When an indoor cat afraid of strangers gets outside, they are frightened by the unfamiliar environment and the presence of people. Acting on instinct, they try to find a dark, narrow, and tucked-away space to hide in.
Cats that are fearful of unfamiliar surroundings and people typically do not travel far. They are often found hiding just a few meters from home―such as in a neighbor’s shed or a crawl space accessible from outside.
Once they find a place where they feel secure, they may stay hidden there for days or even weeks without emerging.
That’s why you should not only search within what you can see from the street, but also ask nearby residents for permission to check their property and actively search for your cat yourself.
However, even cats that are extremely fearful of the outside environment will eventually become unable to withstand hunger after several days to a few weeks.
They may begin expanding their range in search of a stable feeding spot where they can eat regularly.
To prepare for this, expand the area where you distribute Lost Cat Flyers.
We hope you and your cat will be safely reunited soon.
During the day, ask nearby residents for permission to enter their property and conduct a thorough visual search using a flashlight. Carefully check dark, narrow, and tucked-away spaces such as sheds, crawl spaces accessible from outside, gaps between stacked objects, and covered storm drains. Be sure to inspect every area systematically, and watch closely for signs such as paw prints or tufts of fur that may indicate your cat has been there.
When your cat goes missing, you may feel inclined to leave cat food around your home to keep them from going hungry or wandering farther away.
While this can be helpful in areas without other cats, it becomes problematic if stray or outdoor cats are nearby. Leaving food alone won’t help you confirm which cat is eating it. In fact, food alone may attract unfamiliar cats, making it difficult to tell whether your own cat is the one visiting.
Similarly, scattering your cat’s litter may lead to scent-marking by other cats, which could discourage your cat from returning.
If you decide to leave food out, always place a trail camera nearby so you can monitor which cats are visiting.
Even if you’re familiar with a neighbor, it can feel awkward to ask permission to enter their property to search for your cat. However, this step is critical to recovering your cat before they move away, so it’s worth gathering the courage to ask.
Never enter someone’s property without permission, and never shine a flashlight into someone’s yard at night. Doing so may upset the residents and could lead to conflict, potentially preventing you from continuing your search.
1. Explain the situation and politely ask if you may enter the property during the daytime. People are generally uncomfortable with others entering their property after dark. Since cats tend to hide in dark, narrow, and recessed spaces that require a flashlight for effective searching, there’s no need to conduct searches at night. Handing them your Lost Cat Flyer helps explain your situation and increases the chance they’ll contact you if they see your cat later.
2. Even if the resident kindly offers to "keep an eye out," do not rely on this alone. Cats rarely hide in shallow areas that are easy to see. It’s essential that you visually check the property yourself.
3. Since you usually won’t be able to revisit someone’s property multiple times, conduct a thorough search while you’re there―inspect all possible hiding spots.
4. Be sure to visually check every single property without skipping any. If you leave even one property unchecked, that could be the very place your cat is hiding.
A cat’s behavior while living at home is influenced by their relationship with their owner and the indoor environment.
However, when a cat goes missing and is forced to find food and protect themselves, breed-specific behavioral tendencies often begin to emerge.
Based on our search experience, we would like to share some observed behavioral differences among breeds when they go missing.
Of course, please keep in mind that individual behavior can vary depending on the cat’s living environment and personality.
American Shorthair
When an American Shorthair goes missing, they tend to roam within a short to moderate range rather than traveling far. This may be because they are skilled hunters capable of catching mice, lizards, frogs, and other prey, which reduces the need to travel long distances in search of feeding spots.
However, they may sometimes approach other cats on their own, playfully provoke them, or end up moving around while chasing or being chased.
Scottish Fold
Scottish Folds often slip outside through an open door or window and tend to stay near the house without wandering far.
However, if they encounter another cat and are chased off, or if they wander aimlessly and drift away from home, they may lose their sense of direction and end up traveling farther in search of a feeding spot.
If they are not particularly wary, they may be taken in and cared for by someone.
Munchkin
When a Munchkin goes missing, they tend to hide in a place that feels safe and observe their surroundings for a while. However, due to their curious nature, they often begin moving sooner than other breeds.
In past cases, they have been found at various distances from home―some nearby, others farther away―indicating that their behavior can vary greatly from one individual to another.
Russian Blue
When a Russian Blue goes missing, their cautious nature leads them to hide in a safe place and observe their surroundings for a while.
Once they feel the area is secure, they begin to move, but they tend to do so carefully, choosing times and places where they are less likely to be seen.
Persian
When a Persian goes missing, they tend to find a spot where they feel comfortable and remain there, staying within a limited area.
Maine Coon
When a Maine Coon goes missing, their curious nature often leads them to explore a wide range of things in the outside world, and they may sometimes travel long distances.
Their water-resistant coat allows them to remain active even in rainy weather.
Unlike many other cats, they are relatively responsive to being called, so if they are still near home, they may return on their own when their owner calls for them.
Norwegian Forest Cat
When a Norwegian Forest Cat goes missing, their bold and curious nature often leads them to start moving relatively quickly once they become familiar with their surroundings.
They have a tendency to seek high places, so they may travel by climbing onto roofs, trees, or walking along fences.
Their double coat is water-resistant and provides excellent insulation, allowing them to handle cold weather well. As a result, they may still appear at feeding spots even on rainy days.
Unlike many other cats, they are relatively responsive to being called, so if they are still near home, they may return on their own when their owner calls for them.
Siamese
When a Siamese goes missing, their cautious nature often leads them to hide in a safe place and observe their surroundings for a while. However, their curiosity tends to prompt them to start moving sooner than expected.
Even once they begin to move, they typically remain within a limited area and act carefully rather than traveling far.
Because they tend to prefer high places, they may move around by climbing onto roofs, trees, or walking along fences.
If they go missing in winter, they are often found warming themselves in sunny spots or on outdoor units of air conditioners.
Bengal
When a Bengal goes missing, they tend to start moving right away rather than staying hidden.
They have exceptional physical abilities―strength, speed, and jumping power―and may chase after other cats.
