How It Works
Everything you need to know about using MyCatIsLost to find a missing cat or help your community.
Map Markers — What They Mean
Cat reported missing in the last 72 hours. Maximum urgency — pulsing marker.
Missing for 3–14 days. Still being actively searched for.
Missing for 14–30 days. Faded marker, reduced visibility.
Cat has been reunited! Celebration marker shows for 48 hours.
Someone spotted a cat that may match a missing report. Fades over 72 hours.
Community-reported danger: aggressive dogs, coyotes, poison, construction. Expires after 24 hours.
Nearby vets, animal shelters, pet stores, and cat cafés — pulled from OpenStreetMap.
Post Lifecycle — How Timing Works
0 – 72 hours
Maximum visibility. Pulsing red marker. Push notifications to nearby users.
3 – 14 days
Still visible with solid marker. Search continues.
14 – 30 days
Reduced visibility. Owner gets a check-in prompt.
30+ days
Post archived if no owner confirmation within 7-day grace period.
Owner action
Owner marks cat as found. Green celebration marker for 48 hours, then removed.
Sighting Reports
- •Spot a cat? Tap “I found/saw a cat” — match it to a missing cat reported nearby, or drop a general sighting if you're not sure whose it is.
- •Match a sighting to a missing cat and its owner is notified instantly — they can message you back to ask exactly where and when.
- •Not sure whose cat it is? A general sighting still drops a pin so owners and neighbors can spot it later.
- •Sightings fade over 72 hours — newer ones appear brighter. Multiple sightings help triangulate a cat's movements.
- •You can report anonymously, but signing in lets the owner reply to your sighting.
Hazard Markers
- •Anyone can report a hazard: aggressive dogs, coyotes, poison/bait, traps, construction, or heavy traffic.
- •Hazards auto-expire after 24 hours to prevent stale warnings.
- •If 3 or more people confirm the same hazard, it extends to 48 hours.
- •Hazard markers help keep searchers safe, especially at night.
How to Help
Report missing cats immediately
The first 72 hours are critical. The sooner you post, the more eyes are searching.
Report sightings
Spot a cat? Match it to a missing-cat report nearby, or drop a general pin if you're not sure whose it is.
Share flyers
Every missing cat profile has a one-click PDF flyer generator with a QR code. Print them, post them in your neighborhood.
Report hazards
Spotted a coyote? Aggressive dog? Construction site? Report it to keep searchers safe.
Message owners
Match a sighting to a missing cat and the owner is notified automatically — they can message you back to find their cat faster.
Safety Tips
- 🚫Never send money to anyone claiming to have your pet — this is always a scam.
- 🤝Meet in public places when retrieving a pet. Police station parking lots are ideal.
- 📱Tell someone where you're going when searching, especially at night.
- 👁️Be aware of your surroundings — check for traffic, wildlife, and uneven terrain.
- 🚩Report suspicious behavior through the app using the Report button on any post.