Pat R.
4 years ago
catsSPCA on how to find a lost cat:
Start Your Search From the Point of Escape Then Move Outward – Staying Close By Start with the point of escape, if you know how your cat got outside, then move outward. If you didn’t see your cat get outside, start from the logical exit points. Then look around for the closest hiding places. Bring a flashlight (even during the day because the cat’s eyes reflect light) and check EVERYWHERE (multiple times). Look inside drain pipes or storm drains; in the heavy brush; inside or under sheds; inside garages; under decks; and inside basement crawl spaces – any place where your cat can hide. Stay close by – newly adopted or indoor-only cats are often found within a three house radius of their home. Remember your cat may not meow back when you call even though your cat is most likely close by. Your cat is most likely hunkered down to the ground and ready to dart away from any perceived threat – even from you! A cat’s instinct is to hide, stay put, and NOT meow. Note: Your cat may have traveled farther away only if a dog or something else has frightened your cat, if there are no good hiding places close by, or if after several hours or days there is no source of food or water close by.
2) Put Food, Water, Litter Box, and Bedding Outside: Put food and water outside near the point of escape or close to a good hiding spot nearby. Use strong-smelling canned cat food that your cat can smell from a distance so your cat knows where to go for food a can of tuna or sardines works wonders. Also, put your cat’s litter box and any bedding that has your cat’s scent on it outside to attract your cat back to your home. Cat’s have an amazing sense of smell!
3) Talk to Neighbors: Immediately start talking to your closest neighbors. and ask them to actively search their own property for your cat. Tell them what your cat looks like, that your cat will most likely be hiding, and what to do if they see your cat. If they see your cat, ask them to not approach your cat since this might frighten your cat. It’s best for them to just put food outside (canned cat food or tuna), open up the door to their
4) Put Signs Up: Put signs up in your immediate neighborhood with large print saying “LOST CAT.” Include a photo, date lost, and phone number where you can be reached 24/7.
5) Set a Humane Trap: If you've been following these tips for a day or two and your cat is still outside, get a humane trap. These wire cages have a trip mechanism inside that is triggered when the cat enters the trap in search of the food you have left inside. Once triggered, the door shuts the cat inside the trap. Even the most frightened cat will eventually come out for food. You may be able to borrow a trap from a shelter or rescue organization or purchase one from a pet store.
6) Don’t Give Up! DON’T GIVE UP THE SEARCH TOO SOON! It could take days, or longer, to get your cat back inside. Don't give up if your cat fails to show up after a day or so. And, don't just wait for your cat to come back. You need to actively search for and lure your cat back home. Keep looking in those same old hiding spots – depending on how much time has passed, your cat may be moving from one hiding spot to another. Also, try new spots and enlarge your search area step by step, house by house
Put litter box outside with food also leave the garage door open a little with food. Post on "Nextdoor" Go out looking for your furbaby and when found keep the cat inside.
check www.washoecounty.us/animal/lost_and_found/index.php, for found cats
