St. Cloud, FL Lost Female Cat, Star Is Missing

Facebook Community Response

Diana E.

3 months ago

I’m so sorry your beautiful tuxedo cat got outside, but please try not to despair. Star is likely hiding close to her escape route, too frightened to come when called or emerge in the daylight. 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 her 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 Star is hiding just beyond your property (under a vehicle, outdoor furniture, shrubs, or in a garage, shed, or carport, etc.), then, if there’s time before dark and you can search SILENTLY without dislodging her from her hiding spot, focus your efforts close to home and tiptoe around in the daylight using a flashlight, but be quiet and discreet so as not to frighten her (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 her the chance to return voluntarily. AT DUSK (or IMMEDIATELY if you see this comment after dark) lay a familiar blanket or worn teeshirt flat on the doorstep where she escaped (DO NOT USE a litter box, bedding, trap or anything obvious -- it's there for scent only) to give Star the confidence to come out of hiding, and place tempting food in front of the door (making sure you can still open it when she returns). Call her softly to provide a familiar sound and direction, then watch and listen closely from inside (DO NOT GO BACK OUTSIDE OVERNIGHT!) and if you see Star approach and settle on the food be very careful not to startle her 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 she'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/

Feather M.

3 months ago

You might try a live trap, they are fairly cheap, my Jane wanted to come back but was too overwhelmed and scared, she had made a home under a backyard shed across the street. Eventually she was found eating hamburger in the trap on my front porch and all was right again. It took about 3 weeks for her to show up and i did have to release squirrels and possums along the way which were easy. Tuna in oil also makes a lot of scent. Make sure there's water too. If its cold out, wrap the trap in a blanket and make sure to check it often, check it often no matter what the weather is. In fact, best to keep a camera on it. I believe in Jane's case, the live trap was her only chance. Best of luck and a swift resolve for you I hope

Sandi M.

3 months ago

Shared🙏🏼🙏🏼💖💖

Dena M.

3 months ago

Diana Ellis some helpful tips please if you haven’t already

Donna M.

3 months ago

Some debate about the litter attracting other animals. 🙏🏻❤️