Seal Beach, CA Lost Male Cat, Ernie Is Missing

Facebook Community Response

Betsy K.

2 months ago

My personal experience has been first securing other cats in another closed-off room, dimming/turning off most or all inside/outside lights and — if safe to do so and should be supervised — leaving doors (especially door/window escaped through) open/ajar in the very early morning (basically, need to camp out in room where door is ajar). (Cats have a keen wide-ranging/radius sense of smell; therefore, it is so important to get their familiar “home” scents into the airwaves.) Every time, my little escape artist has come bolting through the door between 3:00 — 5:00 AM. (NOTE: When he’s escaped and door is closed, he panics and takes off again — it is important they have a way in once they come out of hiding and make a mad dash for home.) Hopefully, if not used to being outdoors, ERNIE is very close by just scared to come out until it’s really dark and really quiet. Prayers for a quick safe return !!🙏🏻

Lucca B.

2 months ago

I’m sorry your baby is missing. Here are some tips that may help. An idea that has worked for me: Find cat sounds online, play them for about 45 seconds, stop, listen very closely, be very quiet. Try it four or so times in different places in your yard. Place your dirty clothes outside up off the ground where the breeze will carry your scent. It may lure him back. NO food, water or litter outside because it attracts everyone else including ants. Open a door or window where he escaped from and crack your garage door so he can get back in 24/7. If it’s an indoor kitty it is really important he has a safe way back in so leave a door open (all day and night) as they typically try to return when it’s late hours and quiet. Check all of the bushes, shake noisy food and then be quiet and listen. He might meow but you might not hear them. Check trees, he could have been chased up one. Indoor cats don't usually go too far. Talk to neighbors. He might be camped out in their yard, and they don't know he is yours. Also, have them check their cameras. Post on Ring if you have it or ask neighbors to post on theirs. Put up signs on stop signs, community mailboxes, even put on neighbor's doors. Your neighborhood might have a FB page or email program. IMPORTANT. Check with vets where they went missing. Call the shelter and let them know your cat is missing so they can log it in their book. If he is chipped, call the chip company and let them know he’s missing and make sure your contact information is up-to-date. If they are not chipped, contact every vet in the area to let them know he is missing in case someone brings him for a chip check. I hope your kitty comes home soon! Check www.24petconnect It shows the impounds of pets at local shelters. Also post on PawBoost, NextDoor, local FaceBook pages, PetFinder, Pet Amber Alert.

Suzan R.

2 months ago

General Information: Indoor cats are usually close to home. Check any and all hiding places in your home - closets, under side of mattress. Hang clothes with your scent on it (Worn clothing from owner) high up outside so the familiar scent can travel and guide the cat back home. Ask your neighbors to check their yard/could be accidently stuck in their garage or shed. (If applicable) Check doorbell or home camera - or ask neighbors to check their camera. Post Fliers with a picture of the cat and your contact information in the area the cat went missing. Not everyone is on Social Media and posters have worked in that if spotted a location can be provided. If a cat is scared they make themselves safe by finding a good hiding spot and often times hide in silence. Look in bushes - bring a flashlight and look for shining eyes. Best time to find your cat is in the early morning hours when the noise level is low and they feel safe. Leave an access point open for the cat to return. This is important if they do come back in the middle of the night. Prayers your cat returns/ or is found safely. Beware of scammers.

Kevin M.

2 months 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.

April S.

2 months ago