The other day while on an early morning run, my son and I came upon what appeared to be a lost cat. Through a series of phone calls based upon flyers posted about the neighborhood indicating someone had lost a cat, we had hoped we reunited the owner with his feline friend. Unfortunately, the particular cat we saw was not the cat in question. All too often, we see many flyers posted around our area for lost cats, and it makes me nervous, as I know the wildlife that exists in the nature fields beyond are typically on the prowl for prey during the early morning and nighttime hours. I just hope and pray this person’s cat did not realize its fate in such a horrific manner. We will still keep an eye out on our morning runs for this particular cat, just in case.
Do you know what you should do if your cat has become lost? Obviously, the first thing to do would be to search your home thoroughly. Cats are masters at hiding, so be sure to check all of the unusual places to which he has access. You just never know.
If your cat is microchipped and the details are not up-to-date, be sure to contact the microchip agency and update the details right away.
After you have searched your home, contact local pounds, shelters and veterinary offices. Descriptions of cats can vary, and it is not unusual for any collars or tags to come off. Be sure to take a cat carrier and proof of your identity, along with any papers, vaccination certificates, pedigree papers and photos. If your cat has not been found, be sure to leave a thorough description of it, along with when and where it was last seen. Also, be sure to include your contact information. Additionally, inquire of your neighbors if they have seen your cat. Search your neighborhood high and low and repeatedly call out your cat’s name, especially at night.
Create a “LOST PET” flyer and post it around your neighborhood. Be sure the flyer includes a photo of your cat, your cat’s name, and your contact information, along with a detailed description of your cat.
It can be terribly nerve-wrecking to realize your cat is lost, and panic will initially set in. Yes, you have to be diligent and persistent in your efforts to find him, and hopefully everything will work out well in the end.
Ideally – and we know this can be a challenge – just be sure to keep a keen eye on your cat at all times and ensure all windows and doors in your home are secure so he does not sneak out when you are unaware of such maneuvers on his part. Just like with kids, cats can get away from you in the blink of an eye!
It has been three days now since the individual who lost his cat has last seen his beloved pet. As each day goes by, anxiety grows deeper and the sinking feeling that he may never see his cat again has crept in. As always, I will keep a vigilant eye out for this cat. I truly hope we find him. Losing a cat is like losing someone very special in your life.
(Source:agriculature.vic.gov.au)
Written by Ann Butenas
An internationally-recognized author and writer, Ann began her professional writing career at age 12 and began speaking while in college. She has been published thousands of times over the past three decades in all media forms, was former editor and publisher of KC Metro Woman magazine, and has also hosted three talk radio shows in the Kansas City area.
