasons why you should get your cat neutered, so make sure your cat is neutered before they are allowed outdoors.

Has anything changed at home recently? 

Events like a new baby, house move, or building work can be profoundly upsetting for cats, as they are highly sensitive to change. Even moving a sofa around, having visitors over or putting up the Christmas decorations can be enough upheaval for them to choose to stay outside. It’s a good idea to prepare for any upcoming changes where possible. 

Are they “out visiting”?

If your cat is particularly friendly, they could be happily ensconced in a neighbour’s house enjoying some free hospitality. A survey by Admiral Insurance found that more than half (53%) of us will offer food to a cat we don’t know if they turn up at our home.  

What about theft?

It’s fairly unlikely that your cat has been stolen, although cat thefts in the UK are reportedly on the rise. 

The most likely cause

Sadly, it’s more likely that your cat is frightened, trapped or injured somewhere and is unable to get home. 

How to find your cat

Start with the basics and see if you can encourage your cat to come home by shaking their favourite box of food or by leaving out an enticing, smelly treat like tuna by the door. Calling for your cat at night can often give them more chance of hearing you. Then have a good search around your home; looking behind wardrobes, in cupboards and checking appliances like washing machines and dryers. If you are having any building work done, check under floorboards or in wall cavities that may have become accessible. 

Next, look in the garden. Make sure you include any sheds and garages in your search. Look under hedges, check the bins and under parked cars.  

If your cat is still missing

Now’s the time to talk to your neighbours and ask them to check their home and their garden as well. Ask any delivery people if they’ve spotted your cat on their delivery route and speak to staff in the local pub or shop as well. It is helpful to provide them with a recent picture of your cat.

Head online and check your local Facebook group. If your cat still hasn’t shown up, create a post on Facebook and Twitter including a picture of your cat, their description, where they were last seen and your contact details. Putting up posters locally can also help.

Next, phone your local veterinary practices and rescue centres to see if your cat may have been handed in to them.

Microchips can be invaluable

If your cat is microchipped, now is the time to contact Petlog on 01296 737600 or Identibase on 0330 912 8077 to let them know your cat is lost. You may also want to register your cat as missing on a lost pet online group such as Animal Search UK, Cat Aware, and Missing Pets GB. Another useful thing to do at this stage is to contact your pet insurance provider, as some insurance policies contain a ‘lost and found’ clause that can help cover the costs of searching for your pet.

Follow Cats Protection’s helpful lost cat checklist to ensure you’ve covered all bases. 

Preventing them from going missing

Microchipping your cat is the safest and most effective way of identifying your cat should they go missing. That way, if your lost cat is handed in to a veterinary clinic or animal charity, their microchip can be scanned, and you can be contacted. It’s very important to keep your contact details up to date with the microchip database. As of 10th June 2024, all pet cats will be required to be microchipped under new legislation. 

Bluetooth and GPS trackers for cats have been on the market for a few years now. They attach to your cat’s collar and allow you to find their location using an app on your phone. A warning however – these trackers can be bulky and can be uncomfortable for your cat to wear. For this reason, they aren’t routinely recommended for cats, and they are certainly no substitute for a microchip.

Be sure to neuter your cat to reduce the risk of straying, and for added safety, it’s best to keep them in at night. You can also make the house a more appealing place to stay, by providing your cat with plenty of mental and physical stimulation. Cats Protection have some great tips on how to do this here.

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