Damia F.
2 years ago
Lost Cats tend to hide nearby in SILENCE and may come forward during the day though most come forward late night...most times I’ve found lost cats within 1-3 houses away - many times kitty is hiding within the property (basement..laundry room..in the nearest bushes in complete silence) or just next door! And UNLESS your kitty is SUPER FRIENDLY to complete strangers, the likelihood of kitty getting picked up and brought to SF animal care & control (SFACC) is just not reality ..at least not for a long while..shy or skittish cats either have to be purposefully trapped or they may eventually get so desperate that they finally approach a (hopefully nice) human. This is why you must take ACTION!
Call out for kitty in a NORMAL calm voice throughout the day and especially LATE NIGHT. During the day, spread the word to neighbors knocking door by door, distributing door notes and posting up flyers. Print a google map of your block with address #s showing and take notes on who you spoke to and who to keep trying (if not home) this systematic approach helps you stay on track in making sure every single resident is aware of your kitty and ask them to search their garages, storage units, yards, under porches …. Kitty could be hiding nearby OR STUCK - so you must cover ALL possibilities!
Do NOT give up whatsoever...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 was too scared to come inside - the owner had to coax her for hours and hours for 2 nights...each cat is different and needs our patience and determination…
It is in your hands to remain determined and take much needed action. I've had 100% success rate finding lost cats by following my own advice. I’m passionate because I know how stressful it is with kitty out there. Search for kitty every single day and night. And Do NOT lose hope! You WILL find kitty. Let me know if you need help creating the Flyers or the ‘5 on a page Door Notes’ (free on www.happycatlady.com) I'm happy to send you final draft for printing; Don’t worry not charge I just want to help if I can. Note: I usually order PRINTS online for pick up at the nearest Fedex (cheaper than most places) and then I call the store to ask if they can PLEASE print my flyers right away and when they learn about lost kitty - they ALWAYS do! Also , you can buy tape and the clear poly sheet protectors there to shield your flyers from getting ruined in the weather - Post flyers up around your block asap - Print out a google map of your block including across the street with the #s showing so you can mark off who you spoke to in person and which houses you need to try again - explaining to neighbors how cats hide and come out at odd times (if not stuck) is important as many people do not know about cat behavior. Buy GOOD TAPE! Wishing you love and sustained hope…xoxxoxo
