How Far Can Cats Go Without Getting Lost?

Cats can get lost for a number of reasons. Sometimes they stray from their homes, or become frightened and run away. They can also get stuck in a tree, or even trapped in a vehicle.

It’s no surprise that a missing cat can be very distressing for its owner. Whether it’s just an occasional occurrence or something more serious, there are few things worse than knowing your pet is gone forever.

Getting your cat home can be difficult enough as it is, but there are a few things that can help ease the pain a bit. The most important of these is doing a good search for your cat.

Start by checking inside your house, and asking neighbors to check theirs. That way, you can have the best chance of finding your kitty, Albrecht says.

Make sure you know where your cat usually hides. Then, take a walk around the area where you think they might be hiding. Depending on your cat’s personality, they might have a hidden stash of food, water or toys that could be useful in their quest to find their way back home.

Post your cat’s picture and description on social media, as well as in the area. Then, contact your local vets and animal shelters to see if anyone has seen them or called in to bring them in.

Fliers are also a good idea, as they can be handed out to passersby. A sign that is big and bright can also be helpful, as can a poster on your local highway or bus stop.

You might be surprised to learn that a lost cat doesn’t travel far from where they were last seen. According to a study conducted by Kat Albrecht, the director of the Missing Animal Response Network, cats typically stay near their home when they are lost.

The most common reason a cat goes missing is that they have been chased off their territory. They can also get frightened, if a dog or other animal is chasing them, or simply because they have a bad feeling about being in a new area.

Another reason your kitty might have gotten lost is that they were trying to return to their old territory, either after moving or during the warmer weather when they’re more likely to be outside. Some cats can get confused and go searching for their old homes, while others can spend a whole day in the outdoors before returning to hunt at night.

If you’re still not able to find your cat, consider getting a Tractive GPS tracker. That will allow you to monitor your cat’s location, and it will automatically notify you when they are found or returned to you.

Talk to your neighbors and ask them to actively search for your cat if they see it outside, or if they notice your cat running in their yard. Don’t be afraid to get down on the ground and use flashlights to look in dark corners, as well.