Boy people I know are having bad luck with cats lately... so my friend today told me her cat got out and ran away. He's been gone for a few days... I know cats can survive and I know my cat "ran away" once and came back and so did my mom's first cat...
Is there anything she can do besides look for him? Leave food out or, maybe a toy or anything? Fortunately the cat still has his claws so there is hope yet.
Runaway cat
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Auntie Debbie
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Re: Runaway cat
1. Put up flyers on telephone poles in the general area...not just one block because cats can travel. Flyers can also be put up in stores, vet clinics, etc.
2. Leave outside a shirt or article of clothing that has the owners scent. This may remind the cat of where its home is.
3. Call and notify vet clinics and all shelters in the area of the missing cat and leave a phone number where they can be reached in case the cat turns up. Visit each place if possible, and call often to check if the cat has turned up,.
4. Contact rescue groups that operate in the area. They are often tnr'ing and may come across thhe cat, or know someone in that area that can keep an eye out.
These are just a few ideas that may help. I hope the kitty will be home safely soon!
2. Leave outside a shirt or article of clothing that has the owners scent. This may remind the cat of where its home is.
3. Call and notify vet clinics and all shelters in the area of the missing cat and leave a phone number where they can be reached in case the cat turns up. Visit each place if possible, and call often to check if the cat has turned up,.
4. Contact rescue groups that operate in the area. They are often tnr'ing and may come across thhe cat, or know someone in that area that can keep an eye out.
These are just a few ideas that may help. I hope the kitty will be home safely soon!
Kitty kisses,
Debbie
____________________________________
"Those we shelter on earth will be our treasures in Heaven." Victor Hugo, I think
Debbie
____________________________________
"Those we shelter on earth will be our treasures in Heaven." Victor Hugo, I think
Re: Runaway cat
In addition to Debbie's advice:
Place a Lost and Found ad in your local newspapers, they are usually free, and keep it updated/re-place it every three days if the paper allows, for as long as necessary. You might have to abbreviate the ad, due to space restrictions. Be specific in the pet's description.
Check shelter and rescue groups' websites to see if they have a Lost and Found section where you might be able to place a notice and/or a photo of the missing pet.
PHYSICALLY check shelters and rescue groups for the missing pet. Phone calls are never enough, plus staff don't take time to note every physical feature of every pet--your description and their description is usually always very different.
SEARCH for the pet. Check the immediate area first, look up in trees, behind and under bushes and shrubs, under cars, near woodpiles or decks and sheds and garages. Tell your neighbors, leave a flyer with them (make sure your flyer contains your contact information)--sometimes pets get trapped in a neighbor's shed or garage, make sure your neighbors are aware your pet is missing.
Ask neighborhood children (of appropriate age) to help search, kids are good little investigators and know the neighborhood pretty well, offer a small reward to give them incentive.
Early morning and dusk and even late evening are oftentimes the best times to search, since pets generally hide due to noises, traffic, people on the streets and will come out when the streets are quiet, looking for food/water etc.
For cats, take along an opened can of cat food and a fork and tap on the can as you call out for kitty. Be stealth-like and quiet, and call out to kitty as you normally would at home. Stop, listen for sounds and meows, continue calling out, stop and listen, continue, etc. Extend your search to up to 8 blocks if possible. The first couple days after the pet goes missing should cover the largest area possible, then extend it even further in the coming days.
As well as leaving an article of clothing by your home's door, leave a dish of food and water. Try to keep on a yard light at night.
Consider using a humane have-a-heart enclosed trap, place cat food or tuna inside and keep it covered (to provide shelter and camoflauge). Ask shelters or rescue groups to loan or rent the trap to you and have them show you how to use it. Be careful, you might trap another person's cat or another animal you'll have to release, you MUST be able to monitor the trap numerous times of the day or night. Weather hazards such as very hot and humid days/nights, or very cold days/nights will require constant monitorization so a trapped animal does not suffer weather hazards. Keep the trap in a secluded area away from curious strangers, traffic, dogs, etc.
In rain or snow, follow tracks!
Do NOT give up. Too often, pet owners give up their search much too soon. The very most you can do in the first few days to two weeks will increase your chances of finding the pet. The first few days, most pets are nearby, hiding and scared, so be diligent in your search. Oftentimes the pet may be missing for days, weeks, months and show up unexpectedly, so don't give up!
Place a Lost and Found ad in your local newspapers, they are usually free, and keep it updated/re-place it every three days if the paper allows, for as long as necessary. You might have to abbreviate the ad, due to space restrictions. Be specific in the pet's description.
Check shelter and rescue groups' websites to see if they have a Lost and Found section where you might be able to place a notice and/or a photo of the missing pet.
PHYSICALLY check shelters and rescue groups for the missing pet. Phone calls are never enough, plus staff don't take time to note every physical feature of every pet--your description and their description is usually always very different.
SEARCH for the pet. Check the immediate area first, look up in trees, behind and under bushes and shrubs, under cars, near woodpiles or decks and sheds and garages. Tell your neighbors, leave a flyer with them (make sure your flyer contains your contact information)--sometimes pets get trapped in a neighbor's shed or garage, make sure your neighbors are aware your pet is missing.
Ask neighborhood children (of appropriate age) to help search, kids are good little investigators and know the neighborhood pretty well, offer a small reward to give them incentive.
Early morning and dusk and even late evening are oftentimes the best times to search, since pets generally hide due to noises, traffic, people on the streets and will come out when the streets are quiet, looking for food/water etc.
For cats, take along an opened can of cat food and a fork and tap on the can as you call out for kitty. Be stealth-like and quiet, and call out to kitty as you normally would at home. Stop, listen for sounds and meows, continue calling out, stop and listen, continue, etc. Extend your search to up to 8 blocks if possible. The first couple days after the pet goes missing should cover the largest area possible, then extend it even further in the coming days.
As well as leaving an article of clothing by your home's door, leave a dish of food and water. Try to keep on a yard light at night.
Consider using a humane have-a-heart enclosed trap, place cat food or tuna inside and keep it covered (to provide shelter and camoflauge). Ask shelters or rescue groups to loan or rent the trap to you and have them show you how to use it. Be careful, you might trap another person's cat or another animal you'll have to release, you MUST be able to monitor the trap numerous times of the day or night. Weather hazards such as very hot and humid days/nights, or very cold days/nights will require constant monitorization so a trapped animal does not suffer weather hazards. Keep the trap in a secluded area away from curious strangers, traffic, dogs, etc.
In rain or snow, follow tracks!
Do NOT give up. Too often, pet owners give up their search much too soon. The very most you can do in the first few days to two weeks will increase your chances of finding the pet. The first few days, most pets are nearby, hiding and scared, so be diligent in your search. Oftentimes the pet may be missing for days, weeks, months and show up unexpectedly, so don't give up!
..........Traci