How long is an appropriate amount of time to wait before putting up "MISSING CAT" posters?

Question

I know this is going to sound really petty, but I'm very worried about my cat who I haven't seen since dinner time last night. My sister is telling me that I'm too worried, but I've had my cat for 7 years and this is the first time she's failed to come home at night.

Answer 1

If you're feeling anxious, do it now, especially since this isn't her normal behavior.

Answer 2

You know your cat, and you know her habits - I'd get signs up just as soon as you think is necessary. Start combing the neighborhood. Sounds awful, but if you have any hedges or bushes around the house, take a peek under them, if she has been hurt, she will be looking for a hiding place. I had one cat that was gone for three weeks and then just one day out of the blue walked through the front door one night like nothing was wrong, what happened was that he got closed up in a neighbors garage - so odd things do happen to curious cats.

Answer 3

It doesnt sound petty at all. If your cat has been missing for 24 hours or more then I think you should start putting up posters right away. You will be amazed at how many people will see your poster and you never know some good samaritan might see her and return her to you. I really feel for you at the moment and hope and pray for good luck to you and your lovely cat.

Answer 4

I am so sorry - I know how upsetting that is. I had a similar episode two weeks ago. My cat didn't come home and he ALWAYS comes home at night. I didn't wait - I had the signs up the next day.
I got lucky and found him after four days - he was locked in my neighbors garage while he was away. Luckily, we found him but he was severely dehydrated and malnourished. Poor baby.
I am just glad he is home and he is doing great now!
He is not happy that I wont let him out anymore though :-)
I would say - stay positive - put the signs up ASAP and check your neighbor's garages!!! Good luck! Keep us posted.

Answer 5

When we could not find my cat we put up flyers that day...she was also new. But by suppertime someone called to tell us that they had her in their back porch. Sure enough there she was. I would put them up as soon as you wanted to. Just make enough for the neighborhood and place them in the mailboxes so they can check their mail before dinner. Also if you are going to place a picture on it make sure its in color so people can really see what your cat looks like. Also I read on a website if you lose your cat place their litter box by the back door outside of course. Cats are addicted to scents and nothing is more stronger then their own. Best of luck I am sure you will find your little sweetie soon.

Answer 6

I wouldn't wait. There is no harm in putting up posters early. The earlier, the better. It increases the chances of your cat being found. It would also help to put up an award (people are pretty self-serving) or you will risk someone taking your cat in and keeping him/her. Do it as soon as possible to prevent her from being alone any longer.

Answer 7

If it's the first time, then you should put signs up right away.

If it weren't, I would say wait a couple of days, depending on how long it took for the cat to come back before.

Answer 8

3-4

Answer 9

Don't wait - put up the signs now. You can always tear them all down if kitty shows up. BUT what if someone found kitty, assumed she was a stray and carted her off to the pound? I'd also ask the neighbors if they'd seen her and ask them to check their garden sheds since kitties can get locked inside them. Hope you find her soon.

Answer 10

5 days

Answer 11

Within the first few hours of becoming missing is the best time to put it up. The sooner you report it missing, the better results you will get, befor it strays too far from home.