Kissimmee, FL Lost Male Cat, Sebastian Is Missing

Comments on this Facebook alert

Diana E.

1 week ago

I’m so sorry your beautiful mackerel brown tabby cat with distinctive stripesgot outside, but please try not to despair -- Sebastian 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 Sebastian 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. 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 Sebastian 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 Sebastian 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.

1 week ago

Diana Ellis

Jamie L.

1 week ago

You can purchase a trap from Tractor Supply or Home Depot or Amazon or see if you can borrow or rent one from a local rescue or TNR group. Put a piece of your clothing with your scent on it inside and some wet food and set the trap and cover it with a towel (they feel more secure hidden) and monitor it.🙏❣️ remember kitties are naturally nocturnal, so they will hide during the day and move at night time looking for a food source or trying to get home. This is when most of us are sleeping.That's why the trap is ideal. Monitor the trap. If you catch a critter go ahead and release it and wash the trap and reset. They leave a smell behind which may deter your baby from going in. If you catch another kitty, you can always take it to a local vet or shelter for a free chip check and you might be able to help return someone else's missing baby home.♥️ also get a big sign in the front yard so in case someone does have or sees this baby and does not see this post, they can contact the owner that way. Also get lots of signs posted in the neighborhood. Keep checking on your local county FB group pages. You can search the group by "cat" to see all the cat posts only💗

Ellen S.

1 week ago