Karen E.
4 years ago
If Smudge is normally an INSIDE cat… then he is hiding and you will need to go out at night with a flashlight and look for his “glowing” eyes. He is VERY CLOSE to your house… most likely in your own yard. Indoor cats usually find a hiding spot very quickly and very close to where they escaped. Look up in the trees and check under everything in YOUR YARD first… under decks, bushes, wood piles and sheds. Then check your neighbors yards. THE BEST TIME TO FIND HIM IS AT NIGHT WITH A FLASHLIGHT AND HIS EYES WILL “GLOW” BACK AT YOU.
Smudge is so scared, he will NOT respond to you calling him, so you'll have to use your eyes instead of your ears to find him. When normally inside cats are suddenly outside, they go into "survival mode" and their entire personality changes. They will NOT wander. They find a hiding spot very close by and are very scared and will not come out for anyone... even their owners.
Make sure to leave food and fresh water outside for him in case he comes out of hiding at night. Canned tuna (packed in oil) is nice and smelly. Also, a piece of your "worn" clothing with your scent on it left outside along with some "used/dirty" cat litter and his bedding with his scent on it, will definitely help. And if you have a container or bag of treats that he really likes... shake it outside for him to hear. Also, leave your garage door or window open a few inches in case he comes back at night.
I hope you find your fur-baby very soon!
