Oakland, CA Lost Female Cat, Skittles Is Missing

HappyCatLady .

3 years ago

I'm so sorry Skittles is still missing... 🐱🙏💖I’m so sorry kitty is still missing. Please do Not lose hope or stop taking action. Lost cat ‘Ninja’ was found within the block after 71 days of us searching for him! Don’t give up the search… 'Lost cat Alan' on Pawboost was reunited after 129 days! His guardians wouldn’t give up and didn’t stop searching …a neighbor spotted ALAN - a neighbor they had spoke to while going door to door - it was the 3rd time they had done the rounds reminding neighbors their kitty was still missing..do not lose hope…Keep taking action🐱🙏💖 🐱PRINT more flyers to post up on lampposts beyond your block and replace the ones on your block if the old ones are worn .... put new flyers in the "clear sheet protectors" with the opening facing down so they last …(previous post shows example - you can buy at fedex print store, target, staples or amazon) 🐱TALK TO YOUR NEIGHBORS AGAIN - yes going door to door to remind your dear neighbors that your cat is still missing and you are needing their help to spot kitty more than ever - people have short memories - they DO need to be reminded. Talk to dog walkers on your street - they are outside at all times and have helped me spot lost kitties I was helping with many times....It's never a waste of time talking to neighbors ..the more eyes you have the better...ask them to take a photo and call text you any hour of the night - and not to approach Kitty or they might scare him. 🐱CONTINUE TO CALL FOR KITTY at night and early mornings 10pm-6am..set your alarm for 1am, 3am 5am and call calmly with stinky wet food...walk around the block and call for kitty as you walk BACK LEADING HOME ...NOT leading AWAY from home. 💜💜PLACE A CAMERA 💜💜motion activated with night vision - pointed at bowl with wet food (and water) near outside the door and review camera footage daily - you can't believe how many times a cat will return home and has no way of getting back inside and/or the owners stops going out at night so the cat disappears back into the night...or the cat just remains outside even with the door slightly open (in a survival mode) This has happened recently in multiple cases where a guardian catches their cat on camera after weeks of no sightings …then they either end up going out during the same time every night or they end having to humanely trap their cat because kitty kept running away from the owner. (once back inside the survival mode turns off and they are back to being purry cozy kitty) Place wet food out with a camera (that will snap images or video upon movement) you may see other cats, raccoons and other creatures eat the food..that's ok...keep refilling the WET food as he may turn up one of these nights - I’ve done this many times and always SO happy I did because the camera gives the hope you need! (raccoons LOVE dry cat food so wet food is better) you can buy motion sensor camera on amazon over night - connect to wifi...OR a wild life camera with playback feature (battery operated - no wifi needed) . 🐱Once kitty is spotted on camera or by your neighbor then you can sent a HUMANE CAT TRAP - which must be monitored every single second it is ‘set’. You can RENT a trap from the SPCA or borrow a trap - ask folks on Nextdoor (cat owners group) if anyone has a trap you can borrow (If you live in SF I have one to lend you) Sometimes cats are caught on camera eating and NOT coming inside even when the guardian has left the door open..some cats stay in a kind of survival mode (like a switch was flipped) which helps them survive but sometimes gets in the way with them returning inside on their own. It could take days/weeks to get them on camera but once they find this source of food they will return…and some nights it will be different cats or raccoons…they all watch each other from afar…once caught on camera you can set a trap and monitor it from a distance making sure you don’t trap another creature. 💥WiFI Camera with night vision example https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07Z841XYD?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_TXPMEVSKHVVCW2PBGK0C 💥WIldlife camera (wifi not needed) / requires eight AA batteries: You have to manually check footage https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B099F54JJ4?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_T6Y056KTG9ZEENJKTW79 🐱Check for found cats on PAWBOOST, NEXTDOOR, your local ANIMAL SHELTERS DAILY… 💜💜 VISIT IN PERSON 💜💜the shelter’s closest to you every 5 days.. Some cats will end up at your animal shelter and some will never show up - we just don’t know how LUCK plays out so this is why you must COVER ALL POSSIBILITIES.There are SO many FOUND cats brought in every single day. Some are not shown online this is why you have to physically go in and check for yourself. MANY lost cats are reunited long after a month. Many cats end up at a shelter after their guardian has unfortunately stopped checking and that is just heart breaking. 🐱Most Lost cats are found by their determined guardians or informed neighbors…but some cats DO get trapped and/or brought to a shelter without you knowing. So you MUST check in person every 4-5 days. 🐱Keep posting updates on Nextdoor and pawboost ..talk to your neighbors, update flyers, call for kitty at night, leave food and water out and get a camera to check footage every day. sending you LOVE , determination and sustained hope.. Damia Foti🐱🙏💖

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HappyCatLady .

