Create Your Lost Cat Poster
Generate a custom poster instantly with science-backed design tips from missing animal response experts. Free, no email required.
Create Your Custom Lost Cat Poster
We recommend using PetFBI's excellent free poster generator to create a professional, print-ready flyer for your lost cat. Their tool lets you upload your cat's photo, add all the essential details, and download a PDF ready for printing on bright neon paper.
⚠️ Important: Remember to include "Please Don't Chase - Call Us First" on your poster
Chasing a scared cat can push them further away from home. Always encourage finders to call immediately rather than approach.
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Special thanks to PetFBI for providing this free community service. Their poster generator has helped reunite countless lost pets with their families.
Printing Basics
Laser vs. Inkjet: Which Is Better?
Laser printing is preferred for any flyers that will be posted outdoors. Laser printers use toner powder that is fused to the paper with heat, making it waterproof and weather-resistant. Your text and images won't run or smudge in rain or humidity.
Inkjet printing uses liquid ink that can run and fade when exposed to moisture. If you must use an inkjet printer (home printing is convenient), expect to replace outdoor flyers more frequently, especially after rain. Alternatively, protect inkjet prints with plastic page protectors (see Weatherproofing section below).
Where to get laser printing: Most print shops (FedEx Office, Staples, local print centers) use laser printers. Cost is typically $0.10–$0.50 per page depending on size and paper. Some public libraries also offer free or low-cost laser printing.
Pro tip: If you're printing many flyers at home with an inkjet, print a batch and test one outdoors overnight. If the ink runs, switch to laser printing or use weatherproofing methods below.
Weatherproofing Your Flyers
Even laser-printed flyers benefit from protection against rain, wind, and sun. Here's the most effective and affordable method:
Clear Plastic Page Protectors (Step-by-Step)
Purchase clear page protectors from any office supply store (8.5" × 11" size for standard flyers). Look for medium to heavy-weight protectors (they're more durable.
Insert the flyer upside down so the opening is at the bottom. This prevents rain from entering through the top and pooling inside the protector.
Seal the open edge and corners with clear packing tape. Run tape along the bottom opening to keep water out completely. Don't skip the corners (they're where water sneaks in.
Tape or staple through the plastic, not just the paper. When attaching to poles or boards, make sure your staples or tape go through both the plastic sleeve and the paper inside. This prevents the flyer from sagging or slipping out over time.
Budget-friendly alternative: If you don't have page protectors, seal inkjet-printed flyers inside large Ziploc bags. Fold the excess plastic behind the flyer and staple through the bag. It's not as neat-looking, but it works in a pinch.
Template Size Guide
Choose the right template size based on where you'll post your flyers. Full-page for poles and high-traffic areas, quarter-page for door-to-door distribution.
Full-Page Poster (8.5" × 11")
Standard letter-size poster for maximum visibility on poles, walls, and windows.
BEST FOR:
Intersection poles, storefront windows, community bulletin boards, shelter lobbies
PAPER:
Plain paper is fine. Cardstock (65-110 lb) is more durable but not required.
PRINTING:
If possible, print with a laser printer or at a print shop for better weather resistance.
Coming Soon
Half-Page Flyer (5.5" × 8.5")
Two flyers per sheet. Good balance between size and printing cost.
BEST FOR:
Vet office waiting rooms, pet store bulletin boards, coffee shop community boards
PAPER:
Plain paper works well. Cut cleanly for a professional look.
PRINTING:
Laser printing recommended for any flyers that will be posted outdoors.
Coming Soon
Quarter-Page Flyer (4.25" × 5.5")
Four compact flyers per sheet. Perfect for hand-to-hand distribution and stretching your printing budget.
BEST FOR:
Door-knocking, leaving on neighbor doors, placing under windshield wipers, handing to people while talking to them, mailbox distribution
PAPER:
Plain paper is perfect. These are meant for close-up reading, not distance viewing.
PRINTING:
Inkjet is acceptable for these since they're typically handed directly to people or placed in protected spots.
