Why do cats go missing? 

September 15th is lost cat awareness day, and the big question is: Why do cats go missing? There are several reasons why felines may wander off, but there are also several things you can do to help prevent them from becoming lost. Become a more aware pet parent and keep your kitty closer to home by better understanding their behaviours, and by employing some simple but effective safety measures. 

Why do cats go missing? 

It’s no secret that cats are curious, and this curiosity creates wanderlust. In fact, cats are 11 times more likely to go missing than dogs. They’re independent, have a hunting drive, and if they aren’t spayed or neutered, will roam far and wide to find a mate. Here are the most common reasons felines find themselves too far from home. 

Curiosity

Being inquisitive by nature, cats will pursue something that piques their interest. And sometimes, this curiosity carries them away from familiar territory. Chasing prey, investigating a noise or smell, or defending their territory against other cats are common reasons for felines to leave their usual perimeters. 

Nervousness 

Fireworks, car alarms, or other sudden, loud sounds can frighten cats into a frenzy that results in darting away. Cats will run until they feel safe or can no longer sense the threat, and will hide out until they feel that the coast is clear. But this frantic dash may find them in unfamiliar territory, making it more difficult for them to return home.  

Moving 

If you’ve moved recently or plan to in the future, keep a very close eye on your cat. It’s not uncommon for cats to try to return to familiar territory after the stress of relocating. There’s countless stories about cats traipsing miles upon miles back to previous residences, and this drive is rooted in their territorial nature. It takes several weeks for cats to settle into new homes and to “mark” their new territory as theirs. 

Accidental Confinement 

Felines are masters at finding secluded spaces. But unfortunately, sometimes their new favourite hiding spot may be in a less-than-ideal location. Storage sheds, garages, vehicles, and even cabinets or drawers are some common places that cats retreat to, only to find themselves locked in. This is especially common in the colder months when cats are seeking small, cosy spaces. 

Theft 

It’s a sad, but true reality that many cats are stolen — especially purebreeds. If you have a unique or sought after breed like a Ragdoll, Himalayan, Siamese, Scottish Fold, Persian, or Sphynx, they may be at an increased risk of being taken. And, some cats are accidentally “stolen” if they’re mistaken for being a stray that someone has found, or if they’re friendly enough to wander up to someone else’s home. 

How to prevent your cats from becoming lost 

Thankfully, there are ways you can help keep your cat close to home and increase the chances of locating them if they should get lost. From accessories to medical interventions, here’s how you can mitigate the risk of your cat going missing. 

Catios 

A Catio gives your cat space outside to roam and fulfill their drive to explore while keeping them close to home. The fully enclosed space protects them from other neighbourhood pets, and prevents them from wandering away from safety. Add Catio Tunnels to link a window of your home to the Catio, and give your feline instant access to their outdoor sanctuary. 

Microchipping 

Microchips aren’t a tracking device, but rather a form of permanent identification. They’re placed under the skin between the shoulder blades by a veterinary professional using a syringe and needle, similar to routine vaccinations. Once the microchip is registered into the database, its unique ID number will be linked to your contact information. And, when you link your cat’s microchip to Identibase, you’ll be able to report them as missing and update your contact information instantly — greatly improving the chances of a happy reunion. 

As of June 2024, it’s required by law in the UK to microchip your cat by the time they are 20 weeks old. 

Household awareness 

Sometimes keeping your cat safe is as simple as making a plan with your household members to be on the lookout for your feline family member. Staying vigilant to close open doors and windows, being aware of where your cat is before leaving the house, and searching common hiding places together if your pet seems scarce are all easy ways to involve the entire family in your cat safety plan. Teach young children especially to close dresser drawers or cabinets right away before your cat has a chance to climb in. 

Spaying and neutering 

Spaying or neutering your cat has several health benefits, but it’s also very helpful in curbing their desire to roam. Cats will span miles to find mates, and intact indoor cats are known to yowl at the door or slip out at the opportune time to go on their search. And, intact cats are even more territorial, which results in more fight wounds. 

Indoor entertainment 

When your home is more exciting than the outside world, it makes going outside less tempting for your cat. Provide your cat with an Indoor Cat Tree or Switch LED Scratching Post for ultimate entertainment at their paw tips. And don’t forget a comfy Cat Bed for leisurely cat naps that occupy the majority of their schedule. 

Tracking devices 

A GPS tracking collar can give you real-time updates to your cat’s whereabouts. These should only be used in cats prone to escaping or roaming, as they need to be on non-breakaway collars to be the most effective. Some GPS trackers for cats are lightweight enough for cats to wear on the regular, but should be used with caution as they pose a risk of being snagged on fences, tree branches, or other elements during feline activity. 

What do I do if my cat goes missing? 

Despite your best efforts, determined felines may still find themselves lost. While this is an emotional and upsetting time, it’s important to remain calm and have a plan. Here’s what to do if your cat is missing: 

• Check all of your cat’s usual hiding places, or any new places you may think of. Cats may find a new spot that suits them, and they’ll remain happily tucked away despite their owner’s increasingly frantic calls. 
• Shake your cat’s favourite treats or food bowl. Sometimes this is all it takes to coax them out of a hiding spot. 
• If you’re sure they aren’t in your home, log into Identibase or their microchip database and make sure your contact information is up to date, and report them as lost. 
• Check with your neighbours, look at security camera footage around your home, and go for a walk to call your cat. 
• If they still haven’t turned up, leave a familiar item on your front doorstep, like their bed or a favourite toy. The scent of home and familiarity can sometimes be enough to bring them back. 
• Post on online groups or forums, and provide a recent photo of your cat for reference. Call local shelters, veterinary clinics, or rescue groups to see if anyone has brought in a cat that matches your description. 

It’s also important to note that cats will often hide if they’re ill or in pain. If you find your feline hiding out and reluctant to leave their spot without an obvious cause, gently remove them and look them over for any injuries. For any cat that has been missing for more than a couple of hours, it’s a good idea to take them to your veterinarian for an exam. And if your cat is camped out in their litter box (especially males), call your veterinarian right away — this can be a sign of a urinary obstruction, which is a medical emergency. 

Omlet and your cat 

Cats may be more likely to go missing than other pets, but your cat doesn’t have to be a statistic. Invest in a Catio for cats that crave outdoor adventure, and keep them close to home. And, add fun elements inside like the Indoor Cat Tree or Switch LED Scratching Post to keep them entertained, and a supportive Cat Bed for optimal sleeping habits. With Omlet, you can rest easy knowing you’ve created safe and supportive surroundings that your cat would never dream of leaving. 

This entry was posted in Cats

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