Get a flash-light to help you in your search. Think about where you last saw your cat and start the search there. Keep focused. Search everywhere you can think to look. Search systematically. Look in all the possible hiding spots in a room before moving to the next room.

Check everywhere, even in tight or small spaces. Look behind and under furniture. If there are areas where you can’t reach or see, try using a hair dryer to blow warm (not hot) air into that space. If your cat is there it might flush them out. Ask your family members if they have seen your cat. Try shaking a bag of treats to coax your cat out from its hiding spot. Call out your cat’s name. Hearing your voice can sometimes call your cat out. Listen for your cat’s voice as you search to help pinpoint its location.

If you can’t find your indoor cat after intensive searching, try waiting for an hour before expanding the search. If your cat is hiding due to being afraid of something, your search may have caused them to stay in hiding.

Check under any bushes or plants that might be by your house. Try looking under your car or even under the hood of your car. If you have any trees near your house, try checking if your cat may have climbed them. Always call out for your cat as you search. Try bringing your cat’s favorite treats out with you, shaking the bag as you search. House cats won’t often wander too far from home, generally only straying around 500 feet from their home. [6] X Research source

Start your search by foot. This will allow you to search areas close by in more detail. Ask your neighbors if they have seen your cat or to let you know if they do. As you expand your search, you may want to slowly drive around your neighborhood. Keep calling out to your cat as the sound of your voice may cause them to approach you. Do not trespass. If you want to search a neighbor’s property for your cat, ask permission first.

Stick to one style or design to avoid confusion. Make the purpose of the flyer obvious. Try writing “LOST CAT” in bold letters at the top. Include a photo of your cat if you can. Make sure the photo is a good representation of your pet. It’s critical that you list details about your cat. Name, age, breed, weight, color, sex, and any other distinguishing marks. List two phone numbers at which you can be reached directly.

Check with both private and city-run animal shelters. Visit in person with details and a picture of your pet to help the staff identify your cat should it be brought in. Check in with your shelter once every 2 or 3 days.

Provide a good picture of your lost cat. Make sure the photo is one that can help identify your pet. Include details about your cat including sex, age, weight, color, name or any other distinguishing marks. Let people know when and where your pet was last seen.

Tags are attached to your cat’s collar. These tags are usually metal and have your contact information engraved on them. Microchips have to be implanted by a veterinarian. The chip contains your contact information digitally, as a back up in case the collar and tags should come off. Always keep the information on the tags or in the microchip up to date. This will ensure that anyone who finds your cat will know exactly where to return your cat.