Lost Cats

All cats adopted by AVA include a microchip through 24PetWatch to help identify your pet should they ever become lost and found. Remember to update your contact information if you move or get a new phone number. 

 

If your cat does not have a microchip, your vet can insert one at your next check up for a small fee.
 

What to do if your pet is missing

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• Report the Cat Missing. Call local Animal Services, and your microchip company if applicable, to report the animal as missing, provide a photo and the microchip number.

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• Make Lost Cat Posters. Create posters with the location from where the cat went missing, description, photo and how to contact you for sightings. 

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• Search! As soon as possible conduct a hands-and-knees ground search as most cats do not go very far from where they were found, usually a 3-5 house radius.

  • Enlist help from friends and neighbours.

  • Don't underestimate how small a cat can make themselves if they are scared. 

  • Go low, slow and quiet - don't call out or chase. 

  • Night time is a good time - bring a flashlight. 

  • Search again. Go over the same territory as the cat may have moved.

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• Spread the Word

  • Go door-to-door to talk to your neighbours and tell them about your lost pet and get their permission to search their front and backyard; look under decks, bushes, behind A/C units, under cars – any small place a scared cat might hide. Leave your contact information and ask them to call you with any sightings.

  • Post publicly on your social media, Lost Pet groups and other sites (e.g., PawBoost, Facebook, NextDoor.) 

  • Share your Lost Cat posters with local veterinarians and rescue groups. 

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• Lure the Cat Back Home

  • Secure all other animals and children and leave the door open.

  • Some organizations recommend putting the litter box on your porch to lure them with their smell, but this can also attract other territorial cats according to other experts. 

  • Leave smelly wet food on your porch. 

  • If you have sightings but can't lure the cat back home, contact a local rescue about borrowing a humane trap. 

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