Linda M.
3 years ago
Below are some pre-typed lost cat tips that should help you in your search to bring your sweet kitty home.
Cats are amazing survivors so don't get discouraged. The GOOD NEWS is that unlike dogs, cats normally do not roam very far from home... WITHIN a 5-7 house radius. Your cat is probably scared, but hiding nearby. Just know that after being outdoors for awhile, an INDOOR cat will go into a protective SURVIVAL MODE and will probably NOT respond to YOUR calls... even if nearby.
If you have a GARAGE, leave the garage door slightly OPEN so your fur baby can have safe access to return home. Place items with your kitty's scent (DIRTY litter box, BEDDING) along with STINKY wet food (tuna/sardines) and WATER inside the garage to help lure your kitty. If NO garage, try to leave those above items outside NEAR the door where your kitty EXITED your home.
Cats feel safest to come out of hiding when it's QUIET and DARK. One suggestion would be to walk around your neighborhood at night (best between 10 pm - 2 am) shining a FLASHLIGHT and look for reflecting EYES... beneath cars, bushes, decks, on people's doorsteps and any vacant/renovated buildings. Listen for any faint "meow" sounds.
As you walk with the flashlight, call softly for your kitty and SHAKE your car keys or cat treat bag... a sound that your cat will recognize. It took thirty (30) days to find and rescue my friend's cat. She was hiding in the STORM DRAINS during the day and coming out at night. It just took forever to get any sightings of her. To help get sightings, place FLIERS throughout your neighborhood. Once you get sightings, you may want to consider using a HUMANE TRAP.
Please also ask your neighbors to CHECK inside/under their BACKYARD SHEDS, decks as well as their GARAGES. Cats have been known to get LOCKED inside a shed/garage after yardwork is finished. If you didn't actually see your kitty escape, I recommend that you also thoroughly check INSIDE your home... as your kitty could possibly be TRAPPED somewhere.
Most importantly, VISIT any nearby animal shelters IN PERSON. Don't just call as your kitty may be overlooked by the busy staff, so actually go there. I recommend visiting EVERY OTHER DAY, because after the required holding period, the shelter can legally adopt his out or worse (if injured/sick).
Please be CONSISTENT and PERSISTENT in following these above tips. It may take time, but don't give up! I hope and pray that your sweet kitty finds its way back to you. Please keep us posted.