Because of their stamina, they can cover a wide area, which can make the search range significantly larger.
Bengals are not typically shy around people and may appear openly in public. In some cases, they approach people when hungry and are taken in and cared for.
Abyssinian
When an Abyssinian goes missing, they tend to hide in a safe place and observe their surroundings for a while, but they usually start moving once they become familiar with the area.
Although they are curious, they also have a cautious side, and are more likely to be active during quiet hours near home.
Once they begin to move, their strong physical abilities allow them to appear in unexpected places, and they are sometimes seen searching for food even in the rain, showing little concern about getting wet.
Somali
When a Somali goes missing, their keen awareness and cautious nature often lead them to thoroughly assess their surroundings before taking action.
They tend to hide in quiet places, avoiding people and traffic, and are more likely to move around during the late-night hours when everything is silent.
They may still search for food even in rainy weather.
Somalis are often found staying near home rather than roaming over a wide area.
A cat’s behavior when they go missing varies depending on their age.
Based on our search experience, we would like to share some behavioral differences we have observed in cats of different ages when they go missing.
Of course, please keep in mind that a cat’s behavior is also influenced by their living environment and personality, so individual differences are always to be expected.
1. Kitten Stage (0–6 Months)
During this period, kittens typically stay close to their mother and live within a small area centered around a secure feeding spot, minimizing stress and movement.
If a small kitten goes missing, they may be attacked by adult cats that see the area as their territory. As a result, they might remain hidden in a safe spot without moving for a while, or they may be forced to relocate after being chased.
Due to their youthful curiosity, they often exhibit a pattern of cautiously emerging from hiding to investigate sounds or movement, then retreating again.
2. Adult Stage (7 Months – 10 Years)
At this age, cats begin to develop a strong sense of territory and have the physical confidence to move actively, even when lost.
They may travel while chasing something that catches their interest or while engaging in territorial disputes with outdoor cats. If they are in heat, they may roam even farther.
Depending on their personality, cats with prior outdoor experience tend to find feeding spots more quickly and are more likely to settle there.
3. Senior Stage (11 – 14 Years)
In their senior years, cats tend to develop a more calm and settled pattern of behavior.
Even if they go missing, they are less likely to be driven by curiosity or to engage in territorial or mating-related conflicts.
Instead, their movements are usually focused on finding a feeding spot where they can eat regularly and a safe place to sleep comfortably.
4. Advanced Senior Stage (15 Years and Older)
In the advanced senior stage, cats often experience weakened legs and joints, making it difficult for them to climb to high places or travel long distances. As a result, they are more likely to stay hidden near home.
For cats undergoing medication, especially those whose symptoms return quickly once the medicine wears off, it is unlikely that they will travel far. Instead, they tend to seek out a safe and secure hiding spot very close to where they went missing.
Understanding these age-related tendencies can help guide your search strategy and improve your chances of finding your lost cat.
If a cat on medication starts to feel unwell as the effects of the medicine wear off, they will often crawl into a dark, narrow, and secluded place where people or other animals are unlikely to come, in order to wait and recover.
For cats whose symptoms return quickly after the medication wears off, they are usually unable to travel far and instead try to find a safe hiding spot very close to where they went missing.
When a cat undergoing medical treatment goes missing, many owners tend to assume the worst―thinking the cat may have already passed away because their condition deteriorates quickly without medication.
However, there have been many cases where a cat was found several days later with no serious health issues. It’s important to stay calm and continue your search step by step.
There have also been cases where a sick or injured cat was rescued by someone driving by and taken to a nearby veterinary clinic.
For this reason, be sure to bring your Lost Cat Flyers to all veterinary clinics within at least a 5-kilometer radius, and if possible, ask if they can post the flyer in their waiting area.
If a cat has escaped once or twice before, they tend to behave similarly to how they did during previous escapes.
If they hid last time, they are likely to crawl into the same place or somewhere similar.
If they wandered around, they may be found walking or sitting in similar areas―such as gaps between houses or in front yards―just like before.
Even if the cat is an indoor cat, repeated escape experiences can make them more accustomed to the outdoors, and they may begin behaving like an outdoor-access cat.
If they have returned home on their own or were easily found in the past, it’s natural to expect the same this time.
However, there is no guarantee they will come back.
Take action now―do everything you can without delay.
When a cat is moved from a familiar environment to a new home, they may escape due to stress or anxiety, driven by an urge to return to the place they used to live.
Because the new location is unfamiliar, many cats initially crawl into a spot near where they went missing and stay hidden while observing their surroundings.
Please search around the area for places where a cat could crawl in and hide.
Cats have no attachment to their new home, so you should not expect them to come back on their own.
While some may eventually find their way back to their previous home, a cat’s homing ability varies by individual.
Even if they know which direction to go, heavy traffic or long distances often prevent them from getting there quickly.
Many cats end up getting lost while wandering in search of food.
If your cat is not found after searching the neighboring properties, continue by checking every home within the entire block bordered by roads.
If your cat is still not found, they may have crossed a road in a state of panic or excitement shortly after getting outside. Continue by checking every home within each of the blocks surrounding your own, using the same careful approach.
What You’ll Need: Flashlight, your cat’s favorite treats, Cat Carrier
Cats usually don’t stay long in open fields, as farmland doesn’t offer secure hiding spots. When searching farmland areas, focus on barns, equipment sheds, and covered storm drains.
Cats can slip into even the smallest openings. During the day, with permission, thoroughly search dark, narrow, and deep spaces―such as gaps between stacked items in barns or sheds, and inside covered storm drains―especially in the direction the cat was last seen running. Use a flashlight and look carefully. Also check for signs like paw prints or tufts of fur.
Because farmland has few obstacles, cats may run straight across fields and end up farther away than expected.
If you don’t find your cat around the barns, sheds, or storm drains, expand your search into the residential areas beyond the fields.
If there are covered storm drains, the cat may have traveled a long distance through them.
If you find an opening, shine a flashlight inside. Since it’s dark inside the drain, their eyes may reflect light even from a distance.
