Kitty Post: Finding Lost Cats

Finding Lost Cats

Few things are more distressing than losing a beloved pet. Every day, countless lost cats and dogs are posted on neighborhood sites like NextDoor. The best way to ensure your pet’s safe return is to microchip him/her—and keep your contact and registration details up to date.

Act Fast, Don’t Panic:  If your cat goes missing, don’t lose hope. Act quickly. The sooner you begin searching, the better your chances of a happy reunion. The following tips and resources can help you bring your cat home safely. Remember to tailor your strategy to what makes sense in your situation.

Search Thoroughly:  Start by checking every inch of your home—closets, cabinets, under beds, behind furniture, in crawlspaces. If your cat isn’t inside, move outside. Look under porches, cars, bushes, decks, and in sheds or garages. Be hands-on: crouch, crawl, and peer into tight or hidden spaces. Cats tend to stay close to home, and neighbors sometimes accidentally trap them in garages or sheds.

Search at the Right Time: Night and early morning are ideal. Lost indoor cats often hide silently during the day. Even if you call, they might not respond until the world is quiet.

Use Familiar Sounds and Scents: When calling your cat, use your normal voice and phrases. If you see your cat, stay calm. Crouch down, speak softly, and slow blink—don’t rush toward them.

Bring Their Favorite Treats: Take their favorite treats when you search. Shake the treat bag or open a can of food just like you would at home. Use the words and tone they’re used to.

Appeal to Their Strong Sense of Smell. Place familiar-smelling items like bedding, litter boxes, or unwashed clothing near entrances. If you can, leave your garage door or front door slightly open so your cat can sneak back inside.

Get Your Neighbors Involved. Go door to door with a photo. Talk to neighbors, kids, and dog walkers. Ask them to check garages, sheds, and under decks—and to contact you if they see your cat.

Use Traps and Tech. If your cat is too scared to approach, consider using a humane trap (like Tomahawk, Trucatch, or Havahart). Many rescue groups will loan them to you. Always follow safety protocols—never leave traps unattended, especially overnight. A baby monitor or camera can help track movement near food, bedding, or traps. Place them where your cat is likely to return.

Contact Local Shelters and Rescues: Check with both municipal and county shelters regularly. Even if your cat is microchipped, it’s smart to visit in person. Also, contact local rescue groups—they often take in stray or abandoned animals. Also consider placing ads in local papers or checking with radio stations that offer free lost pet announcements.

Post Flyers: Make clear, eye-catching posters with your cat’s photo, a description, the location and date the cat was lost, and how to contact you. Post them around your neighborhood, on community boards, and at vet offices, laundromats, bus stops, and busy intersections. Check and replace missing or damaged posters as needed. Keep supplies (tape, tacks, extra posters) with you.

Spread the Word Online and In the Media: Post about your lost pet on NextDoor, Facebook, and Instagram, and check daily for updates and notices about found pets. Also, look at local shelter websites like:

·         Prince George’s County Animal Services Division

·         Montgomery County Animal Services

·         Anne Arundel County Animal Control

·         City of College Park Animal Control

·         City of Greenbelt Animal Shelter

·         City of New Carrolton Animal Control

Register on national lost and found sites, including:

·         Petco Love Lost:  https://petcolove.org/lost/

·         PawBoost

·         PetFinder Lost and Found

·         Tabby Tracker

·         Lost My Kitty

Abandoned House Cats Need Heroes—Will You Step Up?

Across our community, the quiet heartbreak of abandoned house cats is becoming a crisis. As layoffs and deportations shake the foundations of families in our area, beloved pets—once curled up in the safety of a warm lap—are being left behind. With rising costs and shrinking budgets, many people are forced to make the devastating choice between feeding themselves or feeding their cats. Others are evicted and find themselves in housing where pets aren't allowed. And veterinary care? That's now a luxury many simply can’t afford.

In just the past few months, Beltsville Community Cats (BCC) and fellow rescue groups have been flooded with desperate calls about house cats suddenly homeless, confused, and vulnerable. These aren’t feral animals. These are indoor pets—gentle, loving, and totally unprepared for life on the streets.

You can be the difference.

If you love cats and have the room in your heart and home, consider fostering one of these abandoned kitties. BCC will cover all veterinary costs and work to reunite lost pets with their owners—or find them forever homes. All you provide is food, kitty litter, love, patience, and a temporary safe haven.

With kitten season in full swing, our need for foster families has never been greater. These cats have already lost everything—they shouldn’t have to lose their lives, too.

Be their hero. Call BCC at 240-444-8353 or visit www.beltsvillecats.net/rescue to learn more about fostering.