Naples, FL Lost Male Cat, Kahless Is Missing

Facebook Community Response

Anne K.

2 months ago

Sharing 🙏

Diana E.

2 months ago

I’m so sorry your beautiful black cat got outside, but please try not to despair -- Kahless is likely hiding close to his escape route, too frightened to come when called or emerge in the daylight. Is the window close to the ground and would it be easy to retrace his steps? I ask because 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 Kahless 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. AT DUSK (or IMMEDIATELY if you see this comment overnight) if the window is close to the ground and Kahless can return without any obstacles in the way, crack open the window (make sure it's dark and quiet in the adjoining room) and place food well inside the room or at the regular spot. When Kahless returns, do not make any sudden moves or try to close the window behind him until he's settled on the food. Now, if the window it too high, lay a familiar blanket or worn teeshirt flat on the doorstep of the door closest to where he landed (DO NOT USE a litter box, bedding, trap or anything obvious -- it's there for scent only) to give Kahless the confidence to come out of hiding, and place tempting food in front of the door (making sure you can still open it when he returns). 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 Kahless 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/

Deborah N.

2 months ago

Diana Ellis

View Full Discussion on Facebook