mrbios said:
How far away from home to cats normally wander?
the reason i ask is my cats gone missing
shes been missing for well over 24hours now and we've searched the local area and asked everyone in the houses around us but with no luck
my first thought was to check the road sides everywhere around here incase she was hit by a car but all the road sides are clear
could a badger attack and potentially kill a cat? theres a field on one side of my house with a badger set behind the fence at the bottom of the garden and some around the field, they wander into our garden at night in search of food, or would a cat ever go down a badger hole?
feeling really depressed without her, and her brothers looking very lost
First, don’t panic too soon - cats often go ‘missing’ and then arrive home late, or even the next morning, black and white catwondering what all the fuss is about. So, give them a few hours at least before you take action, then print off this page so you can tick off each item as you cover it.
Action Point 1 - First, check all these places:
* every room in your house / loft / cellar / all cupboards
* behind curtains / under duvets / behind settees / under beds
* washing machine / dishwasher / tumble drier / oven / microwave
* chimneys / dustbin / water butt / compost bin / sheds / garages
* green houses / outside toilets/ vehicles / Gardens / hedgerows
* ask neighbours to check their sheds, garages etc.
Action Point 2 - Make a list of the following details...
* the cats name, age and colouring
* when and where your cat was last seen
* length of hair - long or short
* any distinguishing features - white paws, striped tail etc.
* male or female?
* neutered or entire?
* were they wearing a collar, if so, what colour?
* ginger tabby catis he/she microchipped?
* a photograph if possible, (people remember photos better than descriptions)
And give those details to:
* local vets (all practices in your area, not just your own vet), for details of vets in your area go to:
www.any-uk-vet.co.uk
* police station
* local schools
* your local animal rescue organisations ~ for contact details of rescues in your area go to our: Shelters Pages
* lost & found registers and websites ~ details at the bottom of this page
* postman, milkman, window cleaner
* local newspaper (lost & found sections)
* local television
* local catteries
* local radio (they often broadcast lost & found appeals)
* the RSPCA helpline, as they match up lost & found cats across the UK : 0870 5555 999
* N.B. the earlier you report your cat missing, the more likely that he/she will be found
Action Point 3 - Pounding the streets
* PLEASE NOTE, if you are under 18 years of age, do NOT go looking for your cat alone after dark, preferably take a friend with you and go in daylight hours
* walk around your local area, paying particular attention to any garages, lock-ups or empty houses
* call for your pet by name (you may feel daft at first, but this often works)
* shaking a box of his favourite biscuits, or squeezing a favourite squeaky toy may help
* stop regularly and listen ~ give your cat a chance to answer your call
* stay in one area long enough for your pet to reach you if he is in the vicinity
Action Point 4 - Advertise
Make up a leaflet, including a contact telephone number and with a photo if possible. Don’t put a full description of your cat, that way if someone contacts you saying they have found your cat, you can check those extra details with them to know if they are genuine.
Get plenty of copies made, and distribute as follows:
* IMPORTANT NOTE: if you are under 18 years of age, do NOT distribute leaflets alone after dark, preferably take a friend with you and go in daylight hours
* post them through every door in your immediate area
* display at: post offices, supermarkets, pet shops, vets, library, launderette, hairdressers, pubs
* and at: newsagents, fish & chip shops, corner shops, garages, doctors, dentists, police station
* don't forget to check local shop windows for a 'Cat Found' notice, just in case!
* on notice boards in halls such as scouts, brownies, playgroups, youth clubs, social clubs
* tie or tape leaflets to telegraph poles, lamp posts, phone boxes, bus shelters and letter boxes
* also display one on your own front gate
* offer a reward if you can - don't state an amount, just say 'substantial reward'. Even if it is a small amount to you, it might be a large sum to another person or child
Other Suggestions:
* show the photo to dog walkers, lillipop persons, traffic wardens, road sweepers
* check Lost & Found section in local newspapers for ‘found’ adverts
* contact your local council’s Environmental Health Department. This can be a difficult call to make, but they will be able to tell you if a cat matching your description has been found killed on the road. Unfortunately as far as we are aware, councils have no facility for checking for microchips, so they will not contact you in this circumstance.
http://www.catchat.org/lost.html
Good Luck I've had cats go missing for a day or so and I know how you must feel, the good thing is they have invariably come home
MB
)