Diana E.
2 months ago
I’m so sorry your beautiful orange tabby (ginger) cat got outside, but please try not to despair. Tommy 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 during the daytime: alert nearby neighbors in case Tommy 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 discrete 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 lay a familiar blanket or worn teeshirt flat on the doorstep — NOT a litter box, bedding, trap or anything that would change the landscape) to give Tommy the confidence to come out of hiding, and place tempting food right where he got out. Then watch and listen closely from inside (DO NOT GO BACK OUT AFTER DARK!) and if you see Tommy approach and settle on the food be very 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. And if you can't wait up set an alarm and watch again just before sunrise -- it's a popular time.) 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/
