Kissimmee, FL Lost Male Cat, Ed Is Missing

Facebook Community Response

Diana E.

2 months ago

Suiã Fernandes, although it's possible nature would call him away from home, it's still early in the process and he may be too scared to wander. You said you were sitting outside when he disappeared -- did you carry him outside or did he walk out under his own power? This will make a difference when he attempts to return home. Also, overnight if you remained indoors, did you observe anything outside that may have discouraged Ed from returning (stray cats, critters, or people outside after dark, noise or commotion, objects set in his path, etc.)? If you describe the circumstances of his departure and what happened overnight I can suggest what to do next. You should still be in the window of opportunity for Ed to come back on his own so something must be keeping him in hiding. If we can figure out what it is, you may have success with this technique before having to try something more complicated.

Suiã F.

2 months ago

Diana Ellis Thank you so much for your advice and encouragement. Unfortunately, Ed did not return this morning. I left fresh water and food outside for him, and I’m continuing to pray that he finds his way back home safely. Part of me wonders if he may have wandered off following a female cat, since he is not neutered yet, although he is only 10 months old. This behavior would be very unusual for him, as he has never done anything like this before. We are staying hopeful and will keep watching for him. Thank you again for taking the time to help and for your kindness.

Diana E.

2 months ago

I’m so sorry your beautiful mackerel orange (ginger) tabby cat got away outside, but please try not to despair -- Ed is likely hiding nearby, too frightened to come when called or emerge in the daylight. Most indoor cats will attempt to return on their own, usually within the first few nights if the conditions are just right, so if you know what to expect and how to react, you could have him back inside by morning. I've recovered many escaped cats and have a full set of instructions, but I’ll withhold them for now, hopeful you won’t need them. This is what I suggest you do and when: DURING THE DAYTIME, alert nearby neighbors in case Ed is hiding just beyond your property (under a vehicle, in a garage, shed, or carport, etc.), then, if there’s time before dark and you can search SILENTLY without dislodging him from his hiding spot, focus your efforts close to home 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. AT DUSK lay a familiar blanket or worn teeshirt flat on the doorstep where he exited the home (DO NOT USE a litter box, bedding, trap or anything obvious -- it's there for scent only to give Ed the confidence to come out of hiding) along with a bowl of food (to calm him and hold his attention so you can open the door without scaring him away). 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 Ed 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. Please let me know what happens tonight and if he's not back by morning, I'll provide more detailed instructions. Also, although some suggest putting out kitty's litter box, EXPERTS WARN AGAINST 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/

Deborah N.

2 months ago

Diana Ellis

Lisa D.

2 months ago

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

Kevin M.

2 months ago

Go around late at night calling them with food and flashlight to catch their eyes. Check around your neighborhood under houses and in small places where they may hide. Put stuff out that has yours and their scent on it. Hang flyers around for people to see. Check shelters and vets daily. Update chip info if they have a chip and its has not been update since a move. Ask neighbors to check in their garages incase they ended up trapped in one. I pray you get your baby back safe and soon.

Sharon M.

2 months ago

Also post on Pawboost! Make a lost pet report on Osceola County Animal Services website!

Delmarie R.

2 months ago

Hi! Please go walking through the neighborhood calling your kitty’s name and shaking his/her bag of food or bag of treats and use a laser toy to lure your kitty out to chase the laser pointer. Use a flashlight at night. Look under cars, by bushes and any other place where he/she can be hiding. If possible leave your garage and lanai door partially open. Your cat will try to get back inside, especially during time when it is dark outside. The only way to find the way home again is by smell. Use some of your used clothes, put them outside along with his/her bed and litter box but ONLY if you are keeping an eye on the litter box because it can attract predators. Go in person to the local shelter to check if your cat is there. Call your cat’s microchip company to report him/her missing. Post on Facebook Lost and Found Pets groups of your area. Check on Petco LoveLost website. There are many lost and found cats on that website. Post on Neighbors by Ring App. Its free and you don’t have to have a Ring Doorbell to get the app. There are Apple and Android versions of the app 🙏🏼 Post also on Nextdoor app Prayers for your baby’s safe return 🥺🙏🏽

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