St. Petersburg, FL Lost Female Cat, Cheeto Is Missing

Diana E.

6 months ago

Marsha Martinovich, I'm sorry Cheeto didn't return home but please don't fear the worst. If she's comfortable and confident in the territory, perhaps she just needs a little extra help. Thoroughly search using a flashlight during the day and especially at dusk (when it's dark and quiet) to determine whether she’s ill or injured and hiding nearby, or stuck somewhere. Check every crack and crevice, look in outbuildings, containers, vehicles, under foundations, sheds and porches, into trees, etc. — call and listen carefully for Cheeto’s cries (she may alert you to her location). And it’s important to ask neighbors to do the same and make sure Cheeto didn’t hide and become trapped in a shed or garage, etc. Please see this list of step-by-step instructions developed to help others in this situation (click on the link to the PDF) and let me know if you have questions. https://www.dropbox.com/s/huk0d1p6euu74ug/OutdoorCat.pdf?dl=0&fbclid=IwAR2TiOBxtcgt8odNRjcoGicoHsGDWrw3K9N4ox0GATJh4qGdsFD6T6gaXFA In addition, this video explains the temperament and behavior of a lost cat — it may instill hope of finding Cheeto. https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=g2eCoC63B9I Good luck. Please keep us posted on your progress.

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Cathy K.

6 months ago

Marsha Martinovich good luck 🍀

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6 months ago

Cathy Katzer thank you for the suggestions

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6 months ago

Diana Ellis thank you for the suggestions. She's indoor outdoor with a cat door so she could sneak in at night. I've walked the block after dark shaking her treats. No luck so far😔

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Diana E.

6 months ago

Cheeto is a gorgeous mackerel orange tabby cat (ginger) -- I'm sorry she's lost. Is Cheeto an escaped indoor cat or is she allowed outside? Her familiarity with the environment will dictate how to find her. Escaped indoor cats usually hide close by but are too frightened to return or respond when called; while a cat that knows her way around may have become stuck somewhere and needs help getting home. I have recovered many lost cats and assisted others so if you tell me about Cheeto I can provide complete instructions that may help. Please understand if you do just the right things an escaped cat may emerge when it's dark and quiet to sneak back inside. This usually happens within the first two nights but until I hear back from you please implement this strategy if Cheeto got out accidentally: tonight put something small but comforting and familiar outside (blanket or worn teeshirt laid flat -- not a bed, trap, or anything conuous) and tempting food at her point of escape, then watch from inside (DO NOT GO BACK OUT AFTER DARK!) and if you see Cheeto approach be careful not to startle her. Slowly and quietly provide a clear path inside and she may put an end to the crisis herself. (You may occasionally call for her overnight, but do so softly and from the doorway -- going back outside could scare her away. If you can't wait up set an alarm and watch again just before sunrise -- it's a popular time.) Also, although some will suggest putting out kitty's litter box, experts say DON’T DO 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/110124552666529