Orlando, FL Lost Male Cat, Prince Is Missing

Facebook Community Response

Diana E.

10 months ago

Brandon Wiley, I'm sorry I didn't explain myself better, and didn't quite understand the setting but if Prince can't come back inside without the use of the box, retracing his steps may not work. Cats make a map of their surroundings -- they know every object in the environment -- so when you place a box in the landscape that wasn't there when Prince created his map, he may be confused or frightened. I was asking if he could return via the window without having to change the terrain by adding objects. (If he could make it back through the window, he would only attempt it after dark and if it's dark and quiet in the room.) This is why I asked how close is the door nearest to where he landed, as that may be a better option. If he can return to the window without changing the landscape, that may be optimal, otherwise you may need to lure him to the closest door so you can quietly open it for him when he settles on the food.

Brandon W.

10 months ago

Diana Ellis As I said in my previous comment the window has been open for him to return ever since he left as well as a box placed outside the window with my shirt on it for scent and for him to jump on to get back inside

Diana E.

10 months ago

Brandon Wiley, your experience is typical -- my escaped cats have run from me as if I'm an ax murderer. It's their survival instinct that recognizes their family only in the territory where they're acquainted. That said, I wouldn't set a trap -- not yet anyway. Prince is not food motivated -- it's fear that's driving him -- and he's likely to avoid any object or obstacle erupting in the landscape. Tell me about the window from which he escaped -- can he come back the same way, or is there a door close to where he landed? Prince is trying to return home the same way he left and if you can facilitate that, he may put and end to the crisis himself after dark when he feels it's safe to come home. So, if he can come back through the window, crack it open and place a familiar blanket inconuously under the window (to provide a comforting scent and to reinforce his path home), then make sure it's dark and quiet in the room with food placed well inside. Once you know he's in, tiptoe around and close the window from the outside so he doesn't get scared and run back out. If the window is near a door, set things up at the door as I described then remain inside after dark. Please let me know how your efforts are progressing. During the daytime you may find his hiding spot and if you do, however, don't approach if he appears ready to run -- it's better to leave him where he is than to risk chasing him farther away -- but if you are able to snag him, pinch his scruff and don't let go until he's safely contained.

Brandon W.

10 months ago

Diana Ellis A lot of people are suggesting I approach him kindly and I definitely will but I tried that before and each time he ran. I don’t know if that’s going to be the right approach here. He’s very skiddish and he’s never been a cat that came to me unless he was hungry or was feeling affectionate. But if I ever went to pick him up he would usually run. So I truly am hoping we catch him in the trap tonight. I’ve been a wreck. Just knowing this time he’s actually outside and not just in the garage is ing me. I know he’s probably safe, but I just don’t know if I’ll ever be able to get him to come back. Nevertheless I’m trying to stay as hopeful and optimistic as I can.

Brandon W.

10 months ago

Diana Ellis Last year when he got out he was in the garage the entire time. This time he got out for sure. Yesterday when I got home from work he was gone. Roommate didn’t see the screen had an opening at the corner. We spotted him multiple times outside but couldn’t catch him. There’s now a trap outside with food in it and clothes around it and around the house and no litter box of course. The window is open for him to return if he likes as well with a box outside the window for him to jump on.

Diana E.

10 months ago

Brandon Wiley, did Prince get outside again? Was it your roommate who let him out by accident? I recall you got him back inside last year and believe you can do so again. I suspect he's hiding close to his escape route, too frightened to come when called or emerge in the daylight. As you may recall, 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: If you don't see this comment until morning, DURING THE DAYTIME, alert nearby neighbors in case Prince 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 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. IMMEDIATELY (if you see this comment overnight) or 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 Prince 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 Prince 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. Again, 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/

Brandon W.

10 months ago

Kevin Maclary Thank you!!

Kevin M.

10 months ago

Go around late at night calling them with food and flashlight to catch their eyes. Check around your neighborhood under houses and in small places where they may hide. Put stuff out that has yours and their scent on it. Hang flyers around for people to see. Check shelters and vets daily. Update chip info if they have a chip and its has not been update since a move. Ask neighbors to check in their garages incase they ended up trapped in one. I pray you get your baby back safe and soon.

Deborah N.

10 months ago

Diana Ellis