My Cat Is Missing — What Now?

First hour

1. Search your home thoroughly first — indoor cats hide in tiny spots (closets, behind appliances, under beds, inside box springs).
2. Check immediately outside the home, especially in shrubs, under decks, and in garages.
3. Call out softly with a familiar treat shake or food bowl tap.
4. Leave the door open with their litter box just inside (the scent is a powerful lure).

First 24 hours

1. Walk the neighborhood at dawn and dusk when traffic is light and cats are most active.
2. Knock on close neighbors’ doors and ask them to check garages and sheds.
3. Post a photo with phone number on the Nextdoor and Facebook neighborhood groups.
4. File a found-pet report with St. Louis County Animal Care and Control.
5. If your cat is microchipped, log into your registry and confirm contact info is current.

Days 2 through 14

1. Place worn clothing or used bedding outside near a familiar entry point.
2. Set up a wildlife / trail camera if you have one.
3. Continue checking shelters every 2–3 days — many cats are turned in over multiple weeks.
4. Post flyers at intersections within a 5-block radius.

St. Louis area shelters & animal control

• St. Louis County Animal Care
  (314) 615-0650
  Website → (opens in a new tab)
• APA Adoption Center
  (314) 645-4610
  Website → (opens in a new tab)
• Humane Society of Missouri
  (314) 951-1500
  Website → (opens in a new tab)
• Stray Rescue of St. Louis
  (314) 771-6121
  Website → (opens in a new tab)