WHEN TO USE:
Quarter-page flyers are ideal when you need to distribute many copies on a limited budget. They work best for personal conversations (handing to neighbors while explaining your situation) and protected indoor spots (mailboxes, door handles). They're NOT suitable for poles or outdoor visibility; use full-page posters for those locations.
Coming Soon
Science-Backed Poster Design Tips
Expert guidance from Missing Animal Response professionals, based on real-world search and rescue data.
The "5-5-55" Rule
EXPERTDesign your poster to be readable in 5 seconds, with 5 key words, by drivers passing at 55 mph. Use HUGE, bold letters for "LOST" and your phone number.
Neon Poster Board = Results
EXPERTUse fluorescent poster board (28" x 22" or larger) in orange, neon yellow, or green. Same colors as traffic safety signs - scientifically proven to grab attention from drivers.
Strategic Information Omission
EXPERTIntentionally omit one identifying feature (like a unique marking) on the poster. This helps verify genuine sightings and prevents scams from people claiming they found your cat.
Photo Quality
Use a clear, recent photo showing your cat's face and distinctive markings. Avoid group photos, cluttered backgrounds, or low-resolution images.
Essential Information
Include: Large "LOST" text, cat's photo, your phone number (huge font), and "Please Don't Chase - Call Us 1st" in bold. Keep text minimal.
Dual Approach Strategy
Create LARGE neon posters for high-traffic intersections (driver visibility) + standard 8.5"x11" detailed flyers for vet offices, shelters, and bulletin boards (close-up reading).
Weather Protection
Laminate large posters or place in clear plastic sleeves. Tape all edges securely. Place at traffic lights where cars stop - not on fast-moving highway stretches.
Reward Strategy
If offering a reward, keep the amount vague on the poster ("Reward Offered") to deter scam calls and prevent people from aggressively chasing your cat for money.
Strategic Poster Placement
Where you place your posters matters as much as how they look. Focus on locations where people have time to notice and read your message.
High-Traffic Intersections
Place large neon posters at traffic lights and busy intersections where drivers naturally slow down or stop. These locations give people time to read your poster and note your phone number. Avoid fast-moving highway sections where drivers can't safely focus on signage.
Neighborhood Coverage
Distribute smaller flyers to mailbox clusters, community boards, and neighborhood entrance signs. Focus on areas within a half-mile radius of where your cat was last seen, as most lost cats stay close to home initially.
Community Hubs
Visit local businesses and ask permission to post on their bulletin boards. Grocery stores, coffee shops, veterinary clinics, pet supply stores, and community centers are ideal because they attract people who care about animals. Dog parks are particularly effective since dog walkers cover large areas and often notice outdoor cats.
Door-to-Door Outreach
Hand-deliver flyers to neighbors within a few blocks of your home. This personal approach is far more effective than relying solely on social media. Neighbors walk by more often than they scroll feeds, and a conversation creates a memorable connection that increases the likelihood they'll watch for your cat.
Etiquette Matters
Always ask permission before posting on private property or in businesses. Most people are happy to help when you explain the situation, and this respectful approach often leads to additional support like staff keeping an eye out for your cat. For large neon posters at intersections, check local regulations about temporary signage placement.
Before You Print
Before heading to the printer, double-check that your poster includes a clear, recent photo showing your cat's face and distinctive markings. Your phone number should be in a large font that's readable from several feet away, and the "Do Not Chase - Call First" message should be prominently displayed.
For maximum visibility, print on bright neon paper: fluorescent orange, yellow, or green work best. These colors catch drivers' attention the same way safety vests and traffic signs do. If you're printing large posters (28" x 22" or bigger), consider laminating them or using clear plastic sleeves to protect against weather damage.
Include the date you posted each flyer so neighbors know the search is active. Plan to replace weathered posters every few days, and take photos of where you've posted them so you can easily update or remove them later. Always keep one copy of your poster in your car; you never know when you'll meet someone else who's willing to post it in a new location.
Need More Help Finding Your Cat?
Posters are just one part of a comprehensive search strategy. Combine physical flyers with online posts, ground searches, and community outreach for the best results.