Cats are very curious and can become shut inside huts, garages etc so the first thing to do is speak to neighbours to both sides of you, across the road and those whose gardens back onto yours and to ask for permission to search inside all outbuildings. Whilst speaking to neighbours, also ask if anyone had a delivery of any sort at the time when the cat went missing and take a note right away of the company doing the delivery and when the delivery was made. This information may turn out to be important as the cat could have climbed inside a vehicle and the company should be able to tell you the route the vehicle then took. Cats have been found in other towns, having come out of furniture delivery vans etc., so knowing the route a van took after leaving your area helps you widen the search sensibly.

If your cat is very shy and unused to being outside, the chances are it is very close by but keeping a low profile. Search right inside bushes and under huts, using a torch, as cats are very good at not being seen. If you do find the cat is close by but it is too frightened to come out, a trail of food to your door (left open) might help, but also put out contents of the vacuum cleaner, droppings from the litter tray, the cat’s bedding and something of your own as all of these things will smell of home and hopefully bring the cat out towards the house. Also, sounds the cat will know from tv or radio programs you often listen to can be downloaded and played outside. If none of this works, contact a rescue and ask if they can help trap the cat. Most will be glad to help. The longer even a shy cat is out the more likely it is to gradually move further away so it is important to act quickly.

Make up decent sized flyers (about 3 to an A4 sheet) and get these out through doors, working out from home. The flyer should include a good physical description (including colour of collar if the cat is wearing one), details of from where and when the cat went missing, your contact details, including a mobile number especially if you are out at work, and asking people to actively search right inside outbuildings. Also ask that any possible sightings are noted for place, date and time of day. It’s important that searches are thorough as a frightened or confused cat might hide from view. If your cat is shy it is really important that people know not to chase after it as this will only send it further away.

Posters should be a good size (A4 or even bigger) and include a good, clear, photograph or, if that isn’t possible, a very good description. The same sort of information contained on the flyers should be included. Posters should be placed in shops, ice cream vans etc and these ones don’t have to be covered. However, those placed on lamp posts and other outside spaces should be put inside polypockets to keep them dry, open side facing down, and tied on tightly with string at top and bottom. String is better than tape as it stays on, doesn’t cause any damage to the paintwork on the posts (that just gets people annoyed) and is easily removed once the cat is found. N.B. It is really important to go around and remove posters when they’re no longer needed. Few people mind them being put up but complaints to councils could bring about a ban.

Let all vets, pet shops, cat rescues and the SSPCA, Petsearch, social media sites for lost/found animals in the area and beyond know right away that the cat is missing and don’t forget to tell them if it is found.

It doesn’t happen often, but be prepared for the odd hoax call from someone claiming to have harmed your cat and don’t let it upset you.

The following facebook pages are extremely helpful in getting the word out for people to keep a lookout for the cat and an online search will provide many others :

Missing Cats in Scotland

Missing Cats in Ayrshire (I include this one specifically as this list is provided by an Ayrshire rescue, but there will be other local pages)

It is extremely important that you do not rely entirely on placing ‘Missing’ notifications on website pages. There is absolutely no point in people possible hundreds of miles away knowing your cat is missing if he or she is locked in somewhere close by and desperate to be found. The legwork is vital!! The internet is a tremendous help, but it should be used to supplement, not replace, individual effort.

No-one ever wants to hear that their little friend has had an accident, but it’s better than never finding out what happened. Keep in touch with the Cleansing Department at your local council. Councils should be keeping a note and description of pet animals found on the road and removed by them.

Microchipping is very common nowadays, seeing thousands of lost and then found animals reunited with their people. It isn’t that expensive (around £20, but watch out for special price reductions) and offers extra security and peace of mind.

Lastly – don’t give up the search and don’t give up hope! Keep reminding people, search sites and rescues, keep the posters and flyers out. Cats and other animals have been found after several months, even years, and it’s usually the result of effort made by their human friends rather than just luck.

*This information has concentrated on finding a lost cat, simply because this is a cat charity, but the same information would apply to most other missing animals – dogs, rabbits, ferrets etc.