if they have seen your missing cat and persuade them to look in their sheds and garages.

Provide much the same details as that of the leaflet. Print 'LOST' in large letters and make the photo big. It needs to make passers-by stop and read it. Pin them (with permission) in Post Offices, outside schools, bus shelters, launderettes, pubs, vet notice boards etc. If your cat has been spotted include a map and show clearly where he was last seen and when.

taking your cat’s favourite treats with you. If searching late at night when the traffic is quiet (Always go with someone for the safety aspect) Decide on an area you want to cover, walk to that boundary WITHOUT calling your cats name, once you are ready to walk back towards your home, then start calling, this way if your cat hears your voice, you are leading it back towards your home rather than away from it.

You can do this by rubbing it against your skin and then enhancing it with your perfume/aftershave. If your cat uses a blanket, you can also use this item, even tie your sock or a rag, which you have slept on where the cat was last seen. Your cat will recognise your smell.“If your cat has become disorientated and lost then it will be able to use the scent to find its way home,”

Place a small amount of his/her used cat litter in your garden or near your door.

to see if your cat has been taken in. The RSPCA hold healthy stray cats for just seven days before they start to rehome them.
See telephone numbers at the bottom of this page.

Check whether they are aware of any stray cats that have been picked up by the Animal Welfare Team and taken to a local shelter. Also, ask to speak to the Street Cleaning Team to be sure that any cats found on the road do not match the description of your missing cat. Whilst this can be a distressing call to make, it is helpful to rule out from your search - and in the worst-case scenario can at least offer you closure. Have a friend with you when you call if this is useful, or ask them to call on your behalf. See telephone numbers at the bottom of this page.

They cover a wide area and so may have seen your missing cat.

as they may be able to give your cat a mention.

Always remember to change your address with the microchip company if you move! PLEASE DON’T FORGET! not having up to date contact details prolongs being reunited with your cat. See micro-chipping section on our help and advice page for more details.

but don’t be specific about what it is. It could just be a box of chocolates or flowers — £50 max.

This expense may be covered by your pet insurance.

Cats have been known to return months later.