The Power of a Great Poster

Lost cat posters remain one of the most effective recovery methods. According to community surveys, nearly 30% of lost cats are found thanks to someone recognising them from a poster or flyer. But not all posters are created equal — design and placement matter enormously.

Essential Information to Include

Every poster must have:

  • Large, clear photo — The single most important element. Use a full-body shot showing distinctive markings.
  • Cat's name — People are more likely to help when they know the cat by name.
  • Colour and breed description — For people who don't look closely at photos.
  • Last seen location — Be specific (street name, landmarks).
  • Date last seen — Helps people gauge recency.
  • Your phone number — Large and easy to read from a distance.
  • Reward note (optional) — Even a small reward motivates people to look.

Design Principles

Size matters: Use at least A4 (letter) size. A3 is even better for street poles. The word "LOST CAT" should be readable from 10 metres away — use bold, high-contrast text at least 5 cm tall.

Colour scheme: Bright yellow or orange borders grab attention. Avoid dark backgrounds that make text hard to read at night.

Photo quality: Print at 300 DPI minimum. A blurry photo is almost useless. If you only have phone photos, choose the sharpest one with the best lighting.

Distribution Strategy

Place posters within a 500-metre radius first — most lost cats stay close to home. Target high-traffic areas: community notice boards, pet stores, veterinary clinics, coffee shops, and school gates. Ask permission before posting on private property.

Refresh posters every 5–7 days, especially after rain. Laminated posters last longer outdoors.

Digital Posters

Share your poster image on local Facebook groups, Nextdoor, and community WhatsApp groups. Our platform generates a printable poster automatically when you report a lost cat — use it as a starting point and customise as needed.