My cat is missing: what to do now
What helped most to find lost cats in a study of 1,210 cats, in order.
1. Search on foot, close to home, today
This helped most (68% of people who searched). Indoor-only cats are usually very close: half were found within 39 meters, often hiding silently. Start within 200 meters: under cars, in garages, on roofs, in yards and neighbors' homes (ask to look). Search at night with a flashlight, calling softly.
2. If your cat goes outside, widen the search
Half of the cats with outdoor access were found within 300 meters, but some 1.6 km or farther. After the block, go up to about 2 km.
3. Flyers and posters in the neighborhood
Flyers helped 60% of those who used them; large bright posters, 63%. Post your alert on MiauMap and print the poster with a QR code: whoever sees your cat sends the photo straight to you, without your phone number.
4. Tell neighbors and local groups
Social media helped 46%. Share the alert link on WhatsApp and neighborhood groups: the preview shows the photo and the QR code.
5. Call shelters, animal control and vets
Tell animal control, rescues and vet clinics near you, and check the cats they found. If your cat is microchipped, keep the registration up to date.
6. Ask for a humane trap
When used, a humane trap helped in 72% of cases, especially with scared cats. Rescue groups often lend them.
7. Don't give up after a week
Only 34% of cats were found by day 7; 50% by day 30. Keep searching and keep the alert up.
8. Watch out for scams
Scammers use alert photos to ask for money. Returning a cat is free: don't pay anything, and ask for a new photo taken right then.