3 years ago

🐱💜Long post but the information is IMPORTANT 🐱💜 Your KITTY will remain VERY NEAR just because you don’t see or hear kitty does NOT mean kitty is not VERY near…I am emphasizing this so you don't go searching blocks away or get mislead by any false sightings without a photo to prove it’s your kitty.. Keep calling for your kitty 10pm-6am in a NORMAL and CALM normal voice where skittles got out. the later the better when it's dark and quiet. Cats can sense stress in your voice and will hide if they sense it. Yes - Indoor cats will remain VERY NEAR TO escape point in a hiding spot in SILENCE and may come forward during the day though most come forward after dark until morning(when it’s quiet). MOST indoor cats are found within 1-5 houses away! - many times kitty is hiding within the property, under the porch, in storage area….scared cats are the stealthiest of hiders...this Is how they survive - Be patient and keep searching and calling… INDOOR/OUTDOOR cats are typically found( stuck) within a block - depending on their normal territory. Just yesterday Lost cat 'HUGO" was found 2 yards away disoriented ...his guardian Ann was losing hope calling for him late night and early morning for a week - and last night at 11pm this time he meowed back!! This is why it's important to be consistent in searching and calling for Simon in all the different ways I mention...in person...Flyering...checking Ring cameras...placing a camera in front of food and water you in case he's stuck and gets unstuck on his own (example a shed door or garage door is opened releasing him...) Every cat is different and needs our patience and determination... And UNLESS your kitty is SUPER FRIENDLY to complete strangers, the likelihood of kitty getting picked up and brought to animal care & control is just not reality ..at least not for a while (AND BE SURE TO check online daily and in person once a week to cover all possibilities..shy or skittish cats usuallyr have to be purposefully trapped FLYERS WORK!! Print out a GOOGLE map of your block and across the street to start and knock on all your neighbors doors and keep track who you spoke to and which homes to return to later (if not home)...the idea is to talk to everyone in person to best engage them to check crawl spaces etc and to take a photo if they THINK they see your baby - along with distributing flyers door to door and posting up flyers all around your block and and across the street on both sides of lampposts...If someone isn't home, use that blue painters tape to adhere the top and bottom of the flyer on their front door (won't damage) ...Call for your baby from the ESCAPE POINT throughout the day and especially TONIGHT once it's dark and quiet and sounds travel far ... tonight call for him as you walk around your block ...listen closely for meows in garage (if kitty got out from the front)...YOu will find your baby…be patient and know that he is ok ...spread the word IN PERSON and Post up those flyers TODAY - you can print at fedex print stores (send online for pick up) or go there ...you can pick up clear sheet protectors to place the flyers you post UP around your block (clear protector sheets - with the opening facing down) and you can get the painters tape (for taping to front doors) and clear packing tape to tape the flyers around lampposts...we are all wishing you LOVE and HOPE and determination...🐱💖🙏 💥Sometimes you have to check more than ONCE in the same yards...see text example💥 received...https://drive.google.com/file/d/10I_aHnjJ9rX6rYbGi6v7AWUTJVqggIxD/view?usp=sharing Cover ALL possibilities ...also make sure kitty's microchip is up to date and check for FOUND cats daily online and every 5 days at your local shelter/s. Cover it all. All your effort and love works together to find your sweet kitty Note: For distributing flyers at APARTMENT BUILDINGS ...I always ring on bells and talk to folks and/or at least get inside so I can leave a flyer I front of each door step or if not an option then tape flyers onto the top and bottom of EACH mail box to ensure everyone around your block is aware along with posting UP FLYERS around the block and 1 block out in all directions (use the clear sheet protector so they LAST more than a few days! You want to cover all possibilities. Spreading the word IN PERSON and online is Critical in spotting kitty. Ask neighbors in person and on flyers to take a photo if they think they see your kitty instead of approaching her and to call/text you. Talking to neighbors dramatically increases the chances of your cat being spotted or discovered stuck..it engages people to care and to actively search MAILBOXES EXAMPLE _ FLYERING https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pQTHFCYD-D1Txo0u8cCbqjxYN4s8eOaL/view?usp=sharing DON’T GIVE UP.. call for kitty during the day and ESPECIALLY at night 10pm-6am ...every day I get texts from cat owners saying they found their cat stuck in a shed, under a neighbor’s garage, on a roof, inside a storage space etc…or that a neighbor heard a meow in their yard AT NIGHT …..each cat is different and needs our patience and determination…and getting the eyes and ears of your neighbors to help is KEY. Return to those addresses if no one is home. Take notes . The neighbors that aren’t home COULD have a laundry room or storage that they closed just before leaving town and you need to cover ALL possibilities to find kitty. ASK YOUR NEIGHBORS to check their RING CAMERA and if they can help add a missing cat alert in your neighborhood! 💖🙏 damia💖🙏 P.S. See example below of printing google map and taking notes as you knock on doors. F = flyered (not home) and add names of folks you talk to in person - the goal is to speak to everyone in person in order to engage them - ask them to search their premises and to call you the second they think they see your kitty (and to take a photo) Keeping track is a HUGE HELP - I often return days later to neighbors I've spoken - to remind them to continue to keep an eye out for kitty! LINK TO PDF OF LOST CAT FLYER / GOOGLE MAP GRAPHIC EXAMPLE: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cYfhp2o-m2C_OKPvdEriHZxYscDmeL5U/view?usp=sharing

