Oviedo, FL Lost Male Cat, Leo Is Missing

Facebook Community Response

Diana E.

2 months ago

I’m so sorry your beautiful snowshoe Siamese cat got outside, but please try not to despair -- even after a week, Leo is likely still 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 longer, if you know what to expect and how to react you may still have him back inside by morning. I've recovered many escaped cats and have a full set of instructions, but if you modify your approach now you may not need them. You've done a great job of getting the word out, but from what you've described there are some thing you can change to increase the chance of Leo coming back on his own. I will describe what to do in more detail, below, but I recommend returning Leo's path home to the condition it was when he escaped (no items in outside his path other than an inconuous familiar towel or pillowcase on the doorstep and a bowl of food) and you must remain indoors after sunset -- do not search at night. This is what I recommend. DURING THE DAYTIME, remind neighbors he's lost and ask for them to check if he's hiding under a vehicle or 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 within no more than two houses from 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 (or IMMEDIATELY if you see this comment overnight) 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 Leo the confidence to come out of hiding, along with a bowl of food at the door (this will calm him and hold his attention so you can open it without scaring him away). Call him softly (just once) 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 Leo 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/

Kevin M.

2 months ago

Nadeem Najda stay vigilant and keep checking around.

Julie K.

2 months ago

Lostcatfinder.com

Diane D.

2 months ago

please try placing some recently worn clothing outside your front & back doors. The scent on your clothing could help your baby find its way back home. Prayers for a safe return of your baby. 🙏🐾🐈‍⬛

Deborah N.

2 months ago

Diana Ellis

Diane D.

2 months ago

Nextdoor Experiment - Hashtagging Lost & Found Animal Posts With the number of dogs and cats that are being lost and found, it's almost impossible to match up the found ones with the lost ones' owners. As an experiment, let's try a hashtag system. The Nextdoor search system at the top of the home screen recognizes hashtags and will search for them successfully. So, if you post a lost dog, please put #LostDog at the beginning or end of your post. If you post a lost cat, put #LostCat. If you find a dog or a cat, put #FoundDog or #FoundCat. To search for hashtags in the Nextdoor Search bar, just type in the appropriate hashtag and tap the search icon or the return key on your keyboard. Once the search is completed, tap the "Posts" tab at the top of the screen. This will filter the results to show only Posts. Then scroll through the list. If you've lost an animal, search for #FoundDog or #FoundCat If you've found an animal, search for #LostDog or #LostCat Also, if you posted a lost pet and was later reunited with them, please either delete the original post or edit the post and place the hashtag #reunited at the very top of the post's content (at the very beginning of the post). To edit a post or comment, tap on the three dots in the upper right and select 'Edit' from the pop-up menu. Not everyone will read this post, so those of you who do, please spread the word and let's make this work. Hope this helps!

Bob V.

2 months ago

🙏🙏🙏🙏

Bob V.

2 months ago

Looks like our Chevy, that passed away.. his brother a grey tabby cat is with us still…

Candace L.

2 months ago

Beautiful 😍 I pray Leo comes home 💙

Nadeem N.

2 months ago

Kevin Maclary Thank you for the words of encouragement. We live on a cul-de-sac and we saw him on a neighbor's cam run across their driveway, then run back towards our driveway and front yard after a car spooked him, but that was 6 days ago and nothing since. He's also microchipped and his info is up to date. We're trying to stay hopeful...