If you’re reading this, you’re probably in the same state I once was: confused, scared, and heart pounding because your cat is missing. Trust me, that feeling is anything but pleasant. I have a cat named Simba, and in just one night, the gate was accidentally left open and he slipped out without me even noticing. The next two days, I was completely trapped in a whirlwind of anxiety. But in the end, I found him.
And what helped me get Simba back wasn’t luck. It was clear, specific steps, plus all the experience I gathered from asking everyone I knew who had ever lost a cat. This article is everything I learned, and I hope it helps you find your baby as soon as possible.
Lost cats aren’t uncommon
The first thing you need to understand is this: most cats don’t go missing because they stop loving their owners. They’re just a little too curious.
- They hear a sound → run out to check.
- They wander a bit too far → can’t find the way back.
- Someone picks them up thinking they’re stray → they’re taken out of the original area.
- And the worse scenario: being taken by someone with bad intentions, especially purebred cats since they’re valuable.
But knowing this helps you panic less. Because most lost cats can be found — as long as you act quickly and correctly.
Urgent things to do in the first 12 hours
This is the “golden window.” I know you’re shaky right now, but just follow each step one by one.
✔ Check as many cameras as possible
Cameras in your house, the gate, neighbors’ houses, nearby shops.
Thanks to the cameras, I figured out which direction my cat ran, which saved a ton of time.
✔ Go outside and call for your cat immediately
Cats usually stay within a 50–200m radius in the first hours.
Walk slowly, call softly, and bring a food container to shake. Don’t shout — it’ll scare them and make them hide deeper.
✔ Ask people around your area
- The owner of store who wakes up at 5 AM
- Motorbike drivers
- Houses at the entrance of the alley
Anyone could be the last person who saw your cat when they went missing.
What to do in the first 24 hours
✔ Distribute flyers around the area where your cat went missing
I gave flyers to:
- the bánh mì lady who wakes up early
- motorbike drivers
- neighbors
- people who often pass by the alley entrance
Your flyer must include: a clear photo – the time your cat went missing – phone numbers – a clear reward.
If you’re willing to offer a higher amount, just write it directly (for example 5 million or 8 million). A higher reward can motivate people to actively look for your cat.
✔ Post in every group you can
- Local community groups
- Lost pet groups
- Buy/sell groups in the area
Just post everywhere you can.
✔ Search at night
From 11 PM to 2–3 AM.
The night is quiet, so it’s easier to hear a cat calling.
I walked through every small alley, played “cat calling sounds” on YouTube, shook a food container… and eventually heard Simba meowing. He was stuck somewhere and couldn’t get out.
You can use this: Cat calling sound.
✔ Check areas where cats or dogs are gathered or kept
In many places, there are specific spots where stray cats and dogs are gathered. Ask locals — they might know these locations.
You should also look into slaughterhouses or places that buy stolen cats and dogs. If you search early enough, you might still be able to get your cat back.
Some slaughterhouse locations in Đà Nẵng:
On Tôn Đản, I saw many cats and dogs kept there — more than 30 animals every day.
At 1015 Tôn Đản, there’s a nhậu restaurant; opposite it is a sugarcane juice stall. Inside, there are two houses. The slaughterhouse is the last one. They usually ship the cats out the same day, or within 2 days at most. So if your cat goes missing at night, you must search the next morning, because by the afternoon they will be shipped out.
Using scent to guide your cat home
✔ Spread your cat’s litter at the door
Your cat’s litter has a familiar scent. It works like a “scent GPS,” helping your cat find the way home.
✔ Spread litter along the paths your cat might have taken
I used camera directions and the spots where I heard him meowing to place the litter.
Result: he was able to track the scent and returned close to home.
✔ Search with friends
Looking for a cat is more effective at midnight. Going alone can be dangerous and stressful. A small team is both safer and less stressful.
Getting help from other cats
Show your cat’s photo to neighbor cats and “ask” for help.
It sounds a bit mystical, but many cats have been found this way.
Two years ago, a neighbor cat actually led my old cat back home after three days of being lost. Cats really do have their own “social network.”
If you see a cat outside, greet it and, if possible, offer some food. Once you’re friendly, show the cat your lost cat’s photo and “ask” it to help find your cat.
Avoiding scams when your cat is missing
I’ve encountered two types:
❌ The “cat in a cage” scam
They use AI to put your cat’s photo in a cage and claim it’s about to be “slaughtered.”
The goal: force you to transfer money as ransom.
They’ll make excuses like the cats or dogs were stolen, so they can’t meet in person. They won’t send extra videos or a specific address. They exploit your worry to get you to pay, threatening your pet will be killed or moved otherwise.
Note: never transfer money first
❌ The “pretend lost cat” scam with a strange Zalo number
They message you showing empathy, claiming they know someone in a slaughterhouse who can help find your cat. Then they give you a contact of an accomplice for you to reach out to.
How to avoid being scammed:
- Google the phone number → you’ll often find posts exposing scams.
- Check the number on “Trang Trắng” (White Pages) “Trang Trắng” (White Pages) – trace phone numbers and detect scam calls.
- Read about common lost cat scams in lost pet groups, on TikTok, or Google to recognize and prevent them.
Two scam numbers I encountered:
- 0912499461
- 0936648849
How to make sure your cat never gets lost again
✔ Attach an AirTag or tracking tag
✔ Implant a microchip to verify ownership
✔ Install cameras inside the house and at the gate
✔ Close doors carefully, especially at night
✔ Train your cat to respond when called
Prevention is always easier than cure.
If you’re dealing with a lost cat, I completely understand the feeling: panic, exhaustion, emptiness.
But don’t give up. Just be persistent and follow each step correctly, and your chances of finding your cat are much higher than you think.
Wishing you and your cat a quick reunion, just like me and Simba.
If this article helps you, share it with anyone who needs it. Cat lovers always “care for each other” in a very genuine way.
Follow more of Simba’s life and stories on this TikTok: TikTok – Make Your Day
—–
Linkachu – Someone who has battled weight for nearly 20 years and is currently exploring the “eat fully, still lose weight” method.
This is my Facebook! LinkachuMC
English 
Vietnamese