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HappyCatLady .

3 years ago

🐱💖Dear Guardian....Please know you can find your sweet kitty by taking action to cover ALL possibilities, whether your kitty is HIDING or STUCK nearby and needs your help to get home. #1 mistake is Waiting to take action. Glad you posted. Taking ACTION TODAY IN PERSON IS CRITICAL; Here is exactly what to do 🐱💖 INDOOR- ONLY Cats that are not used to being outside or are indoor/outdoor but get spooked by someone or something - will find the 1st place to hide and HUNKER DOWN in SILENCE - They tend to remain VERY NEAR, typically within 1-3 residences and many times right next door - HIDINGin silence. Cats that are scared and in foreign environment will often NOT meow/ respond to calls even from their human (at first) ...though Kitty still needs to HEAR you and keep hearing you (until kitty THINKS it’s safe to come forward) - so do NOT stop calling out... Kitty is in survival mode and meowing would give away the hiding spot to predators. Outside is strange for indoor cat..with wind & loud noises.. Be patient...Don't give up! Kitty is out there. INDOOR/OUTDOOR cats often get stuck in garages …crawlspaces etc - post flyers 2 blocks out in all directions though Be sure to Focus on your immediate block 1st! Most Indoor/outdoor cats are found wtihin the block - though keep open to the possibility 1-2 blocks out in some cases. **IMPORTANT ** CALL for kitty consistently throughout the day and ESPECIALLY TONIGHT from 9 PM until 6AM (when it’s quiet, dark and cats feel ‘safer’ to move out of hiding) Set your alarm for 11pm 1AM, 3AM, 5AM....go out and call for kitty in your NORMAL, CALM voice & wait...shake treats (if that is something kitty normally responds to) I can’t tell you how many kitties come out of hiding during these late hours…(or you can hear meows if trapped in your next door neighbors garage or backyard for example). LEAVE A WAY BACK INSIDE 24/7 in case kitty sneaks back inside when it’s dark and quiet. Leave the ‘escape’ DOOR/WINDOW edged OPEN 5” with bedding , wet food and water.. If escaped from the front (and you have a garage) leave garage door open 5" with litter box and food/water inside - on opposite sides. GAIN ACCESS TO YOUR NEIGHBORS YARDS: Knock on your neighbors doors and Get permission for YOU to check their yards physically day and evening...explain to them how kitty will hide from strangers and it's best for you to check anywhere kitty could be hiding (they are excellent silent hiders) ** NOTE: people often will see a cat outside and just think kitty is an indoor/outdoor cat and won't do anything unless they know your cat is missing! This is why you must go door to door and distribute flyers IMPORTANT: A majority of your neighbors are NOT on Facebook or Nextdoor seeing this post, This is why you MUST go door to door with FLYERS, asking your neighbors to keep an eye out for kitty. Be meticulous - Take notes on a google map printout of which address #s didn’t answer the door and GO BACK later and try again; ASK your neighbors to check their Garages, sheds, storage units/areas, crawl spaces , under porches… especially at night with a flashlight to catch kitty’s EYE reflection. Kitty could be stuck / trapped (this happens all the time!) and talking to your neighbors will help engage them into helping keep vigilant. KNOCK ON YOUR NEIGHBORS DOORS, starting with the first 10 residences/buildings in ALL directions from where you are. ASK YOUR NEIGHBORS to check their RING CAMERA and if they can help add a missing cat alert in your neighborhood! PRINT 100 FLYERS TODAY to give your neighbors door to door AND to POST UP on lampposts (both sides) in your neighborhood, concentrating around your block and expanding out 1 block out. POST UP FLYERS on streetlamps (place inside a clear protective sheet cover - with the open flap facing down so the weather doesn’t ruin them. You can google: “ poly sheet protector” or purchase on amazon or at FEDEX store near you where you can send your print order online for pick up even if they’re closed. Call them once open and ask if they can PRINT right away due to the urgency. fedex staff will always will print quickly. NOTE: They sell the sheet protectors & tape. Get lots of tape. You can Download a flyer ‘template’ on www.happycatlady.com Offer a reward for anyone who sends you a PHOTO of kitty to encourage neighbors to search their residence If you cat is shy at all with strangers, instruct