Ev A.
3 months ago
Your cat is probably nearby. Indoor cats usually find a hiding spot very quickly and very close to where they escaped. Look up in the trees and check under everything you can see outside…under decks, bushes, wood piles and sheds. Then check surrounding area close by less traveled. The best time to find your cat is at night with a flashlight when their eyes glow back at you.
If your cat is scared, it will not respond to you calling him/her, so you'll have to use your eyes instead of your ears. When inside cats are suddenly outside, they can go into "survival mode" and their entire personality changes. They will NOT wander.
Make sure to leave food and fresh water outside in case they come out of hiding at night. Canned tuna (packed in oil) is nice and smelly. If you have a container or bag of treats that they really like.. shake it outside for your cat to hear.
Please check in with animal control at least every second day and report missing to your local police department.
Register as lost with petfbi.org. Your cat will be posted on Lost Cats Illinois and you will receive a free flyer to print and hang in your neighborhood.
I do not recommend putting out a litter box as it may attract predators. See article for more info. https://www.missinganimalresponse.com/lost-pet-behaviors/kitty-litter-myth/
