Donna M.
5 months ago
Please feel free to copy / paste / share this advice to help find a lost kitty:
Distribute flyers- knock on neighbors’ doors and hand them out, and post them at intersections as well as any businesses close by. Flyers generate sightings. The more eyes out, the better.
Mini flyers are also a great idea- LOST PET, a pic of your pet and phone number, printed 9 to a page and cut. Tape near doors of neighbors not at home. Many people save these on their fridge and call with sightings
-Ask neighbors to check their yards, garages, sheds, under decks and any possible hiding spots. (It’s always best if they let you look.) The majority of people (about 85% rough guess) are kind and want to help. Some people can be indifferent or jerks. Please don’t let them get to you. Most successful reunions come from talking to neighbors vs. posting online- but please do both!
-Post on Nextdoor, PawBoost and the local lost and found pet pages on Facebook. Post on Ring app as well. You don’t need a Ring camera to have an account and neighbors frequently post found pets and sightings.
***BEWARE OF SCAMMERS! Ask them to text you a pic of the cat they see. Beware of comments on social media that recommend pet search services on instagram, these are scams. Some will even ask for a code sent to your phone- never give this out
-There are reputable pet detective services in many areas that use tracking dogs trained to find cats with great success rates. Consider using one near you.
-Indoor cats usually stay within a one mile radius from home, though they can travel further. The majority are found within a 5 house radius. Outdoor cats tend to travel further, usually within a 17 house radius.
Most indoor cats are found very close to home, as in a few houses away or a street over. They are usually found after getting sightings and with trapping. Some come home on their own, usually in the overnight hours.
-Start searching at home, thoroughly search inside your home unless you know kitty escaped, check any potential hiding spots in your yard & garage. Inside and under sheds and decks. Walk your neighborhood. Check under bushes, up trees and rooftops. Under cars, nearby storm drains, shine a high powered flashlight into bushes and trees and look for reflecting eyes.
They are masters at hiding and can squeeze into the smallest spaces. They usually will try to return home between 10 PM and 5 AM, most are on the move at dusk / dawn. They can often respond at dusk/ just after dark or at dinner time to the pop of a can.
Some cats stay hidden for weeks traveling at night.
-Don’t yell out calling for your cat or sound loud or nervous, keep your voice calm. Having a normal chat on the phone while sitting outside has worked to help draw kitty out if nearby
**Do NOT put a litter box outside.
It can attract feral cats that scare kitty away, or worse-coyotes and other predators. Litter has actually been used by hunters to lure coyotes 😳 A cat will be attracted by scent of his home / family, but a coyote won’t.
Instead, put dirty laundry / bedding of your family outside on your porch or near the door, or place in the garage with the door cracked open a few inches. Continue to replace daily.
-Is your kitty spayed / neutered? If not, they can become escape artists and bolt outside. They tend to travel further looking for a date, especially males. When you get your baby back, please get them spayed / neutered asap. Spaying / neutering is kind and not only prevents adding more orphaned cats out on the streets, but it tends to curb your cat’s desire to roam.
-Check nearby shelters and online listings & stray intakes, but go to the shelters in person at least every 3 days. They’re not always up to date on their postings.
-If microchipped, report lost to the chip company and make sure your contact info is updated
