Diana E.
9 months ago
Skulleez Michelle, please don't panic. Your kitties are likely hiding very close to home, too frightened to come when called or emerge in the daylight. As I said, I suspect if you haven’t found them by dark, your kitties may attempt to return on their own overnight if the conditions are just right, so if you know what to expect and how to react, you could have them 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 during the daytime: alert nearby neighbors in case either cat 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 without dislodging them from their hiding spots, focus your efforts close to home and tiptoe around in the daylight using a flashlight, but be quiet and discrete so as not to frighten them, (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 them the chance to return voluntarily. Do you believe they can return the same way they left (via the window) and if so, can you make it dark and quiet inside so they won't hesitate? Otherwise, is the window close to a door where they may reenter the home? At dusk put something inconuous but familiar outside the window, or stretched between the window and the closest door (blanket or worn teeshirt laid flat — NOT a litter box, bed, trap or anything that would change the landscape) to give your kitties the confidence to come out of hiding, and place tempting food either under the window or at the door. Then watch and listen closely from inside (DO NOT GO BACK OUT AFTER DARK!) and if you see either kitty approach be very careful not to startle them as you slowly and quietly provide a clear path back inside. You may occasionally call for them overnight, but do so softly and from the doorway -- going back outside could scare her away -- and if you can't wait up set an alarm and watch again just before sunrise. Please let me know what happens tonight and if they're not back by morning, I'll provide more detailed instructions. I'm hopeful for some good news.
