Weston, FL Lost Male Cat, Salem Is Missing

Diana E.

4 months ago

Salem is a gorgeous black cat with with curled ears -- I'm sorry he's lost. Is Salem an escaped indoor cat or is he allowed outside? His familiarity with the environment will dictate how to find him. Escaped indoor cats usually hide close by but are too frightened to return or respond when called; while a cat that knows his way around may have become stuck somewhere and needs help getting home. I have recovered many lost cats and assisted others so if you tell me about Salem I can provide complete instructions that may help. Please understand an escaped cat may emerge when it's dark and quiet to sneak back inside — if you do just the right things. This usually happens within the first few nights so until I hear back from you please implement this strategy if Salem got out accidentally: tonight put something small but comforting and familiar outside (blanket or worn teeshirt laid flat on the doorstep — not a bed, trap, or anything conuous) and tempting food at his point of escape, then watch from inside (DO NOT GO BACK OUTSIDE AFTER DARK!) and if you see Salem approach be careful not to startle him. Slowly and quietly provide a clear path inside and he may put an end to the crisis himself. (You may occasionally call for him overnight, but do so softly and from the doorway -- going back outside could scare him away. If you can't wait up set an alarm and watch again just before sunrise -- it's a popular time.) And although some will suggest putting out kitty's litter box, experts say DON’T DO 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/

Reply

Gab K.

4 months ago

Walk around calling your cat as you always do. Look under bushes and in hiding places. Look at dawn and dusk with a flashlight to catch the glare of your cat's eyes. If possible leave your garage and lanai door partially open. Your cat will try to get back inside, especially during time when it is dark outside. The only way to find the way home again is by smell. Use some of your used clothes, put them outside. A friend of mine used her shirt and dragged it through the neighborhood. Her cat found the smell and followed it home. It is all about the smell. You can also cut a shirt of yours into small small pieces and leave a scent trail back to your house. I read a few days ago that a lady put out a trace with the old litter throughout the neighborhood. It worked. Her cat came home! Also try to distribute flyers throughout your neighborhood...as many as you can ( 3 miles radius at least). Check shelters in person...don't just call. Put battery operated trail cameras outside. Your cat might show up in the middle of the night. When you know the time you can wait for for your cat and slow blink to make contact. NEVER GIVE UP! I read once that you can put a chair outside and cover it up with a blanket and the cat can jump up and hide under the blanket and feels safe. They said you should put one of your shirts under the blanket and food and water next to the chair. It might be worth a try.

Reply

Mary K.

4 months ago

GREAT TIPS for FINDING your CAT (revised August 28, 2023) NOTE: The VIDEO is very insightful! IMPORTANT…Start searching right away for your missing cat. The sooner you start looking for your lost cat, the easier it will be to find him/her. If your cat just went missing, he/she is likely near by…usually no more than 5-7 houses. “Use every possible search method immediately when a cat is lost, including conducting a thorough physical search, distributing flyers and putting out humane traps. Go over the same ground multiple times and at multiple times of day. And don’t discount the human factor, because cats do get picked up and taken to the shelter. They can also assimilate into a nearby cat colony, so get to know the people in the neighborhood who feed outdoor cats in case they spot a new arrival.” Keep in mind that cats tend to be MOST ACTIVE late at night and early in the morning, when it's quiet. Ask neighbors for permission to search their property and try to expand your search three to five houses in either direction. Some suggest 5-7 houses away. 🙀Don’t stop searching for a lost cat too soon🙀 …………………………………………………… ‼️ PET SIGNS‼️ It cannot be emphasized enough - SIGNS are one of the best ways to locate a Lost Pet or Find An Owner. If you haven’t already done so, please get some signs up. The first one should go in your front yard, one at the entrance to your subdivision and one at every major intersection within 2 miles of your home. RAIN PROTECTION for FLYERS (if not laminated) ☔️Place flyer in a SHEET PROTECTOR with opening on bottom. Put a piece of tape at bottom so flyer doesn’t fall out. You can buy a pack at any place that sells office supplies. ☔️You can also buy a pack of self-sealing laminating pouches. NOTE: They are very reasonably priced LAMINATORS today an you can laminate yourself. You can purchase your own for a very reasonable price at Walmart, Target, Amazon, etc. Laminating at a print service is great, but more costly. Use fluorescent window markers to advertise your lost pet on your vehicle. ………………………………………….. ‼️INSIGHTFUL CAT VIDEO & WEBSITES‼️ Please take a few minutes and watch this short video!!! It's very INSIGHTFUL on lost cat behavior and one of the most helpful and informative ones for finding a lost cat. You can use google search to find additional videos on how to find your lost cat. VIDEO https://youtu.be/g2eCoC63B9I?si=0X_axbWTmL2WV5Pw Visit https://missionreunite.org/find-a-lost-cat-1 Visit https://www.dailypaws.com/cats-kittens/cat-safety-tips/how-to-find-a-lost-cat Visit 7 Effective Search Tips for Finding Your Lost Cat – PawBoost Blog …………………………………………….. ‼️ADDITIONAL‼️ Ask your neighbors to check their security cameras. My cameras catch several cats regularly very late at night. If your cat just went missing, he/she is likely nearby…usually no more than 5-7 houses. Try using a Wildlife or Security Camera. Cats are notoriously good at hiding. Using a wildlife or security camera can be helpful in determining if your cat is still in the area, and to establish the best location for finding them or setting up a live humane trap. Also, ask your mail person, fedx and ups to keep a lookout. Give them a flyer. 👚👕Another suggestion is to put an article of clothing you wore today near entrance or near a security camera (if you have). You can also take your towel and wipe your face, etc. to get your familiar scent on it and place outside near your entrance. Your pillowcase should also work. The scent of a familiar loved one can draw them near. You can also put your cat’s bedding or favorite blanket outside. Cats have an amazing sense of smell! ……………………………………………… Post on NextDoor and Neighbors by Ring. 😻Hope you will be reunited soon😻