cats go missing for as long as they feel like. After a week or so they will be at serious risk of developing irreversible health issues. Always do your best to help a cat you think is lost. While you might be worried, they’re likely to stroll in and wonder what all the fuss is about. An absence of a week is rather concerning but not terribly unusual. Try not to panic. We had one go missing for 3 weeks, he'd wandered way over the other side of town and someone looked after him, but put a found advert in the paper. i normally dont let my cats out but my cat tends to jump out the windows and go out hes unneutured but he come back after 7-8 hours. My cat went missing for only 3 days earlier this year and that was bad enough. In this situation, some can revert to a wild state and manage to hunt or scavenge, but most will struggle to survive. Finally, I hope your cat never goes missing but if it does, spread the word far and wide. This is why I advocate for cats to be kept indoors if at all possible: the world is full of risks, from fast-moving vehicles to aggressive dogs and other possible predators. He is un-neutred, we were going to get him done, but he's gone missing. Kato is a five year old male long-haired, fluffy black and white moggie. Once you’re sure they’re not in the house, start to go a little further afield, starting with the bushes and shrubs in your garden and the surrounding area. This is roughly a 17-house radius from their owner’s home. If you have a neighbour who was away during your last round of enquiries, check-in with that person. Unspayed females can become frustrated and may seek out the company of male cats. It takes time and effort to learn their behaviour but its completely worth it. You have done so much already. An indoor life may seem limiting but it really is the best for your cat. … Some people will take the cat straight to the animal shelter (one reason why it is imperative that cat owners immediately search their shelter for their missing cat), and others will simply release the cat into another area of town. If you’ve found this page, you probably have many concerns about your missing cat. Most shelters will not keep a cat indefinitely. Usually, a missing cat will return within 24 hours. You’re probably reading this as one of your cats hasn’t returned, it’s a horrible feeling. Cats can go astray for so many reasons. If they haven’t yet returned, give them a few hours before you make a plan of action. If your cat has disappeared or perhaps your cat frequently disappears and returns 2–3 days later, one of the above-mentioned topics might be the reason your cat is missing. What distance do cats roam? Keep searching for your pet and don’t give up. If you’ve wondered why cats do this, then I … Nausea swept over me in full waves. Try to play with your cats for at least 10 minutes per day no matter what age they are. Then there are cats who go missing for several months and even a year or two or three, sometimes considerably longer. It takes time and effort to learn their behaviour but its completely worth it. Occasionally they go so far that they can’t find their way home. If your pet is collared and chipped, someone else may bring him home or contact you with his whereabouts. You should do this within a couple of days of your cat going missing. Consider putting up an advert in your local store or newsagent. Good luck with this one, if it's any comfort at all ours would go missing for 4 – 5 days at a time around this time of year because the baby bunny hunting season has just opened. Most cats that go missing return home or are found within 24 hours. The driver is then faced with the problem of what to do for the best, especially if they have made several stops that day and have no idea where their furry stowaway embarked on their journey. He was found to cover up to 3.3 hectares (eight acres) in a 24 period, a larger area than any other cat. If you haven’t already, have your cat microchipped as this gives people who find a stray cat the best chance of reuniting it with its family. In 2013 academics from the Royal Veterinary College and the Universities of Lincoln and Bristol together with a team from BBC Horizon studied 50 cats living in the village of Shamley Green, near Guildford UK. You can fetch him back using a humane trap baited with his favourite treats. Ensure your cat eats well and at routine times as this will help to keep their focus and prevent hunting needs from rising to the surface. Cats which have regular access to the outside travel longer distances than indoor only cats which run away. One other thing, there’s a great article here about how long cats go missing for, do check it […], Privacy Policy | Bamboo on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. They probably stay within a five house radius for the first few days and weeks. Not as far as we think! —The Reality. Login. How long do cats go missing for? Call local vets and rescue centers, put up posters locally and talk to all your neighbors. On average, once a cat has been missing for 24 hours it will typically be missing for another 1 to 2 days before being found. It is now been 4 days and he still hasnt returned, noone has seen him and when i call him and go walking to look for him there is still no sign. Tip: if you ever move house get your details updated on the microchip database – make sure you get details of how to do this from your vet when you have your cat microchipped. Often while your out looking, your cat returns home and then wonders where you are! If it hasn’t happened to you then there’s a good chance it will do (unfortunately) at some time. my 1year old cats been missiing for 5 days now, he's never gone missing before, only for 2days at the most. We're planning on giving out hand-outs asking people if they've seen him tomorrow. They lay low and hide and wait. But now it's been month since he went out.. I, myself, have