Sometimes, sightings may be reported from several different locations at the same time, making it difficult to decide where to go first.
In that case, 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.
Go to the location where the photo most closely resembles your cat, and search the area.
We hope you and your cat will be safely reunited soon.
When you receive a sightings call, start by sincerely thanking the caller, then ask for details about the sighting.
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.
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.
If you receive a credible sighting, go to the location and search.
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.
