Diana E.
3 months ago
Aarathi Sharma, I see that you're posting about Chili again -- I was hopeful she'd returned since I never heard back from you. Did you try the strategy I shared and did you observe anything that would suggest why it didn't work (stray cats, critters, or people outside after dark, noise or commotion, objects set in her path, etc.)? If you can describe what happened overnight I can explain what to do next.
I still believe she's hiding nearby, too frightened to come when called or emerge in the daylight. Most escaped cats will attempt to return on their own, usually within the first few nights if they believe it's safe (it must be quiet and still, and you have to remain indoors), but I see that window of opportunity may have closed. Although it's possible Chili will try to come home on her own overnight (so stay indoors after dark and be watchful) or you will find her hiding spot if you search as I will describe, your objective going forward will be to identify a place where Chili feels comfortable emerging at night for food. If you can lure her to a safe and quiet place to eat, she'll stay close and well nourished while you formulate a recovery plan.
I've recovered many escaped indoor cats and will share a prioritized set of instructions, below. DURING THE DAYTIME alert nearby neighbors in case Chili is hiding beyond your property (under a vehicle or structure, in a garage, shed, or carport, etc.) — ask if she’s been seen on security cameras at night or if anyone in the area feeds cats outside. Then don’t worry that you haven’t found her — cats are expert at hiding. Focusing your efforts close to home, search again during the day using a flashlight, but be quiet and discrete so as not to frighten her (shhh! tiptoe around, 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 just after dark to give her the chance to emerge for food. BEGINNING TONIGHT put something inconuous but comforting and familiar outside (blanket or worn teeshirt laid flat on the doorstep — NOT a litter box or anything obvious) to give Chili the confidence to come out of hiding, and place tempting food at her point of escape and in various safe and quiet locations at dusk (choose places where Chili will feel comfortable eating -- close to a foundation, under shrubs, inside a porch, shed or garage with the door cracked open, etc. — a frightened cat is more concerned with safety than food). Then remain inside overnight and if you see Chili approach your door be very careful not to startle her as you slowly and quietly provide a path back inside. Even if she doesn't attempt to return, Chili's instinct will be to come out after dark to eat and once you know where, you can get her back inside. Please see my complete instructions (click on the link to the PDF, below) and tell me if you have any questions. Hang in there and let me know how it goes. https://www.dropbox.com/s/e63sos0yc7znlej/EscapedCat.pdf?dl=0&fbclid=IwAR1x5gw2G_RoxuSs2vJQ9ym-6PIC-5u10U5UPUO6IRaBaIRT40A_mozvkX4
