Finding Lost Outdoor Cats - Animal Behavior 4

Cautious Cats: These cats may return either in the first 2 days, or after 7 to 10 days when hunger or thirst drives them home. Food will play a role in luring such cats back, but you may still need to use a humane trap.

Catatonic/Fearful Cats: These cats tend to stay in one hiding spot, immobilized with fear. The primary strategy to recover fearful cats is to set a baited humane cat trap.