What You Can Do If Your Cat Gets Lost:

Tour your neighborhood by foot with a kennel and food in hand, making the usual sounds and noises associated with dinner time (by tapping the can or shaking a bowl of dry food, for example).

Promptly blanket your neighborhood and surrounding area with "Lost Cat" signs and flyers. If you print a sign using your ink-jet printer, keep in mind that the ink may run or fade after a few days. Have copies made at your local copy center or create a sign using a permanent black marker. Bring a roll of wide tape, thumbtacks and a hammer to post your flyers. Don't forget to post them in high-traffic areas such as local grocery stores, veterinary offices, and pet supply stores.

Signs should BOLDLY state: "LOST CAT" with a good description to include coat color and pattern, weight, sex, and whether or not the cat was wearing tags and/or is microchipped. We strongly recommend including a clear photograph, along with the date the cat went missing, from what location, and your contact information. A personal plea and an offer of a reward might also help. Use this as an opportunity to speak with your neighbors and tell them to be on the lookout.

Call local animal shelters, vet clinics, and the microchip tracking company to inform them of your cat's disappearance. Provide them all of the information as stated above. Fax or bring them a copy of your flyer. VISIT animal shelters often to look for yourself.

Be patient. Repeat the steps above as necessary.