Debra G.
5 years ago
Lost Cat Tips
* The most important thing is to start the search IMMEDIATELY. Keep in mind that cats tend to stay close to home.
*Post on Nextdoor.com or app. It's a neighborhood app and posts to everybody in your ZIP code immediate neighborhood.
*Download the Petharbor App. this is a user-friendly app that shows you all of the animals at the shelter.
* Report your cat as lost via the Animal Foundation website or through Petharbor app
* Place your cat's litter box outside of your home. The scent will help guide him back. You can also create a trail of sorts using the cat's soiled litter. Start at your house then spiral outwards, leaving a trail of used litter to create a path to lead him home again.
IF there are coyotes in your neighborhood, we might recommend you place the litter box close to the door or on your patio. or hang clothing that you have worn outside, the cats toys or bed/blanket it sleeps on.
*Google vets near you. 5-10 mile radius. Many people will take a cat to a vet to check for a microchip check & some vets will take possession of the animal or, have contact info for the person that found the cat. You can send a blanket email to all of them with pics and your contact info
* Set food and water out for your cat, near the house's door unless you feel it might draw other predators.
* Tell all of your neighbors. Ideally, print flyers with a clear color photo of your cat, the words.
CVS has a cell or PC site where you can load your pictures from either and then they will be ready in 1 hour. you can even have little postcards for posters made through CVS.
On posters put "LOST CAT," and identifying info Provide several phone numbers to contact in case of sightings.
* Contact your local shelter, e.g. The Animal Foundation (formerly Lied’s), NSPCA (formerly Dewey) and the Henderson shelter.
* Walk around at all times of the day & night, calling their name, rattling favorite toys or treats.etc
* If the kitty was shy, you may need to set humane traps.
Keep in mind that most cats, when they get out of their home and familiar territory, become terribly frightened. More likely than not, your cat has found a safe place to hide and will stay there until the world quiets down. Many outdoor cats are most active in the middle of the night because the fewest people are out and about.
Most of all, do not give up! Cats can return home within hours. They WANT to come home, so don't lose hope.
