A lost cat might not always be able to find its way back home. If a cat is familiar with the environment around its home, it's more likely to proactively return when it feels hungry or tired. However, if it's not very familiar with the area, it might get lost and end up wandering as a stray. Cats with clingy personalities are more likely to stay in one place and wait for their owners, but this is rare. Therefore, when taking your cat out, it's crucial to use a leash.
If a cat is familiar with its surroundings, it is more likely to return home when feeling hungry or tired. If a cat is not familiar with the area or is scared and hides, it may not find its way home and may end up becoming a stray cat long-term. Cats that are attached to their owners and less prone to wandering are more likely to stay in one spot and wait to be picked up; however, this situation is rare. Therefore, when taking your cat out, do not allow your cat to roam freely and use a leash to keep it from becoming a stray.
If your cat hasn't returned home after two days, search the surrounding area, calling its name. Enlist the help of neighbors and check places like markets and pet stores. It's also a good idea to print pictures of your cat and post them around the neighborhood to seek more help.
How Long Do Cats Remember Their Owners?
Cats can remember their owners for several years. This is because cats have strong memories. For example, if an owner scolds their cat, the cat might hold a grudge and act out by urinating outside the litter box. However, if a cat hasn't seen its owner for five to six years, its memory of the owner will gradually fade. The length of a cat's memory also depends on its experiences with its owner. If an owner treats their cat well, its memory of the owner will last longer. Some cats may remember their owners for ten years or more. On the other hand, if an owner frequently abuses their cat, the cat could forget them in a matter of months after they are separated. The most crucial period for memory development is between two and seven weeks old. During this time, owners should spend more time with their cats to deepen their memory of them.