had three cats given up for lost that have returned: 1. eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'catbeep_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_17',144,'0','0']));Four days is really not that long for a cat to go missing. The longest one of my cats went missing for a 2 months!! my cat gets out every once in a while and he always comes back howling at the door. Written by Richard Parker Basic instincts govern felines, so your house cat may go missing for hours or even days at a time. They may remove the cat to a shelter or simply take her to another location and let her go. To get the recovery process underway in a matter of minutes log in now. A healthy cat should have absolutely no problem taking care of herself for this kind of time-span; cats are highly adaptable and very good at finding food and shelter when they need to. (This is just one of many reasons why it’s important to desex kittens as soon as they’re old enough.). The best advice is to start a local search as soon as you realize your cat has vanished. One of our cats was trapped in a neighbor’s garage for two nights but we’ve known cats who have been gone for a week, even months, but have eventually returned home. Reason 8: Your cat runs away from home due to a baby arrival. This can happen if you have a dispute with a neighbour or other acquaintance. Abusive humans are a growing concern. It can take longer if something has happened to prevent the cat from going home, such as injury, becoming trapped in a structure, being picked up by a concerned individual or a shelter, etc. Hopefully, the vet finds the cat is microchipped and the owner is traced. Cats are very territorial (even neutered ones). It’s unusual for a contented domestic cat to run off for more than 24 hours. If a cat has ventured a little further than usual and something takes it by surprise, its natural flight reflexes may cause it to bolt for cover. I have a one year old male cat who is not neutered and is usually a house cat. When one doesn’t come back at the usual time, panic quickly sets in. Gizmo was hiding inside an abandoned bathtub in a yard just two houses away. Something worth pointing out is that fatter cats are not necessarily going to survive longer just because they are fat. Start a search as soon as you realize your cat has vanished. This one (click to read reviews on Amazon) is our favorite because it is a nice size for a cat’s collar. Some people think it’s reasonable to take a beloved cat away from the owner as retribution. Find and buy the best cat tracker in the UK today. Create a Lost Pet poster using the uploaded photo. Begin a search because you will at least feel like you’re doing something constructive. In fact, they will defend their territory at all costs. In cases of displacement, even though the cat … Send out Rapid Lost Pet Alerts to vet clinics, animal shelters, and PetRescuers within a 25-mile radius of where your pet was lost. On the whole owners will discover that their cat will happily return back home each night. he is not neutered. Cats have much better hearing than we do and sound travels a long way. Call a local vet or cat rescue center for advice. While some cats have the remarkable ability to use the homing instinct to work their way back to their territory, other cats that are displaced either don’t possess this skill or they’re too frightened to use it. This 10-year-old Siamese mix came running across the field one sunny day after being missing for four months! Phone your local shelters and vets to see if they’ve encountered a cat matching your pet’s description (chipping should obviate this but sometimes the chip is missed). It is not unheard of for people to think a cat is homeless and take it in. Harriet N(3) 10/25/2014 at 11:22 AM. They are a true masterpiece of nature and formidable tools of vision. Once you have your little bundle of fur back with you, prevent this from happening again. Most of them remember where they live when the first pangs of hunger set in. Oftentimes, cats follow their curiosity. If there is still no sign of your cat, continue to leave her items out on the porch and to patrol the neighbourhood. You should also step up your searching activities, broadening the radius and checking in spots you may have missed. A missing cat is something most cat owners experience at some point. Cats like to roam, not always that far but they are naturally inquisitive which can sometimes lead them in the wrong direction. Felines like to explore their terrain, which could keep them away from home for a while. Make sure you check her carefully for pest infestations or injuries. This is one of many reasons why cats go missing. The odds are very good that your cat will wander back on his own in a day or two. I've been worried sick about him. How long will it take for your cat to come home. When they do return, they don't seem to be hungry and seem pretty content with life. After the first night, we scoured the neighborhood, posting leaflets through doors asking people to check their sheds, garages, and other outbuildings. While most are only gone for a night or two, it can sometimes take a bit longer for a cat to extricate herself from whatever predicament she’s got into. Because some people still don’t seem aware that cats have microchips, when they find a hungry unknown cat in their garden, they assume it’s a stray, feed it, and adopt it (or it adopts them!). Found a Pet? This will allow your cat to relocate his home via smell.