Have you lost a cat in the Hyde Park Chicago area? Or found a cat?

Email us at hydeparkcats@gmail.com with a photo AND location (nearest cross streets) so we can put the word out on our listserv and Facebook page.

ALL pet owners should be proactive in getting their pets chipped, because chips work! All cats should also wear a collar, even indoor cats.

For Lost Cats: the good news is most cats stick around very close to home.

1. Make sure the cat is not in a closet, hallway, neighbor’s apartment, etc. Ask neighbors to check nearby sheds, garages and basements in case your cat has gotten locked in. Don’t assume the cat will meow – go in there and look.

2. The best things to do are leave food out close to home, go out calling at night – starting around 7pm (or even 11pm when things are quiet). Cats tend to hide during the day but come out at dusk/night.

3. Put up flyers in your neighborhood – sightings are very important. Include a picture and phone number tags.

4. Post on Hyde Park Herald, craigslist, marketplace.uchicago.edu, the Chicago Reader, etc.

5. Visit local shelters and vet clinics. Check the Animal Care and Control intake site, which you can access via the Petharbor portal: http://www.petharbor.com Check the Animal Welfare League on Wabash: (773) 667-0088  at 6224 S Wabash, and the Lost Cats of Illinois Facebook page

6. Don’t assume any vet or shelter will call you if they find your cat. They see too many cats. You must go to them to check.

7. Check out Treehouse’s advice on how to find lost cats- it’s very good: http://www.treehouseanimals.org/programs/resources/lost-cats/

8. Finally, don’t give up after two weeks, or two months. It may take someone several months to win your cat’s trust, or for sightings to be reported.