Matt C.
2 weeks ago
Search Your Home and Alert Neighbors
When indoor cats get out for the first time, they are scared and do not know what
to do. Their first instinct is to find a place to hide. If they have ever escaped before
they will run the same direction and go the same place they did before (even if it
was years ago).
Cats will usually stay within a 3-4 house radius from where they went out as long as
they can find a place to hide within that area. They look for the first place to hide
and then they stay there (sometimes for days on end) as long as it is safe and dry. If
they venture out, from their hiding spot, it is generally at night when there is less
activity. They usually will only start to look for food/water after about 2-3 days.
The longer they are out the more confidence they gain. The demeanor of your cat
will play a big role in how they act when they get out. As a rule – males will tend to
come out of hiding sooner and wander farther than females. Is your cat friendly to
strangers that come into your house? If so, they may approach strangers outside
after they have gained confidence.
As soon as you notice your cat is missing, talk to your family members or
housemates and ask where and when they last saw your cat. Search your home
carefully—under beds, in closets, dark places, small places, behind bulky furniture—
in case your cat is hiding or sleeping somewhere.
If you are sure your cat is not in/around the home, take a slow ride or walk around
your neighborhood. Bring along a recent photo of your cat and ask neighbors if
they’ve seen him or her. Check under porches and shrubs and ask neighbors to
check in sheds and garages in case your cat was accidently locked in.
If you did not see the cat run out then make sure you check all hiding places inside
your house. The cat might not be feeling well and is hiding.
Figure out which door the cat escaped from. Go out the door and look both
directions. If you were a cat which way would you have wandered?
Are there objects that the cat can use as cover to make her way to a great hiding
spot? Cats will not run out in the open (across a driveway, yard, or field) unless they
are being chased by something (you, a dog, or a predator).
Best time to find a cat is once it is dark, using a flashlight to catch their eyes in the
light. Softly call their name and shine the light under all decks and objects.
Cats operate on the sense of smell first (before sight). They can smell 1000 times
better than us. If the cat has been with you for longer than a couple weeks they are
bonded to your house and the smell of the house. Try to get as much of your scent
outside so the cat can smell it and will stay in their hiding spot knowing that they
are close to home. Shaking a food dish, treat jar or favorite toy will sometimes lure
animals out of a hiding place. If they are outside, cook up something smelly on your
grill, bacon or liverwurst; something that might bring your cat home for dinner!
Open the windows of your house and get the house smells outside. Put your
blanket or article of clothing outside. Cut strips out of a sheet or towel and hang
them outside the house. Put the litter box outside. Put canned cat food outside.
Spread dry food around where you think the cat might be.
Put up posters and go door to door telling all of your neighbors to be on the
lookout for the cat. Make sure they have a picture of the cat with your phone
number on it.
Please note, we do not suggest having large groups of people out searching and
calling for your lost pet. This will only scare your pet and drive them out of the
area. People wanting to help can drive around and the call the owner with any
sightings, but never chase the cat or call out to it if it is not your own cat.
