Cache optimization for missing data is provided. A database system receives a first request for a database record. The database system determines whether the database record is stored in a cache. The database system determines whether the database record is stored in a data store in response to a determination that the database record is not stored in the cache. The database system stores a dummy entry for the database record in the cache in response to a determination that the database record is not stored in the data store. The database system receives a second request for the database record. The database system determines whether the database record is stored in the cache. The database system outputs an indication that the database record is unavailable in response to a determination that the dummy entry stored for the database record is in the cache.