How far do cats roam? What the research says

In a study published in 2020, researchers worked with owners to track 925 pet cats in six countries using GPS. The cats had remarkably small home ranges: 3.6 hectares on average, roughly the size of five football pitches. Only three of the 925 cats ranged over more than a square kilometre.

The researchers also found that the cats' impact on wildlife was concentrated within about 100 metres of their homes.

Some cats do range further than others. Cats Protection says neutering reduces the risk of roaming, and a new cat needs time to learn where home is: see when to let a new cat outside. Common reasons for roaming further:

• Unneutered male cats can wander far to find a mate, which Cats Protection says makes them more likely to get lost or hurt on the road.
• Female cats in season may try to escape and wander further than normal.
• A cat that has moved house may try to go back to their old home.

• Search your home first, including cupboards, wardrobes and behind appliances.
• Lost cats usually hide nearby and often stay quiet, so search slowly with a torch, even in daylight.
• Ask neighbours to check their sheds, garages and cars, because cats easily get shut in.
• Go out again early in the morning and late in the evening, when it's quieter.
• If you've moved recently, search around your old home too.

Work through our lost cat checklist and put posters up nearby. For next time, keep their microchip details up to date, which is the law for pet cats in England, and if your cat wears a quick-release collar, a QR tag lets a neighbour reach you without a trip to the vet.