IN THIS LESSON
Next step in the search
Now that you've confirmed your cat isn't hiding somewhere inside your home—and (just checking!) you haven’t placed a litter box outside—it's time to officially begin the recovery process.
🎭 A Cat’s Behavior Can Vary
Some cats hide in complete silence for up to 14 days or longer due to fear. Others may confidently roam the neighborhood. Either way, we need to prepare for both scenarios—including how to entice your cat to return home if they’re nearby.
❗️Important: Never assume your cat will simply return to your doorstep on their own. Cats can come back—but without proper preparation, you may never realize they were there.
🧭 What’s Coming Up in This Section
Using Cameras Effectively
We’ll cover how to set up monitoring around your home, what types of cameras work best (including my personal recommendations), and why they are crucial for spotting your cat—especially at night.Understanding Your Cat’s Personality
Your cat’s temperament changes how you search. A bold cat requires a different approach than a shy or fearful one. There’s a dedicated section to help you tailor your efforts accordingly.Who to Contact and Why It Matters
Reaching out to the right people early on is critical. In some cases, not acting quickly enough could lead to your cat being adopted out—or worse, euthanized. Most shelters and animal control facilities have a 72-hour hold policy before animals are made available for adoption.What If Your Cat Isn’t Microchipped?
Microchips can help—but don’t worry if your cat doesn’t have one. Increasing awareness with the steps outline will help you overcome that challenge.
Once you’ve alerted the appropriate contacts and set up your home for a potential return, we’ll shift focus to how to properly search for your cat in the field.
Let’s get started.