Saturday, January 2, 2016

Lost Cat? Tips and Information for Search and Recovery of your Missing Feline

This note includes information to guide you through the process of searching for a missing feline. We've used many of these tips and ideas to help locate lost cats so please read carefully before launching your search effort.


1) If your indoor cat gets out: Indoor cats that accidentally get outside will normally become quite disoriented and frightened in this new and unfamiliar situation. They will normally not stray too far; usually a bush, under a shed, somewhere nearby but unseen. It's not uncommon for them to not come when called; even the friendliest cats.


* Check in trees surrounding your property.
 * Speak with your neighbors and ask them to check their sheds and garages in case your cat has been locked in.
 * Distribute fliers to your neighbors by going door to door.
* Place scent items outside and smelly food near the area the cat was last seen.
*Did you check EVERYWHERE? (remember the cat that vanished when sold in a box spring? Found 10 days later once it emerged in it's new home)


Set a trap near where the cat escaped. Traps can be purchased at a farm tractor supply store or sometimes borrowed from your local SPCA or animal control. In one side of the trap place strong smelling fish of some sort such as sardines. Wrap a small tarp around the trap except for the opening so that the hungry cat will not be able to get to the food except by entering the trap, and also to protect the animal from the weather elements. Never leave a trap unattended in a place it could be seen or tampered with. Check the trap frequently but stay out of sight.

 
2) Place the litter box outside the house as it's been observed that sometimes an indoor cat will return to use it. Stay out of the way and keep an eye out for them returning to the familiar scent. NOTE: There is a lot of controversy about this idea, and many people are adamantly against it. I will say I've personally seen a cat run out of the woods to leap into their familiar box placed near the house, so I can't totally rule it out.


3) Acting quickly is always best. The highest number of recoveries generally happen within the first 24 hours so do not delay!


4) Check out the album for Missing Cat Tips on our Facebook page.


5) Read "Tiger's Story", our recovery of a cat lost for 18 days!







From time to time we learn details of a recovery which not only thrills us but offers hope to others who are still searching. Keep in mind that a lost cat is generally much more tricky than a missing dog. NOTE: we do need to point out that Chip may wander less if he is fixed, as MOST NEUTERED MALES DO NOT ROAM. Please be responsible and spay and neuter your pets!

Chip was posted to our page as missing on January 13th. This morning, January 17th his owner updated us that he had been caught and when we asked for details stated the following. "It took technology...and a trap...we had a camera at night...and web cam while we were home." Sometimes that is what it takes!! Rule NOTHING out in your search because some animals are just going to be harder to see, find and capture safely.




One of the more amazing cat recovery stories we've seen....and the owners were awesome enough to videotape the reunion so we could get all the details. Very few cats are recovered with these types of circumstances involved (distance, amount of time, etc) but this little girl and her human seem to have a pretty strong bond. :) See the post on Facebook "Lalo is back!!"




Check out this step-by-step guide on Wikihow: An article which includes basic info starting with what we consider the most important step, which is to begin searching immediately. It's divided into four sections:
  • Searching Effectively
  • Knowing Where to Search
  • Encouraging the Cat's Return
  • Spreading the Word
This article covers many things you can do such as using a flashlight to seek out a cat's glowing eyes in the dark, considering all types of places the cat could be trapped, changing your voice mail to make sure a caller knows you that you are the one with the missing pet and more. If you have a cat that is lost PLEASE READ, bookmark and save. Source:













Lost Pet PR | Delmarva's Lost and Found Pet Network
Created in 2011 to serve the Delmarva Peninsula, we now
focus mainly on Sussex County (DE), lower shore counties of
Maryland & the eastern shore of Virginia. Connect with us!