Where to Set Up Your Surveillance Cameras

If possible, you will want at least 2-3 cameras to optimize the chances of getting your cat on camera.  At the very least, you will want one camera to set up near the point of escape.  A second camera is extremely helpful for checking other locations including possible sightings.

A surveillance camera will help you verify that your cat is around, but you will need to combine this with another method to actually catch your cat.  Some cats will return to the door and meow to be let inside, but many more will just wander around and then leave again.  To catch your cat, you will likely need to set up a house trap or humane trap.

Using a camera is most successful if there is an attractant.  This may be an entrance to your home, a good hiding spot or food.

This article suggests general locations to set up your cameras.  You will find more detailed instructions on selecting an exact location for your camera under How to Effectively Set Up Your Surveillance Cameras.

Set a Camera Near the Point of Escape

If your cat escaped out of the house, place a camera near the point of escape.  Many cats will return to this point in an attempt to get back inside.  Even if lost from a residence away from home (or even a camper), some cats will still return to the point of escape.

If your cat disappeared from indoors and you are unsure where they got out, then place a camera at the door where you think they might have gotten outside.  

If your cat got out through a window, then place the camera near the entrance closest to that window.

If you have ever considered getting wifi security cameras, then these are a good option to use near the point of escape.  

Set a Camera Near a Safe Place to Return

Sometimes the likely point of escape is not the best location if:

• It is in a loud or busy location
• It is too exposed such as very bright or no hiding spots for a long distance
• Your cat will need to go up a flight of steps

In these cases, it makes more sense to set up your camera (or a second camera) at a location that your cat will feel safer to return.  Most cats prefer dark and quiet locations that are near good hiding spots.

Some good options include:

• Inside the garage, with the door open about one foot or a side entrance propped open.  
• Inside the basement.  If you do this it is very important to be sure that your cat doesn't get into the basement, hide and then get locked inside.  Cameras cannot be trusted 100%.  If you try this method, place some food in the locked basement and check on it for at least a few days afterward.  
• Inside a shed with the door propped open.  Similar to the basement method, be careful about accidentally locking your cat inside.
• Inside an enclosed porch with the door propped open.
• On a deck near an entrance to the house.  This works best if the deck is low to the ground.  If you have a raised deck, you may want to put the camera under the deck.
• In the backyard, near a shed or other good hiding spot.  This may include thick brambles or other vegetation.

Set a Camera Near a Potential Sighting or Point Last Seen

Another very good location to try a surveillance camera is near a potential sighting of your cat.  This might also be where you last saw them (i.e. Point Last Seen) if they were lost away from home or you saw them run some distance before disappearing.  

If your cat has a found a safe place to hide even two or three houses away, they may not return home.  In this case you may want to try a camera with feeding station to verify whether it is your cat.  If you already know that it is your cat, you may want to consider using a humane trap with the camera.

If setting a camera away from your home, be sure to get the property owner's permission first.  You may be surprised how often people are willing to give permission.

When selecting an exact location near a sighting, consider setting the camera:

• Near some natural shelter, such as dense vegetation (e.g. thorn bushes) or near a rarely used human structure such as a shed or garage that offers easy access.
• Near a natural travel corridor.  Cats like to travel along the edges of structures or habitats (such as the edge of the woods or along a building).
• Near a naturally occurring food or water supply such as a fish pond.  

You will find more detailed instructions on selecting an exact location for your camera under How to Effectively Set Up Your Surveillance Cameras.

Where NOT to Put Your Camera

These locations may occasionally work, but in general should be avoided.

• In the middle of a wide open area with no hiding spots (e.g. field or lawn)
• In thick vegetation
• In a busy location with lots of people and/or cars
• In an area that is brightly lit even at night
• On a deck that is high up off the ground

Set a Camera Near a Feeding Station or Humane Trap

A surveillance or wildlife camera is an excellent option for monitoring a feeding station or humane trap.