STEP 1 - SEARCH THE HOUSE

If you lose your Cat the first thing to do is thoroughly search the entire house.

This may seem an obvious statement, but if you didn't see your cat actually escape from the house, there is a good chance it might be hiding somewhere. Cats are adept at hiding quietly and can squeeze into the smallest, dark places where they feel safe, if frightened. 

Think back to the moment you realised your cat was missing and where you were and what you were doing.  Were there any loud unfamiliar noises, or new people or animals, in the house? Cats will usually only go and hide if they have been suddenly scared by something, so try to remember if there was something that could have triggered your cat to hide and where your cat was when that happened. 

Check rooms one by one. Enlist family or friends who your cat knows, to help.

Open all cupboards and drawers.

Look under and in beds.

Open up sofa beds and reclining chairs and sofas.

Behind and under furniture and appliances.

Behind radiator covers and bath panels.

Airing cupboards and towel stores. 

Tumble dryers, washing machines and dishwashers.

Inside any cat or dog pods/beds.

Behind curtains.

Cellars and connecting garages.

Anywhere in fact, that might be accessible to a cat. Remember, if it can get its head through a gap, then it will be able to get its body through too, so don't dismiss places you think might be too small for your pet to fit.

Search quietly, but if your cat is usually attracted to the sound of a treats box being rattled, shake that gently while searching.

If necessary, make a list of places to search and get family members to tick them off as they go, to ensure nowhere is missed.