Even if you don’t see the cat, if there’s a chance they might be inside, try placing a small amount of their favorite treat nearby to see if any animal comes to eat it.
What You’ll Need: Flashlight, Cat Carrier, food, trail camera
When a cat escapes into the forest, it can be extremely difficult to search on foot through pathless woods.
Instead of trying to walk through the forest, use strong-smelling food to lure them out of hiding and capture footage with a trail camera to pinpoint their location.
1. Identify Potential Hiding Spots
Start by identifying areas near where your cat went missing that seem like good hiding spots, and mark them on a map.
Cats may hide in piles of fallen leaves or among tree roots, but they also tend to seek shelter in places that protect them from rain―such as under structures, in rest shelters, or inside covered storm drains.
2. How to Place Food
When placing food, push a generous amount of strong-smelling food into gaps where cats are likely to hide―enough that it won’t be completely eaten even if other animals come.
Using something like grilled fish can help draw cats from deeper inside the brush.
Since you won’t know what animals are coming to the food without a trail camera, always install a trail camera at every food placement spot.
3. Setting Up the Trail Camera
Begin near the place your cat went missing and systematically set up food and trail cameras.
In forested areas, having around four trail cameras will help you monitor efficiently.
Place the food and cameras in locations you can easily access on foot for maintenance.
Announce "Food time" in a calm voice, then leave the area to avoid making your cat wary.
4. Reviewing the Footage
Check the trail camera footage the next morning.
Since your cat may not appear right away, keep the setup in place for at least 2 days.
If there’s no sign of your cat after 2 days, try relocating the food and camera.
If your cat appears in the trail camera footage, place a Trap Cage at that location.
Pet cats are not wild animals, so they don’t usually stay deep in the forest for long.
Eventually, they will come down toward residential areas in search of a feeding spot.
If you don’t find any signs of your cat after several days of searching the forest, start checking the residential areas surrounding the forest.
When you find your cat, avoid making sudden movements, as rushing toward them may cause them to run away. Stay calm, observe their behavior carefully, and slowly and gently approach to bring them to safety.
What You’ll Need: Your cat’s favorite treats, a Cat Carrier
1. When you find your lost cat, first crouch down low and calmly call their name in a steady voice while observing their behavior.
2. If your cat doesn’t appear tense or try to run away when you call their name, stay low and slowly approach while continuing to speak softly. If they come up to sniff your outstretched fingers, you may be able to gently touch and safely pick them up by hand. Offering their favorite treat can also help ease their tension.
3. If you successfully catch them with your bare hands, immediately place them in a Cat Carrier to prevent them from slipping out of your arms and escaping. If you don’t have a carrier, a mesh laundry bag can be used as a substitute.
4. If your cat starts to back away with their back arched as you approach―or sniffs your fingers but still seems wary―remain crouched and wait patiently until they relax. It may take 30 minutes or more, but give them time to feel safe.
5. If your cat doesn’t calm down, step away from the area for now. Trying to force a capture may scare them into fleeing again, which means having to start locating their whereabouts all over again. In such cases, use a Trap Cage for a more reliable capture.
If your cat has hidden in a spot and won’t come out, block off the surrounding area with bricks or other barriers to prevent escape. Then, set up the Trap Cage at the exit.
Use a trail camera to monitor areas that are hard to check visually.
As you search for your cat, mark all key locations on a map―such as feeding spots for stray or community cats, and any dark, narrow, and tucked-away places where a cat might hide, including sheds, crawl spaces accessible from outside, gaps between stacked objects, and covered storm drains.
In the evening, set out food and a trail camera in potential hiding spot near your home. Check the footage the next morning.
If your cat is still more cautious than hungry, they may not show up right away even if they’re nearby. So keep the trail camera in place for at least two days.
1. Use your cat’s favorite food as bait. Adding a strong-smelling item, such as grilled fish, can also help attract them. Place a generous amount so it doesn’t run out even if other cats come to eat.
2. During bug season, place the food on a raised dish inside a shallow dish of water to deter slugs and insects. You can also cover the food with mesh to prevent flies. The goal is not to feed your cat but to attract them with the smell and capture them on a trail camera, so it’s fine if the food is somewhat difficult to eat.
3. Do not scatter other food or used your cat’s litter around the feeding area.
4. Set up a trail camera facing the food so you can see which cats are coming to eat. Without a trail camera, you won’t know which cat is visiting, so be sure to use one together with the food.
Note: Trail camera setup procedures may vary depending on the model, so please refer to the user manual for detailed instructions.
1. Camera Settings
- Video: 2-minute recording duration, sound on
- Motion sensor sensitivity: Medium
2. Camera Placement
Position the trail camera about 1–2 meters (3–6 feet) away from the food or Trap Cage. Make sure the cat’s full body is visible from the side so you can clearly identify their tail shape and coat pattern. Some cameras may overexpose the image at night if placed too close, making the cat appear completely white. Be sure to test the camera distance in advance to avoid overexposure at night.
3. Getting Permission
If placing the camera on someone else’s property or at a feeding spot, always obtain permission beforehand.
Label the camera with the purpose, installation period, and your contact information.
4. Theft Prevention
If setting up in a public area, place the camera somewhere less noticeable―such as tucked into a bush or behind an object.
We also recommend using a lockable cable to secure it to a post or other fixture.
5. Installation Period
Set up the camera at sunset and check the footage the following morning.
Since your Lost Cat may not appear right away, keep the camera in place for at least two nights.
If there are no sightings after two days, move the camera to a different location.
6. If there are stray or community cats in the area
In areas where stray or community cats are present, it’s highly likely that there’s a feeding spot nearby. Stray cats don’t usually stay in one place unless they have access to a steady food source, so their presence often indicates someone is providing food in the area.
Even if the person feeding the cats says, "Your cat hasn’t come here," keep in mind that they may not have noticed. Politely ask for permission to set up a trail camera for at least two days to check whether your cat has visited the spot.
