Orlando, FL Lost Male Cat, Rio Is Missing

Facebook Community Response

Diana E.

2 days ago

I’m so sorry your beautiful brown tabby and white kitten got outside, but please try not to despair -- Rio is likely hiding close to his escape route, too frightened to come when called or emerge in the daylight. Most indoor cats and kittens 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 Rio 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) lay a familiar blanket or worn teeshirt flat on the doorstep where he escaped (DO NOT USE a litter box, bedding, trap or anything obvious -- it's there for scent only) to give Rio 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 Rio 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/

Nayak S.

2 days ago

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Deborah N.

2 days ago

Diana Ellis

Delmarie R.

2 days ago

Hi! Please go walking through the neighborhood calling your kitty’s name and shaking his/her bag of food or bag of treats and use a laser toy to lure your kitty out to chase the laser pointer. Use a flashlight at night. Look under cars, by bushes and any other place where he/she can be hiding. If possible leave your garage and lanai door partially open. Your cat will try to get back inside, especially during time when it is dark outside. The only way to find the way home again is by smell. Use some of your used clothes, put them outside along with his/her bed and litter box but ONLY if you are keeping an eye on the litter box because it can attract predators. Go in person to the local shelter to check if your cat is there. Call your cat’s microchip company to report him/her missing. Post on Facebook Lost and Found Pets groups of your area. Check on Petco LoveLost. There are many lost and found cats on that website. Post on Neighbors by Ring App. Its free and you don’t have to have a Ring Doorbell to get the app. There are Apple and Android versions of the app 🙏🏼 Post also on Nextdoor app Prayers for your baby’s safe return 🥺🙏🏽

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