Finding a Lost Indoor-Only Cat

One of the most frightening experiences an indoor-only cat owner can have is to find that kitty has somehow slipped outside and is gone. When an indoor-only cat finds itself suddenly outdoors, it will most likely become extremely frightened and skittish and he will revert to feral cat behavior including hiding, remaining very still, and staying very quiet.   

Typical lost indoor-cat behavior is instinctive causing kitty to hide and remain silent. Research indicates that in this state of extreme fear, a lost indoor-only cat will not come when called, even if called by its owners. The cat will hide in the smallest and most unlikely places you can imagine including storm sewers, under decks, in trees, in heavy foliage, or in any dark cramped spaces. It will usually stay in close proximity to his home, often not more than 3 to 4 houses away. Cats often do not even meow until many days after becoming lost. Cats usually will not emerge during daylight hours. When cats do emerge and are spotted, they will usually flee and hide again. This behavior is especially hard for their owners to understand. Why would my cat run away from me? The answer is that in this heightened state of fear, the cat perceives everything and everyone, including its owners, to be a threat

Getting your cat back home

According to experts in lost cat behavior, the single most effective way of getting your cat back is by using humane traps. You should begin the trapping process as soon as possible after losing your cat. Feral Friends Animal Rescue and Assistance in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, recommends strategically placing two baited traps nightly for at least four weeks. Contact your nearest Humane Society or Animal Care and Control for information about obtaining humane traps.  Usually, you can obtain them for a nominal fee.  

You can also check the Pets911.com lost and found pet section.  Enter your zip code in the found section and a list of pets found in your area will appear. Post your lost cat and check the found postings often.  Pets911.com also offers information about lost pet prevention and tips for finding a lost pet in Animal Academy-Lost and Found 101

Tips for finding a lost indoor-only cat

• Search thoroughly day and night in your own yard and in your nearby neighbor’s yards.  Be sure to bring along a flashlight to look in those dark hidden places. 

• Put out some very pungent food and water overnight near your home. The cat may go back into hiding after eating but this will encourage him to remain close.

• Strategically place baited traps nightly.

• If you see your cat, approach very slowly and gently, speak softly if at all.

• Wear gloves and if you attempt to pick him up, make sure that you are ready to hold on even if he claws, wriggles, hisses. Remember fear is driving your cat’s behavior and you do not want him to bolt.   

• As more time passes, it is likely that your cat may have been scared farther away. Increase the radius of your search and post flyers in a widening radius of your home.

Do not give up! Keep looking, even declawed cats can find enough food to survive for months. It may take your cat that long to find its way home.

Source:  Feral Friends Animal Rescue and Assistance, tlconline.org