on the flyer for them to not approach kitty but to call ASAP instead. RE: ONLINE: 1.Report your kitty lost on pawboost.com (which will automatically post in your city’s facebook group) 2.Post on www.Nextdoor com under ‘lost & found’ and ‘cat owners’ group. with your exact address (or address range like 1000-1050 3rd street cross street Cherry ave for example) *NEXTDOOR INVITE: https://nextdoor.com/invite/tlpjrfjfsfzzypgctspp *INVITE LINK TO NEXTDOOR ‘CAT OWNERS GROUP:https://nextdoor.com/g/qazvu50sq/ 3.Report to Animal Care & control - your local animal shelter’s And Check for FOUND cats online daily on their website/s and CHECKIN PERSON EVERY 4 days If you live in OAKLAND - check for ‘FOUND’ CATS: https://www.oaklandanimalservices.org/services/lost-and-found/found-animals/found-cats/ Contra Costa Animal Care & Control Alameda Animal Care & Control East Bay SPCA Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter ** IMPORTANT ** PLACE A CAMERA (motion activated with night vision) facing out the escape door with food and watch footage daily - you can't believe how many times a cat will return home - eat - has no way of getting back inside (or just WILL NOT go back inside - is in survival mode) and the owners stops going out at night so the cat disappears back into the night...you may see other cats, raccoons and other creatures eat the food..that's ok...replace the WET food only (raccoons LOVE dry cat food so wet is better) you can buy motion sensor camera on amazon over night - connect to wifi...OR a wild life camera with playback feature WiFI Camera with night vision example: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07Z841XYD... WIldlife camera wifi not needed / eight AA batteries: You have to manually check footage: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B099F54JJ4... DON’T GIVE UP...Lost Cat ‘Clementine’ was finally spotted after 29 days 1.5 yards away! a neighbor who we flyered and spoke to 2 weeks earlier spotted kitty in her backyard and we ended up having to trap her because she remained in survival mode and wouldn't come forward to her human (a few days later she was back to normal). And then there was lost cat ‘Lina’ of 2 weeks was spotted returning home (video footage in backyard) but would not come inside - the owner had to coax her for hours and hours for several nights...some have to trap their cats. each cat is different and needs our patience and determination… MANY guardians find their kitties late night when it’s quiet and your voice and/or kitty’s meow can be easily heard … even scared cats try to come home or may meow if stuck at night. Set your alarm over and over. You can do this … Wishing you LOVE, HOPE and unwavering determination 💖🙏 damia💖🙏 650-339-6619 AKA www.happycatlady.com See example below of printing google map and taking notes as you knock on doors. F = flyered (not home) and add names of folks you talk to in person - the goal is to speak to everyone in person in order to engage them - ask them to search their premises and to call you the second they think they see your kitty (and to take a photo) Keeping track is a HUGE HELP - I often return days later to neighbors I've spoken - to remind them to continue to keep an eye out for kitty! LINK TO PDF OF LOST CAT FLYER / GOOGLE MAP GRAPHIC EXAMPLE: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cYfhp2o-m2C_OKPvdEriHZxYscDmeL5U/view?usp=sharing

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HappyCatLady .

3 years ago

💥WARNING💥New Scam Alert💥. Scammers will text you saying they’re affiliated with Pawboost and that they HAVE YOUR CAT and that YOU need to PROVE who you are by giving other phone numbers, your email, verifying google codes etc . These are all SCAMMERS - they may tell you to meet them somewhere BUT THEY WON'T Send you a PHOTO of your cat (they'll make up any excuse) Tell them you know they are scammers and to stop! Please Trust that If a neighbor sees or has your cat they will give you info freely and not play any strange ‘prove you are the owner of kitty’ games… Here are 2 recent SCAM texts I received click -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fXZaisdpT9AAnYg38Sr4WILds0ewC5KU/view?usp=sharing

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Sue E.

3 years ago

I'm the person looking for Skittles. She had been missing for 2 months before the rescue she was adopted from was notified she'd escaped from her adoptive home. If you see her, please let me know!