Sanford, FL Lost Male Cat, Ernie Is Missing

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Diana E.

6 days ago

I’m so sorry your beautiful tuxedo cat got outside, but please try not to despair -- Ernie is likely hiding close to his escape route, too frightened to come when called or emerge in the daylight. Most indoor cats will attempt to return on their own, usually within the first few nights if the conditions are just right, so if you know what to expect and how to react, you could have him back inside by morning. I've recovered many escaped cats and have a full set of instructions, but I’ll withhold them for now, hopeful you won’t need them. This is what I suggest you do and when: DURING THE DAYTIME, alert nearby neighbors in case Ernie is hiding just beyond your property (under a vehicle, in a garage, shed, or carport, etc.), then, if there’s time before dark and you can search SILENTLY without dislodging him from his hiding spot, focus your efforts close to home and 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 sheds, vehicles, furniture, under foundations and porches, into trees etc. but suspend searching when it gets dark to give him the chance to return voluntarily. 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 Ernie the confidence to come out of hiding) along with a bowl of food (to calm him and hold his attention). 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 Ernie 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'll provide more detailed instructions. Also, although some suggest putting out kitty's litter box, EXPERTS WARN AGAINST 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/

Deborah N.

7 days ago

Diana Ellis

Mercedes L.

1 week ago

Because I saw a kitty just like this by the mcdonalds on 1792. He was running towards the car wash and ended up in the grass by a drain next to the street on lake mary blvd area. This was around 830-9 am

Mercedes L.

1 week ago

What time was he gone?

Kevin M.

1 week 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. Mainly their litter box and sprinkle their used litter around the yard as they'll recognize the smell and it'll deter other animals from coming around. 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 and to check their cameras in case they appeared on them to get a sense of direction they could be. I pray you get your baby back safe and soon.

Ernie is Missing in Sanford, FL

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Ernie is Missing in Sanford, FL

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