In this articleHow to Know If Your Cat Is MissingTips to Find Your Missing CatChances of Finding Your Cat SafeView 2More +Less -Losing a cat is a heart-wrenching experience. But is your cat really lost or have they just wandered off? Although its hard to know for sure, knowing your cats habits is a good first step. In any case, if you think that your cat is missing, keep your cool, but do act quickly to put the odds of finding them in your favor.If your cat spends a lot of time outside, its important to consider getting them microchipped by your vet, in case they get lost and picked up by a local shelter. By scanning their chip and finding your details, they can be reunited with you promptly. An alternative for some independent outdoor cats may be wearing a safe breakaway collar with their name, your name, address and phone number, or even a GPS tracker, so you can keep track of their whereabouts.Before You Start: How to Know If Your Cat Is MissingIt can be tricky to know for sure if your cat is missing or on an adventure, as it depends on your pets habits. For example, I always let my cat go outside. We live in the countryside, and there are no dangerous roads or wild animals around our house. So, I know that when my cat leaves in the morning, she might not come back until evening, and sometimes she even spends the night outside.However, I know that 36 hours is the longest that her absence usually lasts, and as a cat mom, I couldnt take much longer than that. Beyond this period, I would start worrying and look for her (fortunately, this has never happened). But you dont have to wait that long if you cant find your cat.Lets look at two different situations: If you let your cat outside regularly, you probably know their habits, so youll know when theyve been out for too long. Most cat parents usually start to worry after 24 hours with no sign of their pet. If you always keep your cat indoors and they have suddenly disappeared, the situation may be more problematic. Your pet may not be used to the potential dangers outside. You should start looking for them as soon as you notice their absence.Even if you are not sure whether your cat is missing, it is better to act quickly if in doubt. The following tips should help you organize your search and find your cat as quickly as possible.Image Credit: Matthew Troke, ShutterstockOur 6 Tips to Find Your Missing Cat1. Search Your House From Top to BottomYouve probably already done it, but to be sure, check all of your cats favorite hiding places. A stressful situation (such as the arrival of a new animal in your home) may have caused anxiety in your cat, and they took the opportunity to take refuge in the depths of your wardrobe. Try to entice them with their favorite treats, and call out to them in a soft, reassuring voice.2. Check the NeighborhoodIf your cat is not in the house, search the whole neighborhood. Bring food with you and call your cat. Be aware that this approach sometimes has a downside: You risk attracting the attention of other dogs or cats nearby, which can startle your pet if theyre around. If this happens, it may become challenging to continue looking for them this way, as your cat may have probably already gone farther afield. However, you know your cat best. They may have a favorite spot to hang out. Some cats will come to their owner as soon as they hear their voice calling out their name, or you may hear a distinct meow that will guide you in their direction.Image by: Del Green, Pixabay3. Ask Your Neighbors for HelpNotify your neighbors as soon as possible so they can keep an eye on their backyard and all around their house. Get them to check their sheds and garages more carefully, as cats can easily get accidentally locked in such places for days, becoming hungry and dehydrated.4. Use Social MediaWhether you like social media or not, it can be a huge help when looking for lost pets. Post a photo of your cat on various social networks (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, etc.), and ask your family, friends, colleagues, and others to share your posts.5. Put Up PostersPrint a good-quality photo of your cat, and write your phone number on a clear area of it. Make as many copies of this poster as possible, and post them all over your neighborhood and on local business notice boards (but ask permission before putting a poster on a storefront).6. Check at Your Local Vet and Animal ShelterIf a stranger found your cat but doesnt have any ID tags or microchips, its possible the person took them to the SPCA or other local animal shelter or a vet clinic.If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the advice you need for your pet all at an affordable price! What Are the Chances of Finding Your Cat Safe and Sound?According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, about 74% of lost cats are found. However, this statistic dates from 2012 and was established from a survey of only around 1,000 households that had cared for either a cat or a dog. According to a 2018 study, only 61% of lost cats are found within a year, and 34% within the first week.In any case, the chances of finding your lost animal will increase considerably if they have an identity tag and/or an electronic chip. Also, be aware that neutering can help curb your felines roaming behavior and reduce their risk of running away in the first place.Final ThoughtsIf your cat is missing, keep up hope. Search your neighborhood, ask your neighbors for help, share your kittys photo on social media and in your neighborhood, contact your local vet, and keep checking animal shelters regularly. Lastly, you can submit a Lost Pet Form to request assistance based on where you live. Visit the Lost Pet Research and Recovery page for more information, and dont give up!See Also: What & Where Is the Odd Cat Sanctuary? SourcesLost Pet Research and RecoveryASPCASearch Methods Used to Locate Missing Cats and Locations Where Missing Cats Are Found Featured Image Credit: Astrid Gast, Shutterstock