Carol L.
2 months ago
Lost Cat Advise
- [ ] - [ ] Cats usually do
- [ ] not go too far unless chased but look for food/shelter while lost . If
- [ ] you can, leave a familiar blanket or "bed" might help, even a slept in bed sheet of yours, and some of her favorite person's worn unwashed clothing (for scent)..under cover if raining .... -Ask neighbors and people in the area to check their garages/sheds...check underneath also/.....outside crawl spaces, bats (those with outside access)...help them search if possible. Also search under decks/porches, woodpiles, STORM DRAINS!!, outside crawl spaces....trees, roofs, ledges...bushes, wooded areas, empty buildings... ANYWHERE she might try to HIDE or become TRAPPED (under, inside of, on top of). ....use a flashlight even in the daylight to search dark areas (like back in dark corners) to catch eye gleam -Flood area with flyers...crucial for sightings.. (if possible, at least a 5-6 block radius). . Go door to door in your area/neighborhood passing out flyers and talking to people. -Notify local animal control and local vets. Post a lost Craigslist ad and check found cat ads. . ... -VISIT THE LOCAL SHELTERS IN PERSON, calling is NOT enough...You need to walk through to see that your cat is not there on stray hold. Go often and leave flyers with the shelters and area vets. Put a flyer in a car window...Also give a flyer to the local mailman, garbage man, joggers, dog walkers, utility workers, neighborhood kids, and UPS driver (they all cover a lot of ground). At night go out and shake a bag of treats, or a cat food bag/box, or carry an opened favorite cat food can (the smellier the better) or tuna fish can as you walk looking for her (most cats are active during the quiet hours of the night between 10pm and 5am but that can vary)...call her name QUIETLY and LISTEN OFTEN for a response....she could be hiding or trapped somewhere close. Use a flashlight (even in the daylight), see if you can catch the reflection from her eyes. Also a flashlight or laser pointer at night might get her attention and you may get her to follow straight into the house. You may have to literally search through bushes etc especially if she is really very frightened. Remember, you might be right near her calling her name but she is so terrified she might not respond for a while so RECHECK places. Check all possible places she may have crawled into to hide or seek shelter or become trapped. Crack a window open at night or set up a baby monitor to be able to hear any meowing outside.....Do you have a garage or enclosed porch door you can leave slightly ajar with food/water/worn clothing items inside? You can also...weather permitting.. try setting out a large box for her along with the other things (or her carrier if she doesn't mind it) for her to go in to (put her blanket or a sweatshirt of yours in it for her too).....be mindful of the weather ..monitor carefully in very hot or cold temperatures . If she is an indoor cat or if the situation is urgent, eventually you may have to set up a humane trap baited with tuna fish or mackerel or sardines or even fried chicken if she likes it ...cover with a blanket on the top and long sides that has her favorite person's scent or hers on it (monitor carefullyg because of the temps).. Hoping you find her soon safe and sound...
