Liz L.
4 weeks ago
Here's tips for finding lost cats. If the cat was adopted from rescue, notify them immediately and ask if they can offer help and suggestions. If no one saw cat leave house, search thoroughly inside using flashlight to see eye reflection and open and check closets, cabinets, drawers, attics and bats - make sure he or she didn't get stuck in ceiling by pushing tiles open, or anywhere else. FIRST and most importantly, read all tips on
www.missionreunite.org and
www.missinganimalresponse.com.
Also use information on sites for neon poster format (with Do Not Chase - Call with Sighting added), resource links, and pet detective services.
If your cat is indoor only and spayed/neutered, he or she is probably hiding nearby and staying within 5-10 houses or if further, 5-10 blocks in either direction or less unless chased out of territory. Normally they hide first few days and then venture out at night or early morning for food when quieter. They usually find a specific place to access for shelter like in or under sheds, decks, porches, or garages, or by bushes establishing this as base to leave from looking for food and return to for safety. Inside only cats are usually more scared, hide longer, and stay closer to home.
Conduct searches starting at home and expanding in circular radius from starting point to thoroughly check and cover areas. Repeat as necessary. Put supervised only trap with food in it in your yard or by last sighting dusk, evening, and dawn. Keep in mind setting 3 traps spaced out in triangle increases chances. Never leave trap set when no one is there. May be better not to leave food overnight to avoid attracting wildlife, etc. Make sure each trap is covered top and sides, supervised at all times, and checked often. Throw out food and close trap after each trapping session. Put 1/2 of dry food feeding and water out daily after 2nd or 3rd day and away from trap to keep in area. Put something that smells like you (worn socks) and cat (toy, bedding, etc.) in yard and smaller item(s) in trap or nearby - add catnip if likes it. Use www.pawboost.com it’s the best and comments on Facebook posts update on pawboost, www.petamberalert.com, www.helpinglostpets.com, and/or https://www.lostmykitty.com/ for poster and notification services to neighbors, vets, shelters, and rescues in area. Kimberley Freeman may still offer consultations www.lostcatfinder.com. Put up posters ASAP, and notify non-emergency police and animal control in surrounding area and bring posters for them to put up on bulletin board. Enlist daily help by giving posters to neighbors, joggers, walkers, dog walkers, public works, mailmen, and older children who are out regularly in area to keep eye out for your pet. Make sure to speak to and give posters to anyone feeding cats in your neighborhood. Leave garage, shed, or porch open for cat to access, when possible. In wintertime, put out shelter, igloo with straw etc. Use baby monitor to hear if crying during night, and you can purchase security camera and/or wildlife camera with IR night vision to monitor activity in yard and by feeding station. Ask neighbors if you can check yards, garages, porches, and in and under sheds and decks. Go at dusk, evening, and before dawn with a good flashlight to see reflecting eyes. Check trees, as well. Do not chase, or call unless you are in your yard or pet is in sight. Ask area rescues if they can assist with searches. Remember indoor only cats may hide first few days but venture out when hungry coming out of hiding when quiet so call only from yard during evening, middle of night, and dawn hours to keep in area. DO NOT CHASE! (Put this on all flyers!). If searching away from home, call very softly and listen for response. If hiding place is found, set supervised only and covered traps with permission in that area. In extreme hot or cold weather trap must be watched when set. Check www.petfinder.org for cats in rescue and shelter, and go to local shelters in person daily. If cat has microchip, call the company to report lost and ensure chip is registered and information is correct.
Don't ever give up hope, keep searching, and update posts!
