Apollo Beach, FL Lost Male Cat, Oreo Is Missing

Facebook Community Response

Donna W.

5 months ago

Photos in neighborhoods walk neighborhoods day and evening talk to neighbors check shelters I hope you fine your sweet kitty safe 💗

Holly H.

5 months ago

❤️🐾 Make sure to check your local animal shelter DAILY to see if your cat was picked up or turned in.

Diana E.

5 months ago

Oreo is an adorable tuxedo cat and I'm sorry he got outside. It would be extremely unusual for an indoor cat to run anywhere -- is the neighbor certain it was Oreo? Indoor cats usually hide nearby, too frightened to come when called or emerge in the daylight. Most 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 may still 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 Oreo 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 Oreo 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). 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 Oreo 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/

Erin F.

5 months ago

Excellent Helpful tips for a safe return home 🐈 🐾 ♥️ 🏡

Erin F.

5 months ago

Prayers for a safe return 🙏 ❤️ home

Erin F.

5 months ago

Post on nextdoor.com

Paula V.

5 months ago

The only way a lost cat can find its way home is with its nose. Immediately put out the dirty litter box. Do not leave the litter box out overnight. Predators come at night. Only do this during the day...The dirtier the better. Put the litter box out along with anything that stinks of you like your smelly socks something that you sweated in overnight your stinky sneakers. Get everything outside immediately and remember to pull in that litter box when it gets dark out, leaving out all of your smelly clothes shoes socks underwear etc. Cats usually stay within a five house radius of their own home for up to a week sleeping in the bushes and coming out at dusk Dawn and late at night. These are good times to take walks shaking the treat bag and calling for them. Cats can smell up to a whole mile away. So do that immediately and also put this on nextdoor. com and the other lost and found pet sites. Go on those sites looking at pics of found cats too. There might be a match.They tend to come home late at night or early in the morning so if you can keep a window cracked or a door cracked so at least you hear them. Good luck

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