Connie R.
4 years ago
Here are some tips that have worked for me and others. Most cats don't go far. First, put out the litter box and some shelter with bedding that has your smell on it, along with food and water. Sprinkle catnip. Crack your garage door. Shake cat food or treats and call for your kitty! Call for your kitty hourly and listen carefully, walk around your house and property slowly and stop every foot or two to listen as they may be too frightened to meow very loudly, especially if outside for the first time or if your kitty is new to the area or might have been chased by dog. Sick cats may not be thinking clearly, or can be driven by hunger, thirst or pain and may not be able to get home without help. Look around your porch, deck, plants, bushes and cars. Call in the early morning and evening hours. Let your kitty hear your voice and find their way back home. At night look with a flashlight under bushes and up in the trees. Cast the beam slowly in a grid pattern and look for the reflection of your kitty's eyes. Don't expect your cat to answer you if it is frightened or exhausted. Look under cars, especially by the inside of the tires. Cast the flashlight across yards slowly looking for the reflections of the eyes. Ask your neighbors, especially kids, but know that kids don't always tell the truth especially if they have found a kitty and want to keep it, so be sure to tell them how much your kitty means to you and that it wants to come home! Look for signs of fur around your property where your kitty may have slipped through an opening and can't get back out, like a hole in a deck or fence, a flexible panel, etc. People will think a cat is a stray and won't try to find the owners and just take it in, so ask your neighbors and have a photo of your kitty. Make a copy with your name and phone number on it. Be proactive. Kitties are secretive and smart. They will hear you, but wait until it is safe to come out. So just don't give up!♥️♥️♥️ Many people don't do social media and don't know about lost & found sites, but may have seen a kitty looking lost in the neighborhood or may be feeding it. Put large signs in your yard. Post flyers at intersections and places people stop with a picture of your kitty. Offer a reward, even a small one, it's a great motivator. Ask at the shelters and vet offices-go, don't call! No one can identify your cat like you can. During the middle part of the day, cats will rest and sleep and may not return until early or late evening. This is their nature. But they will hear your voice. Some of my cats have been gone for days and weeks and have returned. Prayers your kitty returns quickly.♥️