Lori O.
2 months ago
All the below is true. It worked for me and others many times.
Lost house cats usually do not go far. Look in, under, on top of all structures/trees in the near vicinity. Have a flashlight with you as his/her eyes will reflect in the dark. If you do see your cat, please no sudden movements. Have some treats or their favorite food with you. Also, if you can leave a door or window slightly open, he/she may come back in on their own. Keep an ear to the outside after dark. Many kitties come back after dark and meow to be let back in. Leave a piece of clothing with your scent near the open space that is very helpful. Have neighbors look in garages, sheds and other structures. Also if you did not see him/her get out or know for sure she/he did, check every inch of your house, she/he could be trapped or hiding somewhere.
Most cats are scared when they get out. They find the first safe spot and this is where they stay, this is usually within a half block from your home in any direction. Best time to look with a FLASHLIGHT is after midnite and up to 3 am when the scarey daytime noises stop. Sit outside your house, near the place kitty escaped from. Stay put for at least an hour, talking in a normal tone so kitty can hear you. Have familiar smells with you, like their or your blanket, favorite food or treats. If weather is mild, consider sleeping on your porch. Do this every night, same time...between midnight and 3 am. You could also try walking around the neighborhood. Take a FLASHLIGHT and shine it in the bushes and everywhere to watch for the GLOW of cat eyes. Take a can of food or treats to shake. .something your cat loves. Softly call kitty name. You may have to go several nights in row, at same time. Kitty will be cautious, they MUST know it is you before they show themselves. Listen closely for soft meows...they want to be found. Don't give up, cats are resilient and smart. I would be so bold as to say 95% of lost cats are within a hundred feet of your house but are not found because owner gives up. Cats can be missing for weeks and months, being steps from your house. Sometimes trapped under the house or in a pipe or something close by. Many good stories of cats coming home, even after much time passes. Hang flyers in neighborhood. ..people need to know he/she is missing, so they don't assume it’s is a stray if they see them. I found my cat after putting flyers on houses for blocks in my neighborhood. People have seen your cat, someone may be feeding her...you have to get word out IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD! Have neighbors check garages and sheds. She could be trapped in one of those locations. Contact shelters and stay in touch with them. Most importantly, have faith and be consistently persistent in active regular searches AT NIGHT with a FLASHLIGHT. Good luck with getting him/her back. It will happen. Believe!!!! And pray
