Ever wonder why your feline friend is so keen on exploring the great unknown just beyond your front door? It turns out, there’s a whole world of adventure, hunting, and territory marking that your cat craves. In some cases, your cat may be trying to escape from the noise and change of moving into a new home and is seeking a quiet haven.
We know from the discussions on our neighborhood chat that this happens frequently. It’s always a relief when we see an update of a lost cat story with a happy ending. But what happens when your curious or frightened companion takes a step too far and goes missing? Your cat is scared and too afraid to return to you despite your urgent calling. They may watch you in silence for days. Meanwhile, what do we do?
Missing Cat Action Tip List
Immediate Actions:
- Begin a physical search in and around your home.
- Look under bushes, sheds, decks, and porches.
- Ask neighbors for permission to check their property.
- Put up signs with recent photos and your contact information.
- Post on social media platforms (Nextdoor, Pawboost, Facebook).
- Shine a flashlight at night to spot your cat's eyes.
Utilize Humane Traps:
- Set up a humane trap with enticing food.
- Check the trap regularly, even if it takes days or weeks.
- Be vigilant during active cat times, especially at night and early morning.
Investigate Feral Colonies:
- Inquire about feral cat feeding locations in your area.
- Contact veterinarians, rescue organizations, and visit shelters.
Reuniting and Preventing Future Escapes:
- Cat-proof escape areas with repellent sprays, aluminum foil, or sticky paws.
- Place a breakaway collar with your name and number on it.
- Spay or neuter your cat for future safety.
- Keep your cat up to date on vaccinations.
Creating an Enriching Indoor Environment:
- Invest in cat trees, games, food puzzles, and toys.
- Consider a catio for a safe, enclosed outdoor experience.
Ongoing Active Search:
- Be patient and persistent in your search.
- Vary the times and routes during your search.
- Understand that your cat may act differently when panicked.
- Continue a proactive, physical search for the well-being of your cat.
Home Safe: The most important ingredient in a successful outcome is you. Be patient, look often in the same area, and vary the times of your route. Understand that your normally friendly and loving cat will act differently when panicked. It still loves you, but it is overcome by the fear of being in an unfamiliar place. Don’t take a wait-and-see approach. Putting your cat’s dirty litter box out to encourage it to return is passive and not effective. Do take an active approach by continuing to physically search.Your cat’s well-being depends on it. We hope that this information helps you bring your cat HOME SAFE.
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