Check our animal shelter database to see if your pet has been found.
Access Service Oshawa Online to submit a lost pet report.
Remember that having your pet licensed will increase the chances for us to reunite you with your beloved friend.
Not all missing cats are lost or want to be found |
Cats are notorious for hiding in impossible places. Before you assume kitty is missing, make a thorough search indoors, around the porch, garage and yards armed with a flashlight and the tastiest, smelliest treats. Yes, some cats leave home for whatever reason and don't want to be found. Try anyway. The stats for lost cats returning home without intervention are about 2%. The odds are improved by having a microchip, City of Oshawa licence and wearing a collar and tag. |
Put his/her litter box out but sprinkle dirty litter on your lawns and leave out worn clothing or blankets. |
He/she is probably scared and hiding really close by. Look under every bush, car and ask if you can look in neighbours yards and under decks. Most likely won't come when called or for treats - too scared. Put out their dirty litter. It might have gotten chased outside their familiar area and could now be disoriented. The litter will help find its way back home. |
Start your search |
Don't waste time. If you know your cat is missing, grab your cell phone with a photo of your cat uploaded, flashlight and treats and head out. Wear comfortable clothes and comfortable soft-soled shoes. Don't panic. Breathe, try to be calm and think like a cat.
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Spread the word |
While you're searching, ask pedestrians, knock on neighbour's doors and show the photo. Ask if you can check their garage, sheds, under the porch. This is no time to be shy. To save time, multi-task during the search: leave a missing cat report with your vet, Service Oshawa, all the other local vets, shelters and rescue groups.
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Create a missing cat poster |
If you haven't already made a missing cat poster, make one. It doesn't have to be fancy but make sure the words "Lost Cat" are large enough to be visible from a passing vehicle or pedestrian. Luckily most of us have a gazillion photos of our cats of. Choose or crop a large close-up showing details of the face and another photo showing the entire body, ideally standing up. If you're not computer savvy, you can glue a photo on a piece of paper and use a marker to write the text by hand. Colour photos are preferable especially if your cat has a unique colour or markings. Copies printed on neon bright paper show well and use plastic page covers in case of rain. Include: your cat's name, description, any special identifying marks or collar, when last seen and where (cross street), your phone and e-mail but for security reasons not your name, address or amount of reward in case you are offering one. Also add contact info at the bottom of the page cut into four or five vertical strips that can be easily torn off. |
Persevere! |
Cats have returned weeks and months later. Keep networking, and asking neighbours if they've noticed anything. Keep your flyers or posters fresh with a "Still Missing" header. |
If you have found someone else's pet, report it to Service Oshawa as soon as possible at 905-436-3311. Please have the following information ready:
Please keep in mind that any animals that run away could require special medication or diets. Not reporting the animal could result in the animal getting sick or even passing away if its medication is not dispensed or special dietary needs are not met.