Trail Camera: Cat Approaches Trap Cage
When your cat goes missing, there are often multiple potential hiding spots and feeding spots around where they disappeared or were last seen. If you have enough trail cameras, you can monitor all of these spots. But if you don’t, you can make your own alternative:
Cardboard Tube Detector (a square cardboard tube with sticky tape attached to the inside).
While this method doesn’t offer visual confirmation like a trail camera, it’s inexpensive and easy to make in large numbers. You can place several at once to help narrow down the most promising locations.
How to Make and Use a Cardboard Tube Trap:
1. Create a long, square cardboard tube―large enough for a cat to crouch and enter.
2. Attach loops of cloth adhesive tape (sticky side out) to the inside top and side surfaces of the tube.
3. Place a generous amount of food in the center of the bottom of the tube.
4. Since some cats may be too cautious to enter even the cardboard tube, scatter a small amount of food near the entrance to check if they at least came close.
5. If a cat enters the tube to eat the food, their fur may stick to the adhesive tape.
If you notice the food has been eaten, inspect the tape for any fur. If the fur color looks like your cat’s, set up a trail camera at that location to confirm visually.
If a trail camera is not available, consider placing a Trap Cage instead.
If your cat does not appear on the trail camera, move the food and camera to the next potential hiding spot near your home.
If your cat appears on the trail camera, go to that location during the same time of day they were recorded and search for them.
When you find your cat, avoid making sudden movements, as rushing toward them may cause them to run away. Stay calm, observe their behavior carefully, and slowly and gently approach to bring them to safety.
What You’ll Need: Your cat’s favorite treats, a Cat Carrier
1. When you find your lost cat, first crouch down low and calmly call their name in a steady voice while observing their behavior.
2. If your cat doesn’t appear tense or try to run away when you call their name, stay low and slowly approach while continuing to speak softly. If they come up to sniff your outstretched fingers, you may be able to gently touch and safely pick them up by hand. Offering their favorite treat can also help ease their tension.
3. If you successfully catch them with your bare hands, immediately place them in a Cat Carrier to prevent them from slipping out of your arms and escaping. If you don’t have a carrier, a mesh laundry bag can be used as a substitute.
4. If your cat starts to back away with their back arched as you approach―or sniffs your fingers but still seems wary―remain crouched and wait patiently until they relax. It may take 30 minutes or more, but give them time to feel safe.
5. If your cat doesn’t calm down, step away from the area for now. Trying to force a capture may scare them into fleeing again, which means having to start locating their whereabouts all over again. In such cases, use a Trap Cage for a more reliable capture.
If your cat has hidden in a spot and won’t come out, block off the surrounding area with bricks or other barriers to prevent escape. Then, set up the Trap Cage at the exit.
At night, call your cat’s name in a calm, familiar voice from inside your home, facing the outside. Cats have excellent hearing, so if they’re nearby, they may come all the way inside on their own.
If only a few days have passed since your cat escaped through a window or door, or if they’ve been spotted near your home, you may be able to call and lure them back inside.
Late at night, when there are no human voices or car sounds, call out to them in a calm, familiar voice from inside your home, facing the outside. In some cases, cats will come all the way inside on their own.
1. Do Not Place Food Around the House
Do not leave food outside around your home. If your cat eats outside and feels full, they may not feel the need to come indoors.
It may also attract stray cats, increasing the risk that your cat will avoid the area.
2. Slightly Open a Window
At night, slightly open the window or door your cat used to escape. Keep all other doors and windows closed.
Placing a small amount of used your cat’s litter just outside the opening can help attract them.
However, avoid scattering litter randomly, as it can draw in other cats or cause territorial marking that may discourage your cat from returning.
Place the litter in a paper plate or bag so you can quickly remove it if other cats appear.
If there are other cats living with you, keep them in a separate room or in a cage to prevent them from escaping when the window or door is open.
3. Food and Calling
Place strong-smelling food at the back of the room with the slightly open window or door.
Dim the lights in the room, then, from inside, call out gently toward the open window―start by saying something like "It’s dinner time," and then calmly call your cat’s name in your usual tone.
Cats have excellent hearing, so you don’t need to raise your voice. If your cat is nearby, they will be able to recognize the direction of the open window.
The sound of a food bag being opened or the meow of a familiar housemate cat can also be helpful.
4. Wait for Your Cat to Enter the Room
After calling their name, stay quiet and keep the room dim. Avoid making any sudden movements or noise.
Prepare a hiding place inside the room, such as a slightly open closet door, where your cat can run and hide once they come in.
If there’s nowhere safe to run, they may get startled by your presence and dash back outside.
5. Close the Window or Door
If your cat appears and is lured inside by the food placed deep in the room, wait until they are fully inside.
Then, calmly and quietly close the window or door.
If you cannot stay in the room without being noticed, consider waiting in a nearby car or another spot where you won’t disturb your cat’s approach.
After several days to a few weeks outside, cats eventually become unable to withstand hunger and may begin expanding their range in search of a stable feeding spot where they can eat regularly.
As a guideline, distribute Lost Cat Flyers to every household within a 300-meter radius of your home―without missing a single home.
Cats often hide within residential properties or move around in areas that are difficult to see from the street, such as backyards or fences between houses. As a result, it’s more likely that a resident will spot your cat on their property than you will by searching from the street.
If your cat has started to roam and the search area has widened, simply walking around becomes a matter of chance. That’s why it’s important to not only search visually from the street but also distribute Lost Cat Flyers to every household in the area. Even if you don’t see your cat yourself, the flyers create a network of residents who can contact you if they spot them.
By distributing flyers thoroughly, without leaving gaps, you create a local network of awareness―making it more likely that your cat will be seen wherever they go.
If someone has taken in your cat because they were sick or injured, the flyer can help them realize the cat is being searched for. Likewise, if your cat has started visiting a feeding spot, someone may recognize them from the flyer and reach out.
Many cats are successfully found and brought home thanks to sightings reported through Lost Cat Flyers.
When a cat goes missing, many owners tend to fill their Lost Cat Flyer with lots of photos and text in an effort to convey as much information as possible. However, this can actually be counterproductive. If the flyer is too crowded with details, people may not remember anything clearly. As a result, they might not contact you even if they see your cat, or they may report sightings of cats that only share a similar color.
