What to do if your cat goes missing in the UK

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

Start promptly and keep one search log recording the last confirmed location, checks and sightings. A cat's absence does not establish how far it has travelled. Cats Protection: lost cat guide ↗.

Search the immediate area thoroughly

Check your home, cupboards, hiding places, garden and outbuildings. Inspect appliances before switching them on, especially if left open. During building work, check accessible cavities without putting yourself at risk.

Ask neighbours to open and check their own sheds, garages and vehicles. Do not enter private property without permission. Call calmly during quieter hours and leave pauses for a response. For a nervous cat, ask witnesses to report sightings rather than chase it. Cats Protection recommendations ↗.

Mark the cat missing on its microchip database

Contact the database holding the chip record and update your telephone number and address. A chip helps identify a found cat; it does not display a GPS location. Vets and rescues can scan a found animal. GOV.UK: microchip records ↗.

Do not publish the complete chip number. Keep it and supporting documents for ownership checks.

Notify local organisations

Send a photograph and brief description to nearby veterinary practices, rescues and your local Cats Protection. Post in verifiable neighbourhood and lost-pet groups, then regularly check found-animal reports.

Use a clear photograph, area, date, distinguishing features and suitable contact method on posters. Obtain permission before placing one in a shop or other premises. Printed notices may reach neighbours who do not follow online groups.

Check reports and continue searching

Ask for the exact time, location and a recent photograph, then compare identifying features. Do not pay for an unverified promise to return the cat. If found ill or injured, call a vet first and organise safe help.

After the cat returns, notify the database and organisations and update notices. Establish how it escaped and address the door, window or access problem to reduce the chance of another search.