What to do if your cat is missing...
It might be that your indoor cat somehow left the house, or that your indoor/outside cat hasn’t come home. Either way the feeling of loss, uncertainty and helplessness can be really distressing. The first thing to do is to make sure your cat’s registration and microchip details are up to date. This way, if someone finds your cat and surrenders them to a vet or the pound, they can be quickly reunited with you. But, that’s just your back up plan and don’t rely on it as a solution. Use all the information you have and know about your cat to create an action plan for their recovery. Factor the following ….
- Are their details current (microchip, registration etc)
If not, do this asap - Your cat’s personality and temperament
Are they nervous and likely to be hiding, or are they highly sociable and likely to be visiting your neighbors and seeking out attention? - Their familiarity with the local area
How long have then been living at that address? Are they normally an inside cat, or do they regularly venture outside? - Any changes in your / their home life
Has anything recently changed for them that might have prompted them to hide or leave? eg. a new addition to the family such as a dog, or other cat - Your Search Team Do you have friends or family you can ask to help
Then, use the above information to create your action plan that is specific to your cat. This resource provides some great information.
Several people had contacted OAAT Pet Rescue about a stray cat living in the car part of a Petrol Station/McDonalds store. After setting numerous cat traps over a 3 week period, there was success. And, after scanning it was found that her name was Heidi. But, unfortunately the details on her microchip / registration were out of date so her owners were not contactable. Heidi went into Foster care where she spent some time recovering and rehabilitating.
Meanwhile OAAT set out to find Heidi's family by posting on social media. The post was shared from group to group, person to person, friend to friend....until it happened...her owner was found. Heidi had been missing for over 12 months!!!!! But, not everyone is this lucky. Always keep your details up to date and never give up hope!
As with all rescues and rehoming there are costs covered by OAAT. We are always grateful for any financial assistance.