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'catbeep_com-leader-2','ezslot_13',143,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'catbeep_com-leader-2','ezslot_14',143,'0','1'])); .leader-2-multi-143{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:15px !important;margin-left:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-top:15px !important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;text-align:center !important;}. If he's been neutured then he'll just be off on a spring jolly no doubt and will return when his stomach tells him to!! The microchip is a an absolute boon as it enables people who find a stray cat to have it scanned for a chip. He was finally discovered several months later in a building site next to his home. She will probably be very shaken up after two weeks away from home. Then there are cats who go missing for a couple of months or three or four, and then again, there are cats who go missing for a year or two or three, sometimes considerably longer. Cases of cats having been adopted in this way are often only discovered if the new owner takes the cat to a vet and the vet happens to scan it and finds it is micro-chipped, which leads to the discovery of the prior owner. The best advice is to start a local search as soon as you realize your cat has vanished. At the next stop, one of two things usually happens: either the cat darts out and runs away (worst-case scenario) or the driver is able to contain the cat (hoped-for scenario). Create a Lost Pet poster using the uploaded photo. Speak to neighbors and check garages and outbuildings where your cat might be trapped. They do this all the time without going getting lost for more than just a couple of hours. Fortunately, you may not have too long to wait. Another cat we knew of was missing for many months. Moderator. You should also consider whether your cat is missing because of a problem at home. Fortunately, you can find some answers right here. We were lucky to hear him meow from inside someone’s garage but then had to wait several hours for them to come home from work to release him. His owner had checked there many times but he has remained hidden. It is, of course, a very difficult question to answer and we can only go on averages. This is perhaps the worst thing we can do. In situations like this, vets often turn to social media and lost pet sites to advertise the details of the cat. Hermie, a 4 year old black domestic shorthair male was a “a very active cat when compared to others”, according to researchers. Sometimes they lose their bearings and can’t find their way home. Every part of a cat can convey some kind of emotion, from... Cats' eyes are among the most unique eyes in the world. Spend at least 15-30 minutes calling your cat by name, circling the location your cat was last seen. i would put food out and a bed or some towels. This is when it will find that open garage and go in for a sniff only for the door to be shut behind them. You may also want to take out an ad in the paper. Most cats that go missing return home or are found within 24 hours. It is very distressing when a cat does not come home. I have a one year old male cat who is not neutered and is usually a house cat. So in answer to the question ‘how long do cats go missing for?’ – it is impossible to say for sure. Some cats see an unattended vehicle with a door left open as an invitation to come on in and explore – they just can’t resist it. Very pleased to see us! Cats Are Curious. There are many pet locators on the market. Why Do Cats Leave and Come Back? Well, usually they return within 24 hours. Apparently, she had left for the never-ending Fancy Feast buffet at some … Usually, a missing cat will return within 24 hours. 10/25/2014 at 11:22 AM. But as soon as your cat has been gone for longer than any previous time, you should start to feel concerned and begin your hunt. Cats are not only fantastic pets but also wonderful and complex animals with great personalities. How long do cats go missing for? So, how long do cats go missing for? You then have a cat that’s not getting out until the door gets opened again and in the meantime, a very worried owner. It’s always difficult when a beloved cat goes missing. If your cat is an unspayed female, she may have become pregnant and taken herself off to have her kittens. If your cat is a serial offender and goes missing often, you might not worry for the first 24 hours. These locators can really help speed up the process of finding your cat next time they’re out beyond curfew time. Then someone notices the door open and shuts it. If possible, leave his litter-box out too. Cats sometimes get lost after climbing inside a vehicle that drives away. If your cat hasn’t returned by the time dinner time comes around, however, you might be worried that your cat is missing. Nov 23, 2019 - How long do cats go missing for? Enjoy the site. A less pleasant possibility is that your cat has been displaced deliberately. When you allow them outside you know when to expect them home. How long do your cats stay outside for? It’s vital that seeking veterinary attention be your first step to uncover what’s really going on. I've been searching for him endlessly but still no luck. With this purpose in mind, they also can easily lose their way. From how long it usually takes for a lost cat to come home to the tricks that can bring a cat back, we have the answers you’re looking for. Call your cat’s name the way you usually do, stand in your garden and have a loud conversation for your cat to hear your voices. Un-neutered and Un-spayed Cats Often Go Missing For male tom-cats which haven’t been neutered one of the most common reasons why they may disappear for several days (or even weeks sometimes) is they have caught scent of a female cat in heat. But these things are really worthwhile considering most owners will experience this at some point. Life is very hard out there with no help at all. Nov 23, 2019 - Most cats that go missing return home or are found within 24 hours. Your comfort should come from the time of year and the weather. How long your cat is missing before you worry will depend on many factors but many owners start to feel concerned if their cat is missing for over 8 hours. Here are a few suggestions that might help: Cats with very small or no