Even with diligence, your cat may slip outside the house and get lost. Go outside and call your cat but don’t chase after her if you see her. Check under porches and in bushes. Shake a box of cat crunchies or something that might get her attention. Don’t be shy about asking any people you see if they have seen your cat. Carrying a recent photo can help. If your cat is gone for a long period of time, put food out for her and set up an outside bed that may attract her back to your home. Check with the police and your local animal shelter to see if she has been surrendered. A collar with an identification tag and microchipping increase the likelihood that your cat will be returned. Signs and posting on social media often have good results. For more information, contact your Ashburn, VA veterinarian.