So you’re off to Grandmother’s house for the holiday, and your kitty companion could not stand ONE MORE MINUTE in their cat carrier, so you let her out to sit on the dashboard, kind of like the silver Jaguar on an expensive sports car. When you stop, you intend to put her away, but your child opens the car door first. The inevitable—and unthinkable—happens. What do you do?
If your cat gets loose while you’re traveling, it can be a stressful situation. First, stay calm and act quickly. Cats will often stay close to where they were lost, at least to begin with. They can also read you well—if you’re panicked, they can panic too. Use a familiar tone, or even a familiar sound to call them back to you, like a favorite toy or treat box.
If you’re in a large area, like a park or rest stop, stay near where they got loose. They will likely look for you the last place they saw you. Check in hiding spots nearby, under cars or bushes, behind trees or picnic tables. Put out their carrier, bed, or a blanket with their scent. This might encourage them to come back.
If you spot your cat, avoid chasing them. This could cause them to run further away. Instead, crouch down, extend your hand, and gently coax them toward you. At night, use a flashlight—it could reflect in their eyes making them easier to find.
If you’re in a populated area, ask people nearby to keep an eye out for your cat. Provide a description and contact information in case someone spots them. If you’re in a residential area, consider posting on local social media groups, putting up flyers, or contacting nearby homes or businesses to ask if anyone has seen your cat.
If your cat doesn’t return quickly, you might consider using a humane trap with their favorite food inside. Check it frequently and ensure it’s placed in a safe location. Continue searching regularly, especially in the early morning or late evening when the area is quieter and your cat may be more likely to come out of hiding.
If you’re unable to find your cat, notify local animal shelters, veterinarians, and animal control in the area. Provide them with a description, a photo and any identifying information like a collar or microchip number. Also, if your cat is microchipped, immediately update the contact information with your current location. This way, if your cat is found and scanned, you can be contacted quickly.