Contact the Microchip Company

If your cat has a microchip, make sure the information is up to date and then contact the microchip company to report your cat as missing.

If your cat is found, veterinarians and shelters will use a microchip scanner to find out how to contact you or the microchip company to be reunited.

Search Nearby Areas like a Hawk

Search your yard and other surrounding areas several times a day quietly and slowly so you don’t lure your cat further. Often times cats will stay close by and just are afraid to come out from hiding or may be physically stuck somewhere.

Keep in mind, being lonely outdoors in unpredictable weather and survivable conditions is very traumatizing for indoor cats, so you should expect to keep making search efforts for more than a few days.

Contact Facilities, Shelters and Vets

Next, contact local shelters, animal control, and veterinary hospitals. Call shelters daily and check their websites regularly to see if your cat shows up.

It is also best to visit shelters and animal control facilities in person to look for your missing cat.

Post Flyers Nearby

Create a missing cat flyer, print many copies, insert them in plastic sheet protectors and post them in your neighborhood and local spots nearby. Keep in mind, flyers may be removed if not allowed.

Tip: Make the header ‘LOST CAT’ big and easy to read from far away and include a most recent photo of your cat with your contact details.

Spread the Word Online

Make a post on all your social media platforms and tag popular local news platforms like @atlscoop. Ask your friends to repost. Be sure to also post to sites like Ring, Nextdoor, Petco Love Lost, Lost Pet Georgia and Paw boost.

Prepare a Trap

Lastly, contact local TNR rescues and ask for help or to borrow a trap for a few days to leave outdoors nearby with food inside. Doing this may actually get you and your cat happily reunited.

Finally, this is by no means a comprehensive list of everything you could do if your cat is lost. Remember, the most important point is to make sure there are multiple ways to identify your cat and get her or him home as soon as possible. Most of these ways cost little or no money but will require faith, perseverance and dedication.