Tarpon Springs, FL Lost Male Cat, Sumo Is Missing

Comments on this Facebook alert

Latifah C.

4 days ago

Diana Ellis It is the only place he could have escaped from, we never leave doors or windows open. I have seen him walk out before when i have left in the car but have always seen him to put back inside so he must have crept out. He has never been an explorer, normally when he gets out he immediately finds the door and meows to come back inside. He doesnt like the outside world and thats how i liked it. I definitely wont spook him but will keep checking close by. I cannot imagine him going far.

Diana E.

4 days ago

Latifah Conneely, he's unlikely to return until nightfall. Are you certain the garage was his point of escape? He shouldn't have gone far -- he's likely within one house in any direction, so if you tiptoe silently around, you may find his hiding spot. If you do, approach quietly and if he appears ready to run, retreat -- it's better to leave him where he is than risk scaring him farther away. And if you do get hold of him, pinch his scruff and do not let go until he's safely contained (escaped cats have the tendency to struggle). Hang in there.

Latifah C.

4 days ago

Diana Ellis hi Diana, no news yet. We have stuck to your instructions and have a little area through the cracked garage where he can enter and get in. We haven’t seen anything yet but I have posters being printed and will be putting them around this morning as well.

Diana E.

4 days ago

Latifah Conneely, did anything happen since you replied last night? If you set things up as I described and remain indoors, Sumo should attempt to return on his own when he believes it's safe to come home. Please let me know what happened overnight. I'm hopeful for some good news.

Lisa D.

4 days ago

Cook chicken on the grill. Put catnip outside. Play YouTube videos of kittens crying and shine a laser cat toy around the bushes.

Latifah C.

4 days ago

Diana Ellis this is so helpful Diana thank you so much. I have made a poster and will take it around to my neighbors first thing tomorrow morning. I’ve been out a few times tonight and checked in all the bushes. He doesn’t have claws so can’t climb. I’m hoping he’s just hiding in someone’s garage. He’s never strayed far. He has only ever been outside while I have been there. So he has no idea what to do. I am so worried about him.

Diana E.

4 days ago

I’m so sorry your beautiful longhair, fluffy orange (ginger lion) tabby cat got outside, but please try not to despair -- Sumo 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 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 Sumo 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 (or IMMEDIATELY if you see this comment overnight) crack open the garage door and set your remote (if you have one) to close with the next press. If you cannot see into the garage from the house, crack open the door leading inside also, making sure it's dark and quiet in the adjoining room (sound could scare Sumo away). Do not place any food outside or in the garage -- make sure it's well into the room or at his regular spot. Call him from the garage (to provide a familiar sound and direction) then wait inside for him to return. When you see Sumo, don't make any sudden moves or close the door until he's well inside. Now, if you can see garage activity from inside with the house door closed, lay a familiar blanket or worn teeshirt flat on the doorstep (DO NOT USE a litter box, bedding, trap or anything obvious -- it's there for scent only to give Sumo the confidence to come out of hiding) along with a bowl of food (to calm him and hold his attention). 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 Sumo 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.

4 days ago

Diana Ellis

Danielle F.

4 days ago

12-4 am are the best times to go out and search bring a can of the wet smelly cat food and make signs for the neighborhood