Melrose, FL Lost Male Cat, Timon Is Missing

Facebook Community Response

Diana E.

24 hours ago

I’m so sorry your beautiful cat got outside, but please try not to despair -- Timon is likely hiding close to his escape route, too frightened to come when called or emerge in the daylight. Most indoor cats will attempt to return on their own, usually within the first few nights if the conditions are just right, so if you know what to expect and how to react, you could have him back inside by morning. I've recovered many escaped cats and have a full set of instructions, but I’ll withhold them for now, hopeful you won’t need them. This is what I suggest you do and when: DURING THE DAYTIME, alert nearby neighbors in case Timon is hiding just beyond your property (under a vehicle, in a garage, shed, or carport, etc.), then, if there’s time before dark and you can search SILENTLY without dislodging him from his hiding spot, focus your efforts close to home and tiptoe around using a flashlight, but be quiet and discreet so as not to frighten him (shhh! DO NOT CALL or shake treats), check every crack and crevice, look in, under and around sheds, vehicles, furniture, under foundations and porches, into trees etc. but suspend searching when it gets dark to give him the chance to return voluntarily. IMMEDIATELY (if you see this comment overnight) or AT DUSK lay a familiar blanket or worn teeshirt flat on the doorstep where he escaped (DO NOT USE a litter box, bedding, trap or anything obvious -- it's there for scent only to give Timon the confidence to come out of hiding) along with a bowl of food (to calm him and hold his attention). Call him softly to provide a familiar sound and direction, then watch and listen closely from inside (DO NOT GO BACK OUT AFTER DARK!) and if you see Timon approach and settle on the food be very careful not to startle him as you slowly and quietly provide a clear path back inside. If you can't wait up set an alarm and watch again just before sunrise -- it's a popular time to return. Please let me know what happens tonight and if he's not back by morning, I'll provide more detailed instructions. Also, although some suggest putting out kitty's litter box, EXPERTS WARN AGAINST IT. I've never used one in all the times I've been successful recovering a lost cat. Please read this to learn more about why it's neither necessary nor recommended: https://www.facebook.com/notes/lost-cats-georgia/why-we-dont-recommend-putting-your-lost-cats-litter-box-outside/1101245526665296/

Erin F.

1 day ago

Excellent Helpful Tips for a Safe Return Home 🐈 🐾 ♥️ 🏡

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Erin F.

1 day ago

Prayers for a safe 🙏 ❤️ return home

Erin F.

1 day ago

Post on nextdoor.com

Deborah N.

1 day ago

Diana Ellis

Paula V.

1 day ago

Lost brown tabby cat If you have lost a cat read my first long paragraph. If you found one, Please read the last paragraph The only way a lost cat can find its way home is with its nose. Immediately anything with the cat's scent on it and anything that stinks of you like your smelly socks something that you sweated in overnight and your stinky sneakers even your dirty clothes and your underwear! Cats usually stay within a five house radius of their own home for up to a week sleeping in the bushes and coming out at dusk Dawn and late at night. These are good times to take walks shaking the treat bag and calling for them. Cats can smell up to a whole mile away. So do that immediately and also put this on nextdoor. com and the other lost and found pet sites. Go on those sites looking at pics of found cats too. There might be a match.They tend to come home late at night or early in the morning so if you can keep a window cracked or a door cracked so at least you hear them. Good luck IF YOU HAVE FOUND A CAT: Please post this on all the lost and found pet pages in your county as well as all the neighborhood pages. Look on those pages just look at the photos try to make a match to someone that lost this cat. Any vet will check for a chip for free. In the meantime please give food and water to the kitty and shelter if you can.

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