Diana E.
2 years ago
Cassandra Elaine Winkler, I'm so sorry I'm only now seeing your reply. After a couple of days Lilly Marie's survival instinct may kick in making it less likely she will return voluntarily there is still a lot you can do so please try to remain hopeful. Although it's possible she will make an attempt to return overnight (so be watchful) or you will find her hiding spot if you search as I will describe, your objective going forward will be to identify a place where Lilly Marie feels comfortable emerging at night for food. If you can lure her to a safe and quiet place to eat, she'll stay close and well nourished while you formulate a recovery plan,
If you haven't already, please alert nearby neighbors in case Lilly Marie is hiding beyond your property (under a vehicle or structure, in a garage, shed, or carport, etc.) then don’t worry that you haven’t found her — cats are expert at hiding. Focusing your efforts close to home, search again during the day using a flashlight, but be quiet and discrete so as not to frighten her (shhh! tiptoe around, 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 just after dark to give her the chance to emerge for food. Put something small but comforting and familiar outside (blanket, worn clothing, etc. — NOT a litter box or anything conspicuous) to give Lilly Marie the confidence to come out of hiding, and place tempting food in various safe and quiet locations at dusk (choose places where Lilly Marie will feel comfortable eating -- close to a foundation, under shrubs, inside a porch, shed or garage with the door cracked open, etc. — a frightened cat is more concerned with safety than food). Lilly Marie's instinct will be to come out after dark to eat and you want to be the one feeding her. Please see my complete instructions (click on the link to the PDF, below) and tell me if you have any questions. Hang in there and let me know how it goes. https://www.dropbox.com/s/e63sos0yc7znlej/EscapedCat.pdf?dl=0&fbclid=IwAR1x5gw2G_RoxuSs2vJQ9ym-6PIC-5u10U5UPUO6IRaBaIRT40A_mozvkX4