Apopka, FL Lost Male Cat, Scamp Is Missing

Facebook Community Response

Diana E.

2 years ago

I’m so sorry your beautiful black cat got outside, but please try not to despair. Scamp is likely hiding close to his 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 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 during the daytime: alert nearby neighbors in case Scamp 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 without dislodging him from his hiding spot, focus your efforts close to home and tiptoe around using a flashlight, but be quiet and discrete 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 lay a familiar blanket or worn teeshirt flat on the doorstep — NOT a litter box, bedding, trap or anything that would change the landscape) to give Scamp the confidence to come out of hiding, and place tempting food right where he got out. Then watch and listen closely from inside (DO NOT GO BACK OUT AFTER DARK!) and if you see Scamp approach and settle on the food be very careful not to startle him. Slowly and quietly provide a clear path inside and he may put an end to the crisis himself. (You may occasionally call for him overnight, but do so softly and from the doorway -- going back outside could scare him away. And if you can't wait up set an alarm and watch again just before sunrise -- it's a popular time.) 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/

Jeff W.

2 years ago

I wholeheartedly recommend, (pawrescueteam_) on instagram_ as the ideal resource for anyone in need of pet recovery assistance. Their expertise, compassion, and unwavering commitment go above and beyond when it comes Do send them a message as quick as possible. to bringing lost pets back to their anxious and loving families.

Kevin A.

2 years ago

Go around late at night calling them with food and flashlight to catch their eyes. Check around your neighborhood under houses and in small places where they may hide. Put stuff out that has yours and their scent on it. Hang flyers around for people to see. Check shelters and vets daily. Update chip info if they have a chip and its has not been update since a move. Ask neighbors to check in their garages incase they ended up trapped in one. I pray you get your baby back safe and soon.

Debbie G.

2 years ago

Without a phone number, no one can contact you "immediately" on PawBoost

Deb L.

2 years ago

If you are there, where Scamp was lost, and if you actually see him, contact me. General advice is cruel and upsetting.

Sugar B.

2 years ago

Hi! Please go walking through the neighborhood your baby’s name and shaking his/her bag of food or bag of treats. 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. Prayers for your baby’s safe return 🥺 Post him/her on Neighbors by Ring App. You don’t have to have a Ring Doorbell to get the app. There are Apple and Android versions of the app 🙏🏼 https://apps.apple.com/app/id1218902777 Post him/her on NextDoor App and on PawBoost too 🙏🏼

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