What to Expect — And What We Want You to Know

Losing a cat is heartbreaking. The waiting, the wondering, the fear that they’re scared or hurt — it’s overwhelming. If you’re reading this, please know you’re not alone, and you’re doing the right thing by looking for help.


A thermal drone can be a powerful tool, but it isn’t magic. Sometimes it finds a pet quickly. Other times, it helps narrow the search and bring clarity when nothing else has worked. What matters most is using it at the right time and in the right way.


When you call us, we’ll talk through your situation honestly and compassionately. If a drone search makes sense, we’ll tell you. If it doesn’t, we’ll guide you toward what will help.


When we arrive, we’ll walk the area with you, talk through what likely happened, and focus on the places your cat would instinctively choose. During the flight, you’ll be able to watch the live feed as we search — and we’ll explain what we’re seeing every step of the way.


How Cats Usually Behave When They’re Lost

Most indoor cats don’t run far. Instead, they:

  • Hide very close to home
  • Squeeze into dark, quiet spaces
  • Stay silent, even when you’re nearby
  • Wait until they feel completely safe before moving

This is why so many cats are later found just feet away from where they escaped — sometimes days later — after hiding in fear.


Important Things to Know

  • Around 75% of lost cats are found within 2,000 feet of home
  • Some cats never leave the house and hide inside walls, garages, or crawl spaces
  • Outdoor cats tend to travel farther than indoor-only cats
  • The first week is the most important window for recovery
  • Curious or friendly cats may accidentally get trapped in a neighbor’s home

You haven’t failed your cat. Their behavior is instinctive — not a reflection of anything you did wrong.


What You Can Do Right Now

  • Set humane traps if available
  • Avoid leaving food or litter outside unless you can monitor it closely
  • Check shelters and animal control daily
  • Search quietly at night or early morning when the world is calm
  • Use trail or Wi-Fi cameras if possible (battery-powered works well)


Sometimes, the smallest detail leads to the biggest breakthrough.


When a Thermal Drone May Help

A drone search can be helpful when:

  • You’ve searched but haven’t had luck
  • You can’t safely search late at night
  • You want to improve your chances with another tool
  • Conditions are right for thermal imaging
  • Your cat has been missing less than a week or was recently seen


We’ll always be honest with you about whether a drone is likely to help — and we’ll never push a service that isn’t appropriate.


Frequently Asked Questions


How far do indoor cats usually go?

Most stay very close — often within one or two houses. Many are found hiding silently in tight spaces nearby, which is why slow, careful searching close to home matters so much.


Can a thermal drone find a cat in bushes or heavy cover?

Sometimes, but thick vegetation and warm surfaces can hide heat signatures. That’s why we often combine drone work with ground checks and cameras.


When should I call?

As soon as you can. Even if we don’t fly right away, we can help guide your next steps and prevent common mistakes.


Will the drone scare my cat?

We fly high and quiet. If your cat appears close to home or in hiding, we may recommend not flying at all to avoid causing stress.

If you contact us, please include a recent photo of your dog and any recent sightings. We’ll help you determine the best next steps and the best time to launch.