Diamond Springs, CA Lost Male Cat, Chippy Is Missing

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Ruth O.

2 months ago

Lost Cats‼️ Indoor only cats and limited outdoor access cats never go far. They go into survival mode and hide in silence. Most of them will not respond when they are in survival mode. 3 AM is the best time to find a missing indoor only cat. This is the time they become most active and responsive. Sit and quietly call for your kitty. Try to stay low, standing is intimidating to cats. Place some dirty socks and pillow cases outside. Your scent will attract your kitty. If you have a garage, place the items near the garage door and crack the door enough for her to get in. DO NOT leave food or litter box outside, it can attract predators and aggressive Tom cats. Because indoor only cats hide so well they are not as likely to be ed by a predator. Don't give up, it can take months to find a missing indoor only cat. Use a flashlight as late at night as you can to look in trees, under cars and in bushes. Try to look for the glow of her eyes. The best chance of you being reunited with your cat is to do a methodical search of the area. Most indoor only cats will be within 160 feet of your home. Survival mode lasts 5 to 14 days but can last longer. Once their hunger gets to a maximum they can snap out of it but this is a dangerous time because they come out of hiding. The majority of cats will try to make a break for home on the 5th night. In addition to posted flyers, make mini flyers and hand them out to your neighbors. Some people don't pay attention to posted flyers. It's VERY VERY important that you look for her as late at night as you can. If you have other cats, watch them. If they are spending a lot of time looking out a certain window, that’s a good indication the missing cat is in that area. Wildlife and motion activated cameras are also helpful. a lot of people are successful trapping their indoor only cats. If you decide to trap, you must watch the trap closely, predators can a cat in a trap.

Chris J.

2 months ago

I am sorry you are missing your friend. Here are some tips you may already know: First, make sure the cat is not indoors. Cats can hide for days undetected when scared, getting used to a new environment, or just because, even after owners have looked everywhere multiple times. Cats are impeccable hiders and can hide for days. If your cat is not inside, displaced cats that find themselves outside are usually in a 2-5 house radius. Try to avoid putting out your cat's litter box if you can, as it will draw other alpha cats in the area, further displacing your cat. However, do put out any of the cat's bedding, blanket, or any item of yours (like well-worn/slept-in clothing, an unwashed towel, shoes, etc.). Cats tend to get scared once outside and go into survival mode. If they are hiding and hear you calling, their instinct will be to continue hiding because being in an unknown spot makes them a prey animal, and they don't want to be drawn out. Think low: look under cars, in garages, under bushes, and in backyard sheds. Ask your neighbors if you can look around their garages and backyards. Leave your garage door cracked and a way the cat can gain entrance into the home at ALL TIMES. Cats usually come back when they feel it is safe at dusk or dawn, but mainly smack in the middle of the night, so a cracked door or garage will help. I would suggest going out at 11:00 pm with a chair and your phone. Cats in survival mode will be scared of a lot of things, including you calling out their name. However, if you go out of the house now, and at different intervals, including at night, and have a seat at your front door or driveway, while talking calmly (as if you're on the phone with someone), it may draw the cat home. You can also rent a humane trap for free, generally from your local shelter, which is another quick rescue method. I've found my cat, and others as well, by sitting in a chair from 11 pm - 2 am on my phone. Good luck!

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