When a Thermal Drone helps, and when it might not
Good Fit:
- Cats that are not likely to be picked up by people
- Recent sighting or general idea of where the cat is roaming
- Cats that are able to be recalled by the owner
Not a good Fit:
- Areas like a city or apartment complex where there is a lot of places to hide under things
- If the weather is rainy, foggy or too hot. Ideal conditions are a cold and clear night
- Restricted airspace such as near airports, military bases, and Disneyland.
What to expect
A Thermal Drone does not have a 100% chance of finding your cat, it can be a helpful tool but depending on the situation it can be more or less effective.
- During the initial call we will let you know if there is a higher or lower chance based on your situation
- When we show up we will meet and go the most likely areas and the best candidates for the drone
- During the flight you will be able to watch and the view of the drone as we work
Cats behavior when lost
Most indoor only cats stay very close to the escape point. Many wedge into tight, dark spaces and stay silent. The fastest wins come from careful checks within a short radius of the home.
Lost cat facts
- 75% of cats are found in a about a 2000 feet radius of where they escaped, some cats are still inside the house
- Outdoor cats on average go farther than indoor cats
- A search in the first week of a cat going missing has the highest chance of recovery.
- Highly curious cats are more likely to be found in another persons house.
What can you do?
- Put humane traps out
- Do not put food or litterboxes out unless you can monitor it 24/7
- Check local shelters
- Look for them when they are most active late at pre-dawn and dusk.
- Put out cameras to try and get a sighting (You can power a WIFI camera with a battery bank)
When to call a thermal drone pilot
- You have gone out and searched and had no luck or dont have the time to search late at night
- You want to improve the odds of finding your cat
- The conditions are right
- It has been less than a week since the cat escaped or there has been recent sightings
Cat search FAQ
How far do most indoor only cats go
Usually a very short distance. Many are found within a house or two of the escape point and often inside tight, dark spaces. This is why slow, careful checks close to home are the first priority.
Can a Thermal Drone find a cat in heavy landscaping
Sometimes, but thick bushes and warm surfaces can hide or dilute a heat signature. That is why close radius checks and cameras are key. We add the Thermal Drone when sight lines open up.
When should I call
Immediately. We can guide the first checks and decide if a Thermal Drone should fly that night or early morning.
Will the Thermal Drone scare my cat
We typically fly high enough that noise is low. We confirm visually before any approach. If your cat is near home and in a tight spot, the drone may not be needed at all.
What areas do you cover in Southern California
We serve LA, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, north San Diego County, and nearby communities. If you are outside these areas, ask about availability.
Start a search
Call 909 784 5240 or email info@socaldroneresponse.com. Share the escape time, last sightings, and a clear photo of your cat. We will map a plan and confirm the best window.