Seminole County, FL Lost Male Cat, Bear Is Missing

Facebook Community Response

Diana E.

3 days ago

I’m so sorry your beautiful longhair, fluffy black cat (black smoke Maine Coon or Forest Cat) got outside, but please try not to fear the worst -- Bear is likely hiding close to his escape route, too frightened to come when called or emerge in the daylight. As your previous experience suggests, 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 Bear 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 escaped (DO NOT USE a litter box, bedding, trap or anything obvious -- it's there for scent only) to give Bear the confidence to come out of hiding, and place tempting food in front of the door (making sure you can still open it when he returns). 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 Bear 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.

3 days ago

Diana Ellis

Mica M.

4 days ago

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Mica M.

4 days ago

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Pam S.

4 days ago

Put smelly wet food outside, hav a hart traps work, check them often. At night shine a flashlight you may catch reflection of his eyes. Check shed, garages, under cars, anyplace he could hide or be stuck. Put up flyers, especially at vet offices. Talk to neighbors, ask if they have security cameras that may catch him walking by. They tend to move early morning and evenings. Put out used litter and fav humans worn clothes, familiar smells help bring them in. If possible, leave a patio or garage door open so he can get in. Contact rescues & county shelters, take a pic. Physically check county shelter often, they are busy. She will be very scared & may go into survival mode, she may not respond to you. Some wait until they're starving to come out for food. Keep food/trap out & check often. If you have another cat, try putting them outside in a SECURE carrier. Their meows may call the lost one in. Pray. Don't give up!

Nayak S.

4 days ago

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Kevin M.

4 days 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.

Celeste G.

4 days ago

🙏💞🐾

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