For example, if your brown tabby cat has a kinked tail and an ear tip on the right ear, you should prominently feature a simple description like "Brown Tabby Cat with Kinked Tail," along with a photo that clearly shows the tail and the ear tip. By omitting other less essential details, you help people remember the key traits: "a brown tabby cat with a kinked tail."
Also, to increase the reliability of sightings, be sure to include a note on the flyer that says, "If possible, please take a photo."
1. During the day, distribute Lost Cat Flyers to every household near the place where your cat went missing, starting close by and making sure not to skip a single home. Speaking with residents can take time, so focus on placing the flyers directly into mailboxes. As you post the flyers, also search visually around front yards and other visible areas.
2. Instead of distributing flyers at random, go block by block―covering one block bordered by roads at a time. Mark each household you’ve posted to on a map, and also note locations where a cat might be hiding, such as vacant homes, along with any known feeding spots or outdoor cat activity. This will help you build a detailed search map for your lost cat.
3. Until you receive confirmed sightings, postpone distributing flyers across wide roads or rivers, and instead expand the flyer coverage area evenly in all directions from the point where your cat went missing.
Among stray cats and outdoor-access cats, males generally tend to cover a wider area than females. However, this applies to cats that are already accustomed to being outside. When a cat unfamiliar with the outdoors goes missing, being male does not necessarily mean they have traveled farther.
When an indoor cat afraid of strangers ends up outside, regardless of sex, they often become frightened by the unfamiliar environment and the presence of people. Instinctively, they seek a dark, narrow, and hidden place to crawl into. Once they find a spot that feels safe, they may remain there for days, or even weeks, without coming out.
The distance a lost cat travels depends more on their living environment, personality, the presence of outdoor cats, the availability of feeding spots nearby, and how many days have passed since they went missing―rather than their sex.
A cat’s behavior when they go missing varies depending on their age.
Based on our search experience, we would like to share some behavioral differences we have observed in cats of different ages when they go missing.
Of course, please keep in mind that a cat’s behavior is also influenced by their living environment and personality, so individual differences are always to be expected.
1. Kitten Stage (0–6 Months)
During this period, kittens typically stay close to their mother and live within a small area centered around a secure feeding spot, minimizing stress and movement.
If a small kitten goes missing, they may be attacked by adult cats that see the area as their territory. As a result, they might remain hidden in a safe spot without moving for a while, or they may be forced to relocate after being chased.
Due to their youthful curiosity, they often exhibit a pattern of cautiously emerging from hiding to investigate sounds or movement, then retreating again.
2. Adult Stage (7 Months – 10 Years)
At this age, cats begin to develop a strong sense of territory and have the physical confidence to move actively, even when lost.
They may travel while chasing something that catches their interest or while engaging in territorial disputes with outdoor cats. If they are in heat, they may roam even farther.
Depending on their personality, cats with prior outdoor experience tend to find feeding spots more quickly and are more likely to settle there.
3. Senior Stage (11 – 14 Years)
In their senior years, cats tend to develop a more calm and settled pattern of behavior.
Even if they go missing, they are less likely to be driven by curiosity or to engage in territorial or mating-related conflicts.
Instead, their movements are usually focused on finding a feeding spot where they can eat regularly and a safe place to sleep comfortably.
4. Advanced Senior Stage (15 Years and Older)
In the advanced senior stage, cats often experience weakened legs and joints, making it difficult for them to climb to high places or travel long distances. As a result, they are more likely to stay hidden near home.
For cats undergoing medication, especially those whose symptoms return quickly once the medicine wears off, it is unlikely that they will travel far. Instead, they tend to seek out a safe and secure hiding spot very close to where they went missing.
Understanding these age-related tendencies can help guide your search strategy and improve your chances of finding your lost cat.
In areas where stray cats or community cats are present, there is a high likelihood that feeding spots exist.
As you distribute Lost Cat Flyers, mark all the feeding spots you find on a map, and use a trail camera to systematically check each one―starting with those closest to your home.
While it depends on the cat’s personality and past experiences, cats that live with other cats tend to be more familiar with how to approach or keep a safe distance from other cats they encounter outside, in a way that avoids conflict.
Although it also depends on how well they get along with the cats they encounter outside, they generally have fewer issues at feeding spots―such as being able to access food or avoiding trouble when entering another cat’s territory.
Cats generally don’t seek out conflict with each other, so when they encounter one another, they usually keep their distance and avoid confrontation. However, if there are outdoor cats in the area, there are several things you should consider:
- Your cat may have been chased away by other cats and moved to a different location.
- Your cat may be drawn to a feeding spot.
- You may receive sightings of cats that look similar to yours.
Adjust your search strategy according to the following situations:
1. If there is a dominant stray cat nearby
Some neighborhoods have a strong or territorial stray cat that may drive other cats away. When asking around the neighborhood, be sure to ask if anyone has heard the sound of cats fighting recently. This may be a sign that your cat was chased away.
2. If there are stray or community cats in the area
In areas where stray or community cats are present, it’s highly likely that there’s a feeding spot nearby. Stray cats don’t usually stay in one place unless they have access to a steady food source, so their presence often indicates someone is providing food in the area.
Even if the person feeding the cats says, "Your cat hasn’t come here," keep in mind that they may not have noticed. Politely ask for permission to set up a trail camera for at least two days to check whether your cat has visited the spot.
3. If There’s a Similar-Looking Cat Nearby
If there is a cat in your neighborhood with a coat color or pattern similar to your own cat’s, you may start receiving sightings of that other cat.
To avoid this, redesign your Lost Cat Flyer to highlight your cat’s most identifiable traits, such as their coat pattern, tail shape, or ear tip, so people can clearly tell the difference.
Note: Trail camera setup procedures may vary depending on the model, so please refer to the user manual for detailed instructions.
