High Springs, FL Lost Male Cat, Dude Is Missing

Sebastian J.

5 months ago

Put scent items out (dirty socks, PJ’s, pillow cases). An Indoor only kitty is usually found in a 2.5 house radius of its own home. Indoor/outdoor is a 17 house radius. Grab your flashlights and look at night, look under everything even in your neighbors yards. Look for the reflection of the eyes. You can shake a treat bag as you go. I have read where some owners have had luck by just leaving the door open and the kitty just comes back in on its own. Sometimes they get locked in a neighbors garage, so knock on doors & pass out flyers so everyone in the neighborhood knows. If you haven’t already, post on the Nextdoor app it is neighborhood specific. https://www.missinganimalresponse.com/lost-cat-behavior/

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Debbie M.

5 months ago

Diana Ellis he’s mostly an indoor cat, but we do let him go outside sometime during the day when it’s sunny out but he never ever leaves our yard. We got 5 acres and he never goes past the fence, so this is very unlike him.

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Diana E.

5 months ago

Dude is a gorgeous mackerel orange tabby and white cat -- I"m sorry he's lost. Is Dude an escaped indoor cat or is he allowed outside? His familiarity with the environment will dictate how to find him. Escaped indoor cats usually hide close by but are too frightened to return or respond when called; while a cat that knows his way around may have become stuck somewhere and needs help getting home. I have recovered many lost cats and assisted others so if you tell me about Dude I can provide complete instructions that may help. Please understand an escaped cat may emerge when it's dark and quiet to sneak back inside — if you do just the right things. This usually happens within the first few nights so until I hear back from you please implement this strategy if Dude got out accidentally: tonight put something small but comforting and familiar outside (blanket or worn teeshirt laid flat on the doorstep — not a bed, trap, or anything conuous) and tempting food at his point of escape, then watch from inside (DO NOT GO BACK OUTSIDE AFTER DARK!) and if you see Dude approach be 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. If you can't wait up set an alarm and watch again just before sunrise -- it's a popular time.) And although some will suggest putting out kitty's litter box, experts say DON’T DO 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/