Orlando, FL Lost Male Cat, Grumpy Is Missing

Facebook Community Response

Diana E.

3 months ago

Emily Rivera, the fact that he's intact can factor into his behavior -- nature sometimes calls -- but you're correct in assuming he's likely terrified and eager to return home. Most escaped cats are cautious and slink away rather than run, so let's just hope Grumpy's instinct made a departure map of his escape route. Being on the second floor may be as much of an impediment to his return, however. Is there only one way down to ground level and/or do you know which stairs he descended? It sometimes helps to walk that path (from your door to ground level only) in your stocking feet to lay a scent trail for Grumpy to retrace. This is what I suggest now: DURING THE DAYTIME, alert nearby neighbors in case Grumpy is hiding just close to another unit (under a stairwell or vehicle, or in a garage, shed, or carport, (if applicable) etc.). Ask management if there are security cameras that may have seen Grumpy at the time of his escape or since. Then, if there’s time before dark and you can search SILENTLY without dislodging him from his hiding spot, focus your efforts from your unit to the ground and in areas he may have hidden -- tiptoe around using a flashlight, but be quiet and discreet so as not to frighten him (shhh! DO NOT CALL or shake treats), check every crack and crevice, look in, under and around landscaping, outbuildings, dumpsters, vehicles, furniture, under foundations and porches, into trees etc. but suspend searching when it gets dark to give him the chance to return voluntarily. (Take note when you search of any stray cats or areas where strays may be fed in the vicinity.) Again, AT DUSK lay a familiar blanket or worn teeshirt flat on the doorstep where he escaped (DO NOT USE a litter box, bedding, trap or anything obvious -- it's there for scent only) to give Grumpy the confidence to come out of hiding, and place tempting food in front of the door (making sure you can still open it when he returns). As I suggested previously, call him softly to provide a familiar sound and direction, then watch and listen closely from inside (DO NOT GO BACK OUT AFTER DARK!) and if you see Grumpy approach and settle on the food be very careful not to startle him as you slowly and quietly provide a clear path back inside. If you can't wait up set an alarm and watch again just before sunrise -- it's a popular time to return. Please let me know what happens tonight and if he's not back by morning, I may provide additional instructions. I'm hopeful for some good news.

Damien C.

3 months ago

The only way a lost cat can find its way home is with its nose. They have to use their sense of smell to get home again. Put anything outside that smells like their territory. Put the pajamas you slept in outside because you probably sweated in them. Put out their food your stinky socks your smelly sneakers anything you can think of that the cat will recognize by smell. Cats usually stay within a five house radius of their own home for up to a week or so sleeping in the bushes during the day and coming out at dusk and dawn. Those are good times to take a walk shaking the treat bag calling out but cats also tend to come out and walk around very late at night. Try to keep a door cracked if you can whether it's the garage or whatever or a window cracked so you can hear them if they call out for you. Put this on all of the neighborhood pages as well as lost and found pets sites. Knock on the neighbors doors and make sure they know you're looking for your cat. Good luck PS cats can smell up to one mile away from their own house.

Emily R.

3 months ago

Diana Ellissorry for the late response. Grumpy is an indoor cat, he has never attempted to escape so this is not very like him since he always acted terrified whenever we open the door. he isn’t neutered so the night he ran, something caught his attention. he chased after it and all i can think is it was a female cat that he chased. i left clothes and food outside but i live on the second floor of an apartment complex which worries me that he might not be able to find his way home.. what can i do?

Emily R.

3 months ago

Ri Maei have another cat and live on the second floor so i cant leave the door open but ive left food outside and clothes so hopefully he will come soon. thank you for the advice!

Ri M.

3 months ago

Post on Nextdoor and Ring apps. Ask neighbors to check car hoods, garages and sheds immediately. Make sure to tap hoods of the car around. Keep an entryway open for cat to get in. Buy or loan a live cat trap from online stores or local tnr groups. Leave your garage open with cat to enter. Put some food and your clothing there for smell. Get a motion sensor camera to detect when cat is around your property

Sharon G.

3 months ago

Emily Rivera I would do the same and I do hope that you find him quickly. I had a cat years ago. Her name was Peaches, she was attacked by two dogs and ran off. I just thought she ran off to go hide and I really thought she was going to die after about a week. I heard him meow by the door. I opened it in there she was brought her in took care of her wounds , and she was home

Emily R.

3 months ago

Sharon GiuntaThank you, we are still searching for him and will continue until we find him 🥺

Sharon G.

3 months ago

I would try putting things outside that have your scent and his and maybe Peach also

Sharon G.

3 months ago

I do hope your precious baby is safe and gets home quickly. He is beautiful.

Emily R.

3 months ago

This is my cat, Grumpy. If anyone sees him or finds him please do not hesitate to contact me. You can find my number on pawboost or contact me on messenger, please we want him home as soon as possible!