1. Camera Settings
- Video: 2-minute recording duration, sound on
- Motion sensor sensitivity: Medium
2. Camera Placement
Position the trail camera about 1–2 meters (3–6 feet) away from the food or Trap Cage. Make sure the cat’s full body is visible from the side so you can clearly identify their tail shape and coat pattern. Some cameras may overexpose the image at night if placed too close, making the cat appear completely white. Be sure to test the camera distance in advance to avoid overexposure at night.
3. Getting Permission
If placing the camera on someone else’s property or at a feeding spot, always obtain permission beforehand.
Label the camera with the purpose, installation period, and your contact information.
4. Theft Prevention
If setting up in a public area, place the camera somewhere less noticeable―such as tucked into a bush or behind an object.
We also recommend using a lockable cable to secure it to a post or other fixture.
5. Installation Period
Set up the camera at sunset and check the footage the following morning.
Since your Lost Cat may not appear right away, keep the camera in place for at least two nights.
If there are no sightings after two days, move the camera to a different location.
6. If there are stray or community cats in the area
In areas where stray or community cats are present, it’s highly likely that there’s a feeding spot nearby. Stray cats don’t usually stay in one place unless they have access to a steady food source, so their presence often indicates someone is providing food in the area.
Even if the person feeding the cats says, "Your cat hasn’t come here," keep in mind that they may not have noticed. Politely ask for permission to set up a trail camera for at least two days to check whether your cat has visited the spot.
Trail Camera: Cat Approaches Trap Cage
If you haven’t already, report your lost cat to the appropriate authorities.
Cats are not typically taken in by the police or animal control simply for being seen outdoors.
However, if a cat is found injured or severely weakened, they may be picked up and placed in protective custody. For this reason, it’s important to file a report early―just in case.
Even if your cat is taken in by the police or animal control, you may not be contacted unless your contact information is clearly written on their collar.
That’s why it’s essential not only to file a report, but also to regularly check intake records and shelter listings to stay informed after submitting your report.
Note: Procedures and agency responsibilities may vary by country or region. Please check with your local authorities for accurate guidance.
1. Police Departments
In most areas, police departments do not have the facilities to house or care for animals. If someone brings a lost cat to the police station, they will often refer them to the local animal control center.
In some regions, the police may keep records of cats that have been brought in. It’s worth checking whether your cat may be listed.
2. Animal Control Centers
If a cat is taken to an animal control center, they will first receive any necessary medical care. Staff will scan for a microchip, and if owner information is registered, they will attempt to make contact.
If the cat is unidentifiable, they will be held and posted as lost for a designated holding period. Be sure to check the center’s lost-and-found listings regularly.
If no one claims the cat during the holding period, the cat may be put up for adoption or transferred to a rescue organization.
3. Public Works Departments (Road Cleaning Services)
Sadly, if a cat is found deceased―such as from being hit by a car―it may be collected and disposed of by the city’s public works department responsible for road maintenance.
In such cases, remains are often cremated within two to three days, and no official record may be kept. It’s important to contact the department promptly if there is a possibility your cat was involved.
4. Veterinary Clinics
Although not government-run, veterinary clinics often receive lost cats that have been rescued due to injury or illness.
There have been cases where a passerby found a cat in poor condition and brought them to a clinic near their home. For this reason, it is strongly recommended that you take your Lost Cat Flyer to all clinics within a 5-kilometer radius and ask if they would be willing to display it in their waiting area.
When you receive a sighting report, go to the location to check the area and safely recover your cat.
Sightings calls often come unexpectedly. To avoid panicking when you receive one, it’s helpful to prepare in advance by writing down the following items in a notebook or memo app you can easily access at any time.
When you receive a sightings call, start by sincerely thanking the caller, then ask for details about the sighting.
1. Ask for details about the sighting―when they saw the cat (and since when they’ve been seeing them), the exact location, what the cat was doing at the time, and which direction they were heading. When asking about the cat’s appearance, do not lead the conversation with questions like "Did they have an ear tip on the right side?" Instead, let the caller describe what they remember in their own words.
2. If they have a photo, ask them to send it via SMS or another messaging method. Also, let them know some key features of your cat, and kindly ask them to take a photo if they see the cat again, making sure to capture the features you described.
3. Ask for the caller’s name, and if possible, request permission to contact them again. Also, ask if they would be willing to take a photo if they see the cat again.
4. Save the caller’s information in your phone contacts with a clear label such as "Sighting Info – Mr. Yamada." This way, if they call again, you’ll immediately recognize who it is.
What You’ll Need: Flashlight, your cat’s favorite treats, Cat Carrier, Lost Cat Flyers, food, trail camera
Sightings are extremely valuable. In most cases, you won’t receive many calls―just a few, and each one may be a key to locating your cat. That’s why you should carefully follow up on every sighting unless it’s clearly a different cat or the location is far beyond the possible range.
1. Go to the Sighting Spot Right Away
Go to the reported location as soon as possible and search the area thoroughly.
If you can, ask the person who called to meet you there and describe the situation in detail―the exact time they saw the cat, what the cat was doing, and which direction they went.
2. Ask Around the Area
If you don’t find your cat right away, hand out Lost Cat Flyers and speak with nearby residents.
Ask if anyone has seen a cat that looks like the one in the flyer, when they started seeing the cat (if they’ve been seeing the cat since before yours went missing, it may be a different one), and whether there are any feeding spots nearby.
If a feeding spot is found, speak with the person who provides food and ask if they’ve seen your cat.
3. Use a Trail Camera to Confirm
If you go to the location but still can’t find your cat, or if there are other cats with similar coat color and pattern, and you’re unsure whether the sighting was actually your cat, use a trail camera.
Identify potential hiding spots and, starting from the area near the sighting location, place strong-smelling food and trail cameras in order to see if your cat is drawn to the scent.
If a feeding spot exists, monitor it as well with a trail camera.
Even if someone feeding the cats says, "Your cat hasn’t been here," keep in mind that they may simply not have noticed.
In such cases, kindly ask for permission to place a trail camera for at least two days to confirm whether your cat has visited the spot.
What You’ll Need: Your cat’s favorite treats, a Cat Carrier
1. When you find your lost cat, first crouch down low and calmly call their name in a steady voice while observing their behavior.