gardens at all will need other things to occupy them. The number one method that was the most successful in recovering a missing cat was conducting a physical search of the area. It is far better to reduce the chances of your cat going missing by having it spayed/ neutered, having it micro-chipped, keeping in after dark, having set meal times, and by stimulating it in your home with lots of play and affection. Our cats are mostly house cats (one of them never goes further than the garden and rarely further than the back doorstep to sunbathe, the other will go a little further than that but within sight of the house) so it would be highly unusual if they went missing. Call their name and hopefully, they’ll respond. But I have had cats go missing for 5 days. One cat went missing in London and was found 8 years later – in Paris 8! Important Note: If your cat is missing … most cats will come back, especially if they are inside cats. The sooner you do something the better chance you have of finding your lost feline friend. Even indoor-only cats may slip out the door unexpectedly. These statistics on cats running away can help provide some context [4]: 75% of cats are found within a 500 m radius of their home, so a physical search is very important. Set his bedding out on the porch or another sheltered, rain-free spot near your house. Cats are well known for being extremely independent animals so lots of cat owners are happy to let them, without any restrictions, wander their neighborhood however they like. Staff Member. Bluey. If your feline is skipping meals or rejecting water, there’s an underlying reason. An RFID chip can’t get snagged or fall off, and gives vets or shelters a way to reunite you with your pet. This can make her sick. Once you have them back, give them a stern talking to, informing them of the stress they’ve put you under and inform them they must not do this again! However, chances are your cat did go too far. It can take longer if something has happened to prevent the cat from going home, such as injury, becoming trapped in a structure, being picked up by a concerned individual or a shelter, etc. Sometimes, cats disappear for days at a time with little explanation, giving some very anxious owners some long and sleepless nights. When cats go missing for weeks then return, they may have found a ‘new home’. I tried valiantly to hold it together. If your cat is chipped and wears a collar with your name and contact details, you have a good chance of being reunited soon. He was howling to get out to mate the night before he left. Generally speaking, yes. This is obnoxious, of course, but it does occur. Jun 22, 2013 #2 mani Moderator and fervent feline fan. Make another round of the local shelters and think hard about anything you may have missed. Sometimes cats get stuck on roofs or in trees, etc., having climbed up and found they can’t get down. Cats are known for their fast healing ability. A week’s time away does suggest something a bit more serious than the usual “got chased by a dog and hid in someone’s shed overnight” adventure; even so, cats generally come back even after this kind of timescale. So to keep your cat from wandering and becoming lost you should seriously consider neutering or spaying. I also had my other cat go missing a week I believe he was hit by a car too I found him hiding in a unused car in my yard. Cats are not only fantastic pets but also wonderful and complex animals with great personalities. Read on to find out more. She was fatter than when she had left. Some people taking it upon themselves to destroy “stray” cats with poison, while others kill pets for fun. If your cat is taking longer than a day to come home, there could be a problem. Reply. Give her small meals and be moderate with the treats, even though you’ll want to spoil her. If your cat looked as though she was lost, she may have been taken in by a neighbour or a passer-by. How long do cats go missing for? If you’ve recently brought a new pet into the household, for instance, this may have caused the initial disappearance and may also be deterring your cat from coming home. Hopefully, they are kind enough to take the cat to a local vet, tell them all the locations the cat could have come from (imagine a courier who has had 100 deliveries that day). So if your cat is naturally indoor-outdoor, there's a good possibility that he or … Don’t forget about what happened here. On the 18th december (sunday morning) he jumpd out of our window and when i got up he was nowhere to b seen. They took the dog away for a short “holiday” at a friend’s house, and sure enough, the cat returned while the dog was away. I have an un-neutered male cat who has been away from home for more than 2 weeks. Others go missing when their humans go on holiday (maybe they go looking for them?) If you see your cat hanging around outside but he is skittish and resists your attempts to bring him in, something may have given him a scare. Your cat may not even have wanted to leave in the first place, becoming lost after getting chased by a dog or pursuing a prey animal out of his normal range. I know some people find their pets months or even years after they go missing but I think these cases must be the exception rather than the norm. Toys, scratching posts and activity centers can all help, but there is no substitute for positive social interaction. Some cats can go missing for hours, some for a day or two, and some for a week or more. There are lots of things you can do to speed up your cat’s return. It’s not uncommon for cats to sneak into a shed, garage, outbuilding etc and become stuck there, either because someone closed a door while the cat was inside or because the cat can’t get out the way she came in. Un-neutered tomcats will roam surprisingly far and wide to locate a queen and to stake out their territory when the weather is warm, especially after a long cold winter.