Orlando, FL Lost Female Cat, Mouse Is Missing

Facebook Community Response

Diana E.

3 months ago

Cart Leigh, did you see my comment? An escaped cat is extremely frightened, so you must use their survival instinct to bring them home voluntarily -- chasing could result in scaring Mouse farther away, complicating her recovery. Please review the strategy I shared and let me know if you have questions. I'm hopeful for some good news.

Cart L.

3 months ago

Thank you ): she’s been spotted a few times so I’m holding out hope

Diana E.

3 months ago

I’m so sorry your beautiful gray tuxedo cat got outside, but please try not to despair. Mouse is likely hiding close to her 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 her 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 Mouse is hiding just beyond your property (under a vehicle, outdoor furniture, shrubs, or in a garage, shed, or carport, etc.), then, if there’s time before dark and you can search SILENTLY without dislodging her from her hiding spot, focus your efforts close to home and tiptoe around in the daylight using a flashlight, but be quiet and discreet so as not to frighten her (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 her the chance to return voluntarily. IMMEDIATELY (if you see this comment overnight) or AT DUSK lay a familiar blanket or worn teeshirt flat on the doorstep where she escaped (DO NOT USE a litter box, bedding, trap or anything obvious -- it's there for scent only) to give Mouse the confidence to come out of hiding, and place tempting food in front of the door (making sure you can still open it when she returns). Call her softly to provide a familiar sound and direction, then watch and listen closely from inside (DO NOT GO BACK OUTSIDE OVERNIGHT!) and if you see Mouse approach and settle on the food be very careful not to startle her 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 she'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.

3 months ago

Diana Ellis

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