Possible missing cat

[Tina B and crew]

Remember I told you someone adopted Gabby, Daphne and Cali, our office cats? Well...on Monday evening one of the cats managed to get the slide bolt lock open to the attic door and all three cats disappeared into the attic. By Tuesday morning Gabby and Daphne had come back out, but Cali was no where to be found. The gentleman who adopted them has left the door to the attic open, put food and litter up there, called her, looked for her to no avail and is worried sick. My first thought was that she got out somehow...but we are also wondering if she is just hiding out up there and only coming out when he's not around. He really has no way to tell if she is eating since there are the three cats in the house. He's heard no noises as far as I know and he hasn't heard her crying. From what I understand he has a pretty big house...3 stories. Do you think it is possible for Cali to hide so well and be so stealthy that he hasn't seen her in two days? Or do you think my first thought is probably what happened, she got out? I'm also worried that she isn't eating or maybe hurt...if anyone has any suggestions I'd gladly take them. We are really worried about Cali

[Traci]

Is this an attic that is accessible? Meaning a full attic one can walk around in...

If it's dark, I'd suggest using a flashlight and shining it around as you call out to her...if she's nearby, her eyes will shine in the light. Another idea, albeit silly as it sounds, leave a recorder in the attic to record any sounds for a couple hours. As for food, try tuna or sardines or salmon, anything really fishy.

If the owner is not familiar with his own attic, this could present a problem. If he feels there might be any holes/openings in which Cali could espcape outside, then the first order of agenda would be to get those openings closed. If he knows the attic is enclosed and safe, chances are, Cali is hiding somewhere and may also be hiding nearly anywhere else in the home. (also the other two came out of the attic at first, if there had been an opening somewhere, they'd most likely have escaped)

So the first thing to do is get into the attic and rule out her escaping from an opening. If she is hiding in the attic, chances are, she is eating, otherwise, check other areas of the home thoroughly.

[melissaranks]

My mom lives in a one story home with no basement. Her cat Samson hid for a WEEK! We thought he had gotten out. Posted signs, called the Humane Societies, etc. Then, one day, I hear my mom scream and Samson just walks on by IN THE HOUSE!! We turned that place upside down looking for him!!! To this day, we have no idea where he was in the house. He hasn't disappeared since.

One test to see if the missing kitty is eating, is to put the food in an open area (like he has) and quaranteen the other 2 for a couple of days in a room where he KNOWS the other cat isn't. If the food gets eaten, the cat is in the house. But, you have to give it a couple of days because the hiding cat may be too nervous to come out right away. Cats can go a couple of days without eating if they are scared. Also, keep the house quiet as possible during this time, it'll help calm her and make her braver. Maybe she'll just come out on her own!

[Tina B and crew]

Thanks Traci...well I'm assuming it must be an accesible attic since it has a door that is reachable by the cats. I was think that if she escaped the other two would have also, but they are a bit larger than Cali...Cali has always been rather svelt and a great escape artist. The idea of the recorder is a good one..thanks. I'll mention these tips to my coworker and she can pass them on to him. I'm getting all this info second hand so I may be missing something...I just know he's concerned about her. She is a good hider and was one of those free spirit cats who was not happy inside at all....she'd come in but when the opportunity came for her to go out she jumped at it, literally.

[LisaLisa]

Hi Tina,

I saw in another post that Cali was still missing in action.

A dear friend of mine had 5 cats and 3 birds in a very small house...She needed to find good home for some of the animals as her future stepson was quite extremely allergic to the cats..

She screened people quite well and a woman took Pumpkin..a beautiful, playful, mischevious gray tabby. Anyway, Pumpkin was stuck in the the rafters in her basement and couldn't get out on his own.... for almost a week.

My friend Tracy went to the person's house, and only at that time with Tracy calling out did little Pumpkin cry out. They got him out and Tracy took him back home...where he is as happy as a clam.. the only other person he is warm and fuzzy to is me..I think he knows I wanted to steal him away from his Mom when he was a kitty..

Maybe whoever had a really great relationship with Cali from the office can go over this man's house and spend some time calling out for Cali and doing some of the familiar routine with her that occurred at the office...

I really hope Cali is found I'm sure everyone is worried..

Please keep us updated.

[Auntie Debbie]

He she is found soon! I love the recorder idea. that just might tell if she is still up there. Let us know...got all fingers and paws crossed here!