2. If your cat doesn’t appear tense or try to run away when you call their name, stay low and slowly approach while continuing to speak softly. If they come up to sniff your outstretched fingers, you may be able to gently touch and safely pick them up by hand. Offering their favorite treat can also help ease their tension.
3. If you successfully catch them with your bare hands, immediately place them in a Cat Carrier to prevent them from slipping out of your arms and escaping. If you don’t have a carrier, a mesh laundry bag can be used as a substitute.
4. If your cat starts to back away with their back arched as you approach―or sniffs your fingers but still seems wary―remain crouched and wait patiently until they relax. It may take 30 minutes or more, but give them time to feel safe.
5. If your cat doesn’t calm down, step away from the area for now. Trying to force a capture may scare them into fleeing again, which means having to start locating their whereabouts all over again. In such cases, use a Trap Cage for a more reliable capture.
If your cat has hidden in a spot and won’t come out, block off the surrounding area with bricks or other barriers to prevent escape. Then, set up the Trap Cage at the exit.
If you find your cat but they won’t come out of hiding or seem likely to run away when you approach, use a Trap cage to safely and successfully capture your cat.
Here’s how to use a commercially available trip-plate trap (spring-loaded trap) to capture your cat.
Trap cage usage may vary depending on the manufacturer, so please refer to the instruction manual for details.
1. Establishing a Feeding Routine
- Only place the trap cage after you’ve confirmed where your cat is.
If you set it too early, it may catch other cats, making management difficult and possibly leading to neighborhood conflicts.
- Once you’ve located your lost cat, place food at that spot at the same time each day to get them used to coming.
Set up the trap cage only during the time they usually come to eat―this helps reduce the chance of catching other cats.
2. Getting Permission
- If placing the trap on property you don’t own, obtain permission from the landowner.
- If there are outdoor-access cats nearby, ask their owners to keep them inside during trapping hours.
- If there are community cats nearby, ask the caretakers to feed them away from the trap and in large enough amounts so they’re not tempted.
- Label the trap cage with the purpose, installation period, and your contact information.
3. Managing Feeding Spots
Cats won’t go into a trap unless they’re hungry.
If someone nearby is feeding cats, explain your situation and ask them to manage their feeding schedule so your cat doesn’t eat there.
4. Safety Check and Cleaning Before Use
- Make sure there are no sharp edges that could injure your cat. If there are, file them down.
- Check that the sliding gate at the back cannot be pushed upward by the cat. If it can be opened even with light pressure, secure it with cable ties.
- Confirm that stepping on the trip plate causes the door to close immediately.
If the door shuts from slight vibrations (like shaking), adjust the hook to secure it more firmly.
- If the trap smells like other cats, deodorize it thoroughly with spray or rinse with water.
5. Making the Trap Cage More Comfortable
- Cover the trap with a sheet to block the mesh and create a dark, calm space.
Using a sheet that has your cat’s scent can help them feel safer.
Place a pee pad or similar material inside to make it easier to walk on.
- Use your cat’s favorite food as bait. Strong-smelling items like grilled fish can also help.
- During bug season, place the food on a raised dish inside a shallow dish of water to deter slugs and insects.
6. Trap Placement
- Choose a quiet location where people won’t disturb the trap.
Place the trap cage parallel to, but slightly off to the side of a narrow path the cat is likely to use―this is more effective than placing it directly in the middle.
- Even if the food is tempting, cats may be wary of an unfamiliar trap.
Place it near bushes, cars, sheds, or under the deck so they can observe it calmly before approaching.
Cautious cats often watch for a while before deciding it’s safe.
- Place a small amount of food just in front of the trap entrance.
Even if the cat doesn’t enter, if the food disappears, you’ll know an animal came.
Do not place any other food nearby―if your cat satisfies their hunger there, they may not risk entering the trap.
7. Use a Trail Camera to Monitor
If your cat doesn’t get caught in the trap cage, set up a trail camera facing the trap.
This helps determine whether they are approaching but avoiding it, or not coming at all.
8. Trap Monitoring and Safety
- Depending on your cat’s personality and living environment, it’s best to set the trap from evening to early morning when it’s quiet.
- Do not use the trap during hot daytime hours in summer―there’s a serious risk of heatstroke.
- Once the trap is set, leave the area so your cat doesn’t sense your presence.
- If there are signs of human activity around the trap, the cat may avoid it.
Check whether the door is closed by shining a flashlight from a distance.
- If an animal remains trapped too long, they may be injured or exhausted.
Check from a distance every 3 hours. If the door is still open, leave quietly.
- If another animal is accidentally caught, release it immediately while avoiding injury to either party.
Take care not to be scratched on your wrists or arms, as there’s a risk of infection.
If scratched or bitten, rinse the wound thoroughly under running water and seek medical attention.
- If the trapped cat looks similar to yours, take clear photos of any distinguishing features before releasing them.
These photos may help confirm or rule out future sightings reported in response to your Lost Cat Flyers.
9. If You Catch Your Cat
- If you successfully catch your cat, do not open the trap on the spot.
Take them home, close all doors and windows, and only then release them indoors.
- If your cat appears injured or weak, keep them in the trap cage and take them to a veterinary clinic right away.
When you recover your lost cat, take them to a veterinary clinic as soon as possible to ensure they receive any necessary medical care.
1. If You Safely Recover Your Cat at Night
If your cat is injured or severely weakened, take them to a 24-hour emergency animal hospital for immediate treatment.
2. Even If They Seem Fine
Even if your cat appears to be in good condition, have them checked by your regular veterinarian. Ask the vet to check for dehydration, external injuries, damage to teeth or claws, fleas, ticks, parasites, and possible infections.
3. Keep Them Isolated Until Cleared
Until your cat has been fully examined, keep them in a cage or a separate room to prevent potential transmission of infectious diseases to other pets or people.
4. If They Were Bitten in a Fight
If your cat was bitten in a fight, swelling or infection may appear a few days later. Monitor them closely, and if you notice signs of swelling or pus, take them to the vet for treatment.
