Lauren E.
12 months ago
I lost my kitty Nicholas at an Irvine apt complex years ago. It took three days to find him. After that I put these tips together to help others help their babies find their way home.
TIPS TO FIND YOUR CAT:
1. Kitties usually stay close by their home, they hide in a bush or some small dark place and just sit and wait. Even if you call them, they may not come because they are freaked out and scared.
2. Put things outside that smell like you and like your kitty bedding, the litter box (some people will argue about this, but experts are divided, I have had a lot of success, and no problems, but this choice is ultimately yours), or even a cat tower, a used towel, shirt, dirty shoes.
3. Do not put food out you will attract other animals that may keep your cat away. You can walk around with smelly food or shaking treats.
4. Walk around the neighborhood calling. The kitty will catch your scent and hear your voice, and follow it back to your house later.
5. Pass out fliers to neighbors and talk to everyone, especially kids and dog walkers. It is a great idea to offer kids $20 if they find your cat and can tell you were he is. Kids love money and a challenge.
6. Check closed garages. Listen for meows when you call.
7. Use a flashlight under bushes and dark places, even during the day. The light will reflect off their eyes.
8. Sleep with the windows open, you may hear them crying at night.
9. Check the shelter every day.
10. If your lost cat has a cat friend at home, take the cat or dog you have at home out in a secure carrier or on a leash and walk around with him or sit with him outside. Hopefully the other lost cat will hear and smell him. Dogs are good at finding lost cats.
11. Social Media - Facebook, Nextdoor, CraigsList, and PawBoost Lost & Found.
12. Sit in your house quiet with door cracked open and food a little ways in the house. Don’t get excited when kitty comes in stay calm and close door.
13. If you have a garage leave it cracked open kitty may find his way back in.
