Finding Lost Indoor Cats

Finding Lost Indoor Cats - Introduction

You wouldn't search for a person the same way you would a pet; similarly the best ways to search for dogs aren't necessarily the best ways to search for cats. Here, we'll look at how to find lost or displaced indoor cats. Most indoor cats that escape outside hide near their point of escape. Four factors will influence your search for your indoor cat. These are:

• Temperament
• Environment & Circumstances
• Owner Behavior
• Rescuer Behavior

Finding Lost Indoor Cats - Animal Behavior 1

When an indoor cat escapes outdoors, he is "displaced" into a foreign territory. His instinct will be to hide in silence, as protection from predators. The first question to ask when an indoor cat escapes outdoors is, "Where is the cat hiding?"

How a cat behaves in its own territory affects how he behaves when he becomes lost. Following are the main types of indoor cats, with suggestions on how their temperament will affect your search.

Finding Lost Indoor Cats - Animal Behavior 2

Curious/Clown Cats:

• Social, gregarious cats that never met a human that they couldn't befriend
• Not easily scared
• Will travel before they hide

Finding Lost Indoor Cats - Animal Behavior 3

Careless Cats:

• Aloof cats that watch rather than rush into any situation
• Not very affectionate
• May hide initially, but are likely to come back to the door meowing or may travel a short distance

Finding Lost Indoor Cats - Animal Behavior 4

Cautious Cats:

• Stable, occasionally shy, cats
• Will initially hide when a stranger comes into a room
• Displaced, they immediately hide in fear

These cats may eventually return to the escape point or even meow upon seeing their families.

Finding Lost Indoor Cats - Animal Behavior 5

Catatonic/Fearful Cats:

• Fearful of everything!
• Hides when a stranger comes into their territory; not emerging until the stranger has left
• Distrustful of human contact
• Easily disturbed by any change in their environment
• Displaced, they hide in silence

Finding Lost Indoor Cats - Environment & Circumstances

Displaced cats remain concealed and silent for protection. Search your own property, looking under and in all small areas followed by your neighbor's yards (with their permission).

• Search your own house first, especially in obvious places like under the bed.
• Check all places on your property a cat may find a space to hide.
• Try late at night should your cat not respond during daylight. Use a flashlight and look for eye reflections.

Finding Lost Indoor Cats - Owner Behavior 1

I've heard stories of cats taking 35 days or more to respond to baited humane cat traps. The key to finding your lost or displaced cat is to search immediately and not give up hope.

Avoid being discouraged by uninformed sources. It may feel like you're searching for a needle in a haystack, but remember you are searching for an animal that is territorial and could be very close.

Finding Lost Indoor Cats - Owner Behavior 2

What To Do:

• Be proactive: A collar and the HomeAgain microchip are the best ways to ensure that your cat will be returned.
• Start your search immediately once you realize your cat is gone. Search shelters right away and for up to 3 months after a disappearance.
• Utilize humane traps and other incentives like favorite foods to entice your cat back.
• Have patience. Cats may take to the ground and hide for many days because they are scared.

Finding Lost Indoor Cats - Owner Behavior 3

What Not To Do: These are the top three excuses that heartbroken pet owners use to stop searching for a lost pet. Rarely are these the reasons that a cat is missing:

• My cat was stolen
• My cat went off to die
• My lousy neighbor took my cat

As long as we're talking about what not to do:

• Don't spray urine or spread kitty litter around.
• Don't walk barefoot in an area to disperse your scent.

Finding Lost Indoor Cats - Rescuer Behavior

Most rescuers will think that a cat is abandoned or stray rather than lost and wanted. It's critical to microchip your indoor cat - he may eventually be taken to a vet, scanned and you will be notified. Communicate that your pet is lost not stray:

• Poster your neighborhood.
• Place ads in local papers.
• Speak to people who are out an about in your neighborhood (e.g. mail carrier, lawn service, kids, dog walkers).

Finding Lost Indoor Cats - General Tips 1

• Search immediately. The odds are your cat is very close at hand.
• Search at the escape point. Look in hedges, garages and under porches. Don't forget to look up, even if your cat was de-clawed.
• Call softly for your cat. Listen. It is unlikely that he will respond, but he may give a very faint response.
• Ask children in your neighborhood to help. Kids are more likely to know the best hiding places.

Finding Lost Indoor Cats - General Tips 2

• Use a flashlight and search again at night when your cat may feel less threatened. Look for eye reflections within a two block radius of your home.
• Have patience. Cats may need to hit the threshold where hunger and thirst drive them out of hiding (often 10 to 14 days later).
• Approach a lost cat slowly and with care. Remember that your cat is hiding for protection and is going to be very wary of anything, even you, approaching it.

Finding Lost Indoor Cats - General Tips 3

• Humane cat traps are just that. Don't be afraid to leave pungent food in a trap for your cat. Remove all other sources of food otherwise it will be impossible to trap him.
• Be proactive: Make sure your indoor cat is microchipped and that any openings in your house have secure screens.