Missing & Lost Cats

Losing a cat is a traumatic, stressful event. The most important thing you can do to ensure your cat can be found is to microchip your cat. Keep your contact information up-to-date if you move or relocate.

If you have an indoor only cat then it is unfamiliar with the outside world, and probably is scared and hiding nearby. Many indoor only cats don’t go beyond the yard or their immediate house and can be found hiding under bushes, hedges, plants, against the house, or in some nearby hiding place.

If you recently adopted a cat from CC4C and it is missing

Please call the CC4C member you adopted from immediately. CC4C can provide helpful advice, trapping assistance, and resources to help find your cat.

For all missing or lost cats (or dogs), consider taking the following steps:

• Advertise – Immediately! Don’t wait for the finder to advertise your pet as found. Place “lost” posters with a photo of your pet in the vicinity where the pet was lost – markets, schools, etc. Note: It is against the law in most cities and counties to post on utility poles; however most people do it anyway. Don’t forget to remove the posters when your pet is found.
• Report your pet as “lost” to the local animal shelter (Martinez Shelter 925-335-8330) and provide them with a copy of the flyer and picture.
• Notify your neighbors and thoroughly search your immediate area and neighborhood, especially in the evenings, as many pets become frightened and hide in the daytime. A flashlight at night is especially helpful for seeing their eyes. Check under decks, bushes, cars, anyplace where they may be tempted to find cover and hide. Leave food & water outside! Also, leave a familiar smelling blanket or bedding. If your cat was indoor only—it is probably close by and hiding because it is scared. If your cat was indoor/outdoor—then it is familiar with the neighborhood and may have ventured too far or gotten hurt. If it is an unfixed cat, it may be wandering to find a partner. If you locate your cat, but can’t catch them because they are frightened, call CC4C and we can loan you a trap to catch your pet.
• Check “lost pets” at the local animal shelter online through www.petharbor.com.
• Advertise in the “lost pets” section of your local newspaper, it’s usually free. Check the “lost pets” section of your newspaper daily for your cat.
• Register your “lost pet” on www.petharbor.com. Once registered, you will be e-mailed daily any animals matching your description for 30 days. After that, you must re-register.
• Check with local veterinarians. Injured pets may have been taken there. Leave your name and phone numbers with the vet in case the cat is brought there.