Ruskin, FL Lost Male Cat, Fred Is Missing

Facebook Community Response

Janice N.

1 month ago

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏for a safe return ❤️

Diana E.

1 month ago

I’m so sorry your beautiful orange (ginger) tabby cat got outside, but please try not to despair -- Fred is likely hiding close to his escape route, too frightened to come when called or emerge in the daylight. Most indoor cats will attempt to return on their own, usually within the first few nights if the conditions are just right, so although it's been a bit longer, if you do as I suggest 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 Fred 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 Fred 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 Fred 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/

Erin F.

1 month ago

Excellent Helpful Tips for a Safe Return Home 🐈 🐾 ♥️ 🏡

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Erin F.

1 month ago

Prayers for a safe 🙏 ❤️ return home

Erin F.

1 month ago

Post on nextdoor.com

Gab K.

1 month ago

Please read till the end..Walk around calling your cat as you always do. Look under bushes and in hiding places. Look at dawn and dusk with a flashlight to catch the glare of your cat's eyes. Leave garage door and lanai partially open if possible. Your cat will try to get back inside ..most likely at night. Use a trap...The only way to find his way home.or to the trap is by smell. Use some of your used clothes, put them outside and around the trap. A friend of mine used her shirt and dragged it through the neighborhood. Her cat found the smell and followed it home. It is all about the smell. You can also cut a shirt of yours into small small pieces and leave a scent trail back to the trap. I read a few days ago that a lady put out a trace with the old litter throughout the neighborhood. It worked. Her cat came home! Use the litter to lead your cat to the trap. Also try to distribute flyers throughout that neighborhood...as many as you can ( 3 miles radius at least). Check shelters in person...don't just call. Put battery operated trail cameras or motion cameras (Amazon for $25) outside. Your cat might show up in the middle of the night. When you know the time you can wait for for your cat and slow blink to make contact. NEVER GIVE UP! I read once that you can put a chair outside and cover it up with a blanket and the cat can jump up and hide under the blanket and feels safe. They said you should put one of your shirts under the blanket and food and water next to the chair. It might be worth a try to put up a chair

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