Erie, PA Lost Male Cat, Appa Is Missing

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Stephanie K.

16 hours ago

Try these tips

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Karla S.

1 day ago

I’ve been in this situation with an indoor cat escaping outside. Everything you think should work to find them is probably the opposite of what is likely to help. They’re likely in survival mode because they’re completely out of their element being outdoors. So you would think they’d come running to you as soon as they hear your voice or hear treats shaking, but that’s not how they’re thinking. They’re likely thinking if they come out of their hiding place, they’ll be extremely vulnerable to predators. You & I think, we’re standing right there, why don’t they come to me, but they’re seeing everything as a potential threat so they’re likely not going to leave their hiding place, especially during the day. If they’re indoor only & spayed/neutered, then they’re not outside having fun exploring & it’s normal for them not to respond to you when you’re outside calling them. They won’t approach strangers & will possibly even run from you if you stumble across their hiding place. You can still search for your cat’s hiding place, but don’t be surprised if you don’t find it. If you see your cat outside, do not approach, sit down & try coaxing your cat to you. Do not chase if you see them. If your cat is indoor only, then I recommend setting a motion activated camera up right outside your cat’s point of exit so you can see if it returns during the night, which is what they often do, trying to get back in under cover of darkness. Put some of your dirty laundry out there as well for scent. Do not put the litter box outside, as it will attract other neighborhood cats who will prevent your cat from returning. Only your cat will recognize your scent on your dirty laundry. You can also set up a humane trap outside the point of exit & have it ready at dark. If you do the motion activated camera first & do see your cat on it, then absolutely get a humane trap set up there the following night. Once you set a trap, do not go outside & keep the outside lights off. Monitor the trap with a camera or from an inside window. You can buy a humane trap at Tractor Supply or sporting goods/hardware stores. A trap is how I successfully caught my indoor cat. He returned in the middle of the night to where he originally got out. If you don’t have a motion activated camera, then get a humane trap set up where your cat exited your house asap & have it ready at dark. Some cats will come back inside if you leave their point of exit open after dark. If you try this, make sure other pets are secured in another room. Indoor only cats often return after dark to the exact spot where they exited your house, so a humane trap set there is important & monitoring from an inside window or by camera. If you have been going outside after dark searching for your cat, then that’s likely the problem. Your cat will not feel safe approaching your house if you’re outside walking around after dark when they’re most likely to move from their hiding place. Let motion activated cameras do the work for sightings outside your home & leave the door ajar for them to come back in. Otherwise, you need to set a humane trap outside the exit point at dark & stay inside your house once the trap is set. For tonight, try leaving the exit point open a little at dark & into the night if possible. Secure other pets in another room if necessary. Leave inside & outside lights off & keep house quiet. If your cat walks back in, wait until they’re well inside before slowly walking to the door to close it. Use a motion activated camera if possible to alert you of movement approaching.

Christine F.

1 day ago

Ask Erie Animal Network to post too if you haven't already

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