5. Avoid Stressful Bathing
Unless your cat is extremely dirty, avoid bathing them right away, as it may cause unnecessary stress. Let them groom themselves first. If needed, gently wipe off any dirt using a pet-safe body wipe without harsh chemicals, or a well-wrung warm damp towel.
6. If You Were Bitten or Scratched During Capture
If you were bitten or scratched while capturing your cat, you may be at risk of infection. Immediately rinse the wound thoroughly under running water. If swelling occurs, seek medical treatment right away.
7. How to Calm Your Cat at Home
Even after being safely brought home, some cats may remain unsettled.
- If you become emotional or raise your voice after bringing your cat home, it may cause them to feel anxious. As difficult as it may be, try to stay calm and gently welcome them back.
- Being outdoors can be a stressful experience for your cat, and they may still be overstimulated. If they seem agitated, keep them in a quiet room for a while to help them settle down.
- If you have other cats in the home, they may react aggressively due to unfamiliar outdoor scents on your found cat. Keep them separated for the time being.
- Most cats begin to calm down within a week. Be patient and give them time to adjust at their own pace.
Once your lost cat has safely returned home, please take the time to let everyone who provided sightings or helped with the search know, and thank them for their support.
If you posted Lost Cat Flyers with permission, attach a note that says "Found" and take them down after about 3 days. Many people in your community were likely concerned and hoping for a happy outcome.
Notify any places where you filed a lost report―such as the local police station, animal control center, public works department (road cleaning division), and veterinary clinics―that your cat has been found.
We’re so glad your cat is home safe.
Here’s to many more happy moments with your beloved cat by your side!
If your cat is still missing more than 7 days after they went missing, please switch to the "Within 1 Month of Going Missing" search plan.
Even if you manage to find your cat and pick them up with your bare hands, there is a risk they may slip away and escape again on the way home.
This can happen even just 10 meters from your house.
Carrying a cat securely in your arms without them escaping is extremely difficult―even over a short distance.
Once you have caught your cat, place them in a Cat Carrier immediately to prevent another escape.
If you do not have a Cat Carrier, you can use a mesh laundry bag or a similar alternative to safely contain them.
A trail camera is a motion-activated device designed to automatically capture photos and videos of wildlife outdoors. It works both during the day and at night.
When an animal―such as a cat―comes near, the camera detects the movement and records images or video accordingly.
Trail cameras are battery-operated, waterproof, and store the captured footage on an internal memory card.
These cameras are especially useful for checking whether your missing cat is coming to eat the food you’ve left out or for monitoring activity around a Trap Cage.
Because they operate silently and without revealing any human presence, they provide continuous overnight surveillance―making them a highly effective tool in the search for a lost cat.
There are various types of trap cages, but when capturing a lost cat, a trip-plate trap (spring-loaded trap) is most suitable.
This type of trap works by placing cat food at the back to lure the cat inside. When the cat steps on the trip plate, the spring mechanism automatically triggers the door to close.
If the trap is too small, the door may not fully close even after being triggered, which can result in the cat escaping―sometimes with its tail or hind legs caught.
To reduce the risk of escape or injury, choose a trap approximately 76 cm long × 25 cm wide × 25 cm high.
1. Psychology and Behavior of a Cat When They Go Missing
When an indoor cat afraid of strangers escapes outside, they are frightened by the unfamiliar environment and the presence of people. Acting on instinct, they try to find a dark, narrow, and tucked-away space to hide in.
Cats that are fearful of unfamiliar surroundings and people typically do not travel far. They are often found hiding just a few meters from home―in a neighbor’s shed or a crawl space accessible from outside.
Once they find a place where they feel secure, they may stay hidden there for days or even weeks without emerging.
They move with great caution, doing their best not to expose their body. Unlike stray cats, they rarely walk along fences, rooftops, roads, or bridges.
Some cats, confused by the unfamiliar outdoor environment, may initially sit dazed under a car or in a yard. However, they eventually find a safe place to hide and crawl into it.
Cats that are hiding because they are scared of the outside environment are extremely difficult to find even if you search within what you can see from the street. They will not respond to their name being called.
If searching nearby yields no results, you may begin to worry that your cat has gone far away. In reality, however, they are most often just hiding in a location that is difficult to see.
While hiding, cats do not eat, but since they hardly move, they burn very little energy. As a result, they can survive for several days without experiencing severe physical decline.
However, they cannot go without food forever. Eventually, as hunger begins to outweigh fear, they cautiously emerge during quiet hours to look for water or food, then quickly hide again. They often repeat this behavior.
In areas with a large number of stray or community cats, there are often feeding spots where people regularly leave food.
A hungry lost cat may try to approach these feeding spots, but for an indoor cat afraid of strangers, it is difficult to compete with stronger cats.
They may be driven away and forced to search for food elsewhere.
If they are unable to eat enough at a feeding spot, they may begin hunting small animals―such as mice, pigeons, sparrows, lizards, or frogs―to survive.
However, not all cats are skilled hunters. If they cannot obtain food from humans, they may fall into a state of chronic hunger and continue moving in search of a better feeding area.
2. Changes in Behavior Over Time
Immediately after going missing, a cat’s fear is stronger than their hunger. They tend to hide very close to home and remain almost completely still, making them extremely difficult to spot.
After several days to a few weeks, hunger becomes unbearable, and they begin cautiously exploring the surrounding area in search of food and water.
During this time, they observe where and when it is safe to eat, and watch other cats at feeding spots to learn how to access food safely.
However, since they only move around during hours when there are no people, they still tend to go unnoticed.
After a few weeks to about a month, the cat gradually becomes accustomed to their surroundings and gains confidence.
They begin expanding their range little by little in search of better feeding spots, and their activity periods lengthen―making it more likely that someone will spot them.
After more than a month, the cat may have found a place where they can eat regularly and may have settled in that area.
If they start showing up at a particular feeding spot consistently, there is a higher chance that sightings will be reported from around that location.
It is also possible that someone has already taken them in and is caring for them.
