What do I do if my cat goes missing?

anneke

Great to have you join us! See Cat Blog 1 at https://iamcat.blog/hey-cat-lover-this-is-for-you/for the intro to this series. And please do leave a question or comment at the end. In fact, without your questions this blog will become very one-sided!

In this Cat Blog we look at the heart-wrenching subject of finding a missing cat.

Cat Blog 6

Your cat didn’t come home last night, and worry kept you awake for hours. This morning she’s still not back, and your heart is gripped by fear. What on earth do you do?

Cat Blog 6

Your cat didn’t come home last night, and worry kept you awake for hours. This morning she’s still not back, and your heart is gripped by fear. What on earth do you do?

Finding a missing cat

This is one of a pet owner’s greatest fears. If your pet goes missing despite the precaution of a microchip, there are, fortunately, a number of things you can do. This will ensure that your pet is one of the many that are reunited with their owners each year.

The guidelines below on finding a missing pet have been compiled by NCat and an SPCA branch. I hope they will help you bring your beloved feline home.

Girl hugging cat

Tips from NCat

  • Ask around the neighbourhood in case someone has locked your pet into their garage or tool shed. If not, and if your cat is still missing after a day or two, place leaflets in post boxes around the neighbourhood. Provide a picture of your cat on the leaflet if you can, as well as a description, and of course your address and/or telephone numbers. Also offer a reward. You don’t need to mention a specific amount on the flier. You can decide on an amount once your cat is returned to you, depending on the circumstances. Do mention that your family is heartbroken – this may help if someone is considering keeping your cat.
  • Call your local SPCA or other shelter to enquire whether someone has brought your pet in. If possible, visit the shelter yourself every few days, since a description over the telephone is not always sufficient. (If your pet has been microchipped, there is a very good chance that the shelter will call you even before you’ve realised that your pet has gone missing!)
  • Place ads in the local papers, and keep it up for at least a month if necessary.
  • Keep up to date with the information in the ‘Found’ columns of your local papers – some kind person might advertise if they have found your pet.
  • Contact schools in your area. Some schools are prepared to make announcements about missing animals at assemblies.
  • Register your cat’s details with Petfinders, Pet Finda and Pets Lost and Found at respectively admin@petfinders.co.za, petfinda@gmail.com and www.petslostandfound.co.za. Also see   http://www.missingpetpartnership.org/recovery-lostdog.php (for dogs) and http://www.missingpetpartnership.org/recovery-lostcat.php (for cats). You’re most welcome to advertise on the NCat and Cats of South Africa Facebook pages. Most other cat pages will also allow you to post.
Missing cat poster

You may wish to contact a pet communicator. Someone I can recommend is Megan at 073 2299 685.

And see today’s Cat Story below for details about remarkable pet detectives using highly trained search dogs to find missing pets!

Tips from a local SPCA

Upload your missing pet’s information on the following websites:

and the following Facebook pages:

  • Missing Pets SA
  • Barking Mad

Remember to include the following important details on all posts:

  • Type of animal (eg dog, cat, bird)
  • Date your pet went missing and area they went missing from
  • Breed (eg poodle, Persian, parrot)
  • Description of the animal, including:
  • Gender, coat type, tail type, colour, any special markings, whether they have collars or microchips
  • A clearly visible photo & CONTACT DETAILS

 Other things to do:

 Check all vets in the nearby area

  • Put up missing posters in your neighbourhood, at local shops and at vets
  • Don’t just call – visit all local branches of the SPCA as often as possible!

MOST IMPORTANTLY: Remember to update all the places where you searched once your pet has returned.

Cat in shelter cage

It remains your responsibility to personally visit all kennels every 3-4 days to see if your pet has been brought in.

Cat quote of the week

The memories and paw prints of a beloved cat remain in our heart and soul forever.

Unknown

Cat Story 10

Healthy Hound – exceptional pet detectives

When I heard about Healthy Hound, I was elated. Imagine highly trained canines finding our missing pets! And the more I learned about them, the more excited I became.

According to their Facebook page, Healthy Hound is the first and only missing pet canine search unit in Africa, with the only qualified pet detectives in Africa! And they’ve trained their dogs specifically to find missing pets. In fact, the dogs are experienced in tracking not only cats and dogs, but also wildlife and more.

Handler with sniffer dog
Founder Diane Logie with Jett
Woman with search dog
Co-owner Karlene Treurnight with Red

They’re based in Gauteng, but they’ve travelled to other provinces too – they’ve even searched for a dog on Table Mountain!

Their amazing team will help and guide you from the moment your pet goes missing, and they will not abandon you until you find your pet.

Interestingly they’ve been involved in the rescue of some high profile pets, and have featured in local and national media numerous times. But for them, every pet is equally important!

Sniffer dog
Sniffer dog with handler
Two sniffer dogs

The team was formed in August 2020, when canine Zizou, who had been trained in anti-poaching activities, became involved in pet search and rescue. She had always excelled as a search dog, even in difficult circumstances. Subsequently the team added former explosives detection trainee K9 Khaos as well as former SAR dog K9 Axl. Jett and Red are up-and-coming search dogs. The team is also in the process of training additional canines and pups as MARN qualified search dogs.

With a success rate over over 80%, Healthy Hound is a great choice should your pet goes missing! See more about Healthy Hound on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/healthyhoundsa.

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61 thoughts on “What do I do if my cat goes missing?”

  2. Most vets have a Lost and Found book at reception, they also have notice boards to alert pet owners, but yes, pictures with these notices is a must

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