Why Do Cats Get Lost More Easily than Dogs?

You'll be amazed to find out that very few cats find their way home after getting lost. Find out what you can do here.

Many people think that cats always know how to make their way back home. However, the reality is quite different. Statistics indicate that cats get lost more easily than dogs. In this article, we’ll tell you the reasons and we’ll show you tips to take care of your cats.

Some reasons why cats get lost

Perhaps because of the fact that cats are independent beings, many owners don’t worry too much about their absence, and assume that sooner or later they’ll return home.

However, according to the Canadian Federation of Animal Protective Societies, the reality is quite different. They claim that 70 percent of the dogs that get lost manage to return to their human family. However, in the case of cats it’s only 5 percent.

But why do cats get lost? Mainly because they’re curious animals by nature and they love to explore or run after anything that moves or flies, be it a bird, a leaf, a butterfly or a piece of paper.

We shouldn’t forget that if we don’t neuter or spay our furry friends, they might try to escape in search of other cats to mate with. If you have doubts about the neutering or spaying of domestic cats, consult a veterinarian.

The dangers cats face

There are many dangers that lost cats face, especially if they live in a big city:

• Traffic accidents
• Unscrupulous people who can hurt cats in different ways
• Fights with other cats or dogs

Also, it’s very likely that frightened animals won’t find their way back home because they’re waiting until the threat goes away. So, you must try to prevent your cat from getting lost.

Why do cats get lost more easily than dogs?

To understand why cats get lost more easily than dogs, you should bear the following in mind:

• Even though it’s mandatory, very few cats, unlike dogs, have a microchip. Experts estimate that of all lost cats, only 20 percent have one.
• It’s not common for cats to wear an identification collar.
• In the belief that cats will return on their own, it takes a long time to start looking for them.

That is why shelters rescue around 40,000 lost or abandoned cats each year, according to the Affinity Foundation.

Prevent cats from getting lost

So what should you do to prevent your cat from escaping and getting lost? Neutering them is one option, and another is to use protective screens on windows, balconies, and terraces.

But, if your cat gets lost, remember that you’ll always have more chances of finding it if you start your search immediately. Also, it will help considerably if your cat has proper identification with a microchip and an ID tag.

Don’t believe in popular beliefs, cats don’t have 9 lives. Take care of your cat!