"My cat is missing!" "What do I do?" By Lauren Grace I have spoken to several people whose cats have gone missing (some reunited). I hope the following will help you find your lost cat or avoid losing him in the first place. Prevent it Keep your cat(s) in at night. Always! Spay or neuter your cat. Wandering Tomcats especially can become disoriented. Perhaps have your garden "cat proofed". We can provide details of this. Make him/her recognisable Ask your vet to fit a safe collar with a name tag. Micro-chip your cat. Carol Whaley can verify that this is a valuable tool. Her micro-chipped cat, Kira, was returned to her 18 months later, even though Carol had moved from Seven Kings, London to Rainham, Essex several months after Kira went missing. Ensure you have a good photograph of your cat ready (just in case) for the "lost" notice. Check the house Cats can climb into the darnedest places. Make sure he/she hasn't snuggled into a place he cannot get out of. Check all rooms and cupboards in your house. If you locate him, calmly coax him out - don't bang on walls as it will only frighten him and may make matters worse. Inform the whole neighbourhood Type or write up a "lost" notice (or use this example). Photocopy it many times and put it up on telephone posts in your street and the two streets either side of yours. Post leaflets through neighbours' letterboxes and in shop windows. Advertise outside schools especially. Children notice a lot when walking to and from school. Phone all local vets and leave details of your lost cat with them. Check local halls and churches. Ask your postman and mailman if they have seen your cat. Contact Animal rescue and Cat rescue centres RSPCA, Cat Protection, PDSA and Blue Cross - you can usually obtain these numbers from Directory Enquiries or your local vet. Most local animal rescuers advertise in local newspapers. Also Phone the local Council - many councils have an animal warden. Phone the police. Phone the local radio station.   For a printable version of this information and the "lost" notice, please click on the white tabby. You will need Adobe Reader to open this file.