My Cat Has Been Gone For Almost 3 Weeks. What Should I Do?

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Carter4321

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I checked and areas like Gilbert and Cedar Ridge are within 5 miles of Chandler, but it will be at least a week before I can be driven around to post flyers in those areas. No one in Chandler has spotted my cat at all and Mom is already talking about him in the past tense. The other day I noticed some fur stuck to the handle bars going up to our apartment. That's likely been there since the fight and I just never noticed it. I just don't know what else I can do. I leave my window open every night now hoping I'll here him outside, but with each passing day, it seems less likely for him to come home on his own. I still see other cats at the complex though. I thought my cat would be safe around here. I just don't understand what could have happened to him where there'd be no sign of him whatsoever.
 

Mamanyt1953

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You know, there is always that chance that he's in someone's home, being treated like a king, and well-loved. I had a cat that did that. He eventually got out, and headed home to me again months later. I knew he had to be living inside due to the shape he was in. Whoever had him took wonderful care of him.
 
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Carter4321

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I sure hope that's the case cause he is very friendly around strangers. I need to spread more awareness somehow so whoever has seen him knows to contact us. I doubt absolutely no one has seen him at all. It's just too unlikely to me plus he has to be out there looking for food somewhere. I've already sent flyers to all the nearby complexes, but I could check the neighborhoods and maybe see if the nearby church takes flyers. I have to try and think like a cat. Where would cats normally hang out to get consistent food and water aside from apartment complexes?
 
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Carter4321

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I still haven't had any luck finding my cat. I gave flyers to a local vet and two pet stores in my area. I was thinking if someone has him and is feeding him, they might find that poster when going to the store. I learned that the stray female cat that appeared months ago came with a family that moved into our building. She got out and attracted the stray that scared my cat away. Now that I have more information on why my cat disappeared, maybe I can deduce where he went. What happens when a cat is scared off over mating and territory?
 
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Carter4321

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Yes, my cat is fixed so he shouldn't be motivated by another cat being in heat.
 

Mamanyt1953

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Actually, that isn't QUITE true, although he'd not be willing to fight over the matter. Neutered toms are quite capable of the action, although there is no outcome. So he may have been scared off by the full tom.
 
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I'm pretty positive that's what happened. He didn't disappear until that cat started roaming our building.
 
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My mom tried leaving out found for our cat to encourage him to come home, but I noticed the stray who scared him off on our stairs when I came out at night to get water. I'm thinking what happened the night of that fight I slept through was that my cat was trying to come back and the stray fought him off right at our doorstep. I'm thinking about leaving out a liter box belonging to our other cats. My kitty only used the bathroom outside, but maybe the scent of his family will convince the stray to leave our building.
 
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We're going on month 3 now and the only thing I can think of is to expand the scope of my search. I was thinking of setting posters up near the places I pass on my way to my new job, but are there any more tips on what I could do especially considering how long he's been gone?
 

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I am so sorry he hasn't come back or been seen by someone. Go ahead and expand the search, but also re-check with every place/neighbors/nearby neighborhoods/vet offices/rescue centers/pet shelters/SPCA offices/stores/churches/business/etc. that you have already provided information to. Make sure they still have flyers and if not give them more. I would be checking with them at least every other week, over and over again.

Check with all neighbors once again - in person. Did you ever ask neighbors to check any sheds/buildings/under decks/etc. on their property?

And, have you ever gone outside with a lawn chair to comfortably sit in while you spend time out there, especially at dawn/dusk, calling to him and shaking a can/bag of cat food/treats?

Wasn't there a thought about trying to trap and relocate the stray you thought might be keeping him away? If there are any no-kill shelters/rescue centers around you, they would likely help you with this endeavor.
 

Mamanyt1953

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Remember too, shelters, especially, are manned primarily by volunteers and are chronically understaffed and overworked. It's easy for a cat to slip through the cracks. Call them on a regular basis, and if they have an online presence for adoptions, CHECK THAT!
 
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I am about to make new posters using colored paper in hopes that works better. i read that colors like red, yellow, orange, etc. are better at catching people's attention. I asked a woman coming from the mailing area if she noticed my original poster and she said no. Part of the problem could be that he's being held by someone and nobody actually notices the poster in the mailing area.

I also was going to call Solid Waste Services to see if they could identify any deceased pets. It's not an idea I want to entertain, but not knowing what happened to him is the worst part about him missing. It'll be 3 months he's been gone since March 29th. So many people I've asked around the complex don't seem like they pay attention to any of the cats around here.

Any other ideas on what I should do?
 

Mamanyt1953

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I think you're covering the bases. And I know how hard that call to Solid Waste Services would/will be, but...knowing ANYTHING can be better than not knowing. Since he's friendly, I'm still holding out a lot of hope that he's been taken in and is living the life of Reilly somewhere. If that happens, he could slip out again and head home at any moment.
 

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I know you are frustrated and very worried - and I know it is tedious, but have you gone back through this thread and read all of the suggestions members have made to make sure you have tried them all? Any one of them that you might have missed and haven't tried might just be the one that works!!
 
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