Winter Garden, FL Lost Male Cat, BUDDY Is Missing

Facebook Community Response

Diana E.

10 months ago

Brian Zimmerman, is there a way to fashion the fence gate overnight so you can have the bottom cracked open for Buddy but block anyone from opening it enough for a child to get through? It may be the only way Buddy will find his way back home. You'll never see Buddy by driving around. If he hasn't been outside your property before now, he's probably hunkered down in a hiding spot which you're unlikely to find unless you're inches away. Also, in uncharted territory Buddy would be too timid to allow anyone to get close so it's unlikely a stranger could bring him inside.

Brian Z.

10 months ago

Unfortunately I can't crack the gate open to the backyard because we have a swimming pool and I still haven't seen them I walked every Road and drove through the neighborhoods trying to find him everyday and I still can't find them I think somebody has him in their house

Diana E.

10 months ago

Brian Zimmerman, I understand -- I suspect because Buddy is now in uncharted territory he's scared and may act like an escaped indoor cat (I have a fenced backyard and if any of my cats has breached it, they become frightened and will hide, refusing to come when called or return in the daylight). This is what I suggest: IMMEDIATELY (if you see this comment overnight) or AT DUSK crack open the fence gate (don't expect Buddy to return the way he left) and place tempting food at the door leading back into the house. Call him softly to provide a familiar sound and direction, then watch and listen closely from inside (DO NOT GO BACK OUT AFTER DARK!) and if you see Buddy approach and settle on the food be very careful not to startle him as you slowly and quietly provide a clear path back inside. If you can't wait up set an alarm and watch again just before sunrise -- it's a popular time to return. If he fails to return overnight, or if you don't see this comment until morning, DURING THE DAYTIME, alert nearby neighbors in case Buddy is hiding just on a property bordering the fence (under a vehicle, in a garage, shed, or carport, etc.), then, if there’s time before dark and you can search without dislodging him from his hiding spot, focus your efforts close to the fence perimeter and tiptoe around using a flashlight, but be quiet and discreet so as not to frighten him (shhh! DO NOT CALL or shake treats), check every crack and crevice, look in, under and around sheds, vehicles, furniture, under foundations and porches, into trees etc. but suspend searching when it gets dark to give him the chance to return voluntarily. Please let me know what happens overnight. I'm hopeful for some good news.

Brian Z.

10 months ago

Diana Ellis buddy was outside and inside cat and then I moved back to Winter Garden and he been inside for a month and I started let him out in a fenced in backyard for the last couple weeks and he was doing good and then my sister let him out Thursday night and he jumped the fence and I haven't seen him since

Damien C.

10 months ago

The only way a lost cat can find its way home is with its nose. They have to use their sense of smell to get home again. Put anything outside that smells like their territory. Put the pajamas you slept in outside because you probably sweated in them. Put out their food your stinky socks your smelly sneakers anything you can think of that the cat will recognize by smell. Cats usually stay within a five house radius of their own home for up to a week or so sleeping in the bushes during the day and coming out at dusk and dawn. Those are good times to take a walk shaking the treat bag calling out but cats also tend to come out and walk around very late at night. Try to keep a door cracked if you can whether it's the garage or whatever or a window cracked so you can hear them if they call out for you. Put this on all of the neighborhood pages as well as lost and found pets sites. Knock on the neighbors doors and make sure they know you're looking for your cat. Good luck PS cats can smell up to one mile away from their own house.

Roy E.

10 months ago

Check neighbors sheds

Lisa D.

10 months ago

Cook chicken on the grill. Put catnip outside. Play YouTube videos of kittens crying. Shine a laser cat toy around the bushes.

Diana E.

10 months ago

Buddy is a beautiful classic brown tabby and white cat — I’m sorry he is lost. I see he's photographed outdoors -- is Buddy allowed to roam freely or did he escape a fence, enclosure, or the house? His familiarity with the environment will dictate how to find him. Escaped indoor cats usually hide close by but are too frightened to return or respond when called; while a cat that knows his way around may have become stuck somewhere and needs help getting home. I have recovered many lost cats and assisted others so if you tell me about Buddy I can provide complete instructions that may help. Please understand an escaped cat may emerge when it's dark and quiet to sneak back inside — if you do just the right things. This usually happens within the first few nights so until I hear back from you please implement this strategy if Buddy got out accidentally: tonight crack open the fence gate or enclosure door (if applicable) and place tempting food at the door leading into the house, otherwise put something small but comforting and familiar outside the door where he escaped — do not use a litter box, bed, trap, or anything conuous -- along with some tempting food. Call him softly to provide a familiar sound and direction (he won't come on command) then watch from inside (DO NOT GO BACK OUTSIDE OVERNIGHT!) and if you see Buddy approach and settle on the food be careful not to startle him. Slowly and quietly provide a clear path inside and he may put an end to the crisis himself. If you can't wait up set an alarm and watch again just before sunrise -- it's a popular time. And although some will suggest putting out kitty's litter box, experts say DON’T DO IT. I've never used one in all the times I've been successful recovering a lost cat. Please read this to learn more about why it's neither necessary nor recommended: https://www.facebook.com/notes/lost-cats-georgia/why-we-dont-recommend-putting-your-lost-cats-litter-box-outside/1101245526665296/

Deirdre G.

10 months ago

A Trap & camera are key!!! Our boy was finally trapped after 45days! Seen almost nightly on camera. Local the entire time!! Don’t give up! CHECK GARAGES ETC!!

Arlene L.

10 months ago

. Look at night with a flashlight while calling his name. Look especially under bushes and in neighbors yards garages and sheds. Look up in trees, Leave something outside with his scent on it like his bedding. Leave something outside with your scent on it like an unwashed piece of clothing. Leave out smelly cat food. Hang signs with his photo. Call and visit local shelters and veterinary offices. Good luck!🍀

View Full Discussion on Facebook