Lost cat wisdom needed

[NewKitty18]

About ten months ago we took in a neighborhood stray when he was injured, and he’s been an indoor-only cat ever since. He’s a nervous guy, but he loves us, very snuggly, etc. Three days ago he got out when our back door didn’t get closed all the way and he hadn’t come back. We’ve been following all the lost cat advice, purchased traps, wandered the neighborhood, everything. No sign of him since that first night. Back when he was a stray it was common for him to only show up every few days. I’m hoping that’s what’s going on now, that he’ll come back when he’s ready, but it’s so nerve wracking. I feel like a lot of the standard lost cat info doesn’t really apply, since he’s an outdoor-savvy cat, but who knows. A lot of folks in our neighborhood have let their cats out for years without issue, but we do get coyotes, raccoons, and of course car traffic.

Any words of wisdom or reassurance?

 

[Scrachal]

Is he neutered? A lot of times males cats who are not tend to wander. You can try leaving food or his favorite treats or toys outside and maybe he will come back around. But if and when he does I would definitely look into it.

 

[FeebysOwner]

Hi. Have you asked the neighbors to check their back yards - sheds, bushes, decks, trees, garages? Anything a cat can hide in, on, or under - or get locked into - are all the places you/they need to look.

Where was he seen outside before he became an indoor-only cat? He may have gone back to old stomping grounds, so if any of the neighbors can recall seeing him back then, that is also where you need to look. Are you going out at dusk/dawn with a flashlight to see if you can catch his eyes in the light - looking not only down, but up as well? Do you take a bag of treats or food with you and call him while shaking it?

Have you posted him on L&F web sites, and Next Door Neighbor (if you have it, it is free to join - nextdoor.com)? Given flyers to local vets, pet stores, rescues/shelters? Is he microchipped, and is the information up to date? That will go a long way in helping to find him, as there are so many folks who find cats that now take them to a vet to have them scanned for a chip.

Have you set food/water, and a blanket/towel of his, or a worn, unwashed piece of your clothing outside near the place where he got out?

Lots of cats get out and if they do have an outdoor background, they typically come sauntering back when you least expect it. So, don't lose hope!

 

[NewKitty18]

Yes, he’s neutered. He was TNRed when he was younger.

We’ve left out preferred food, some of his litter, my dirty shirt, his bed, etc. I think he’s likely exploring his old territory, which covered a lot of our neighborhood. We’ve checked the old haunts we know about, spoke with another neighbor who used to feed him, etc.

I’m crossing my fingers that you’re right, he’ll show up in a few days totally fine, ready to come back inside. Makes me wonder if he was really happy as an indoor cat, though.

 

[FeebysOwner]

I’m crossing my fingers that you’re right, he’ll show up in a few days totally fine, ready to come back inside. Makes me wonder if he was really happy as an indoor cat, though.

A neighbor of mine has trapped, TNR'd, and rehomed numerous cats, but there are a few she has kept. One who had been with her for a while, got out and spent 5 days wandering the neighborhood, but always managed to elude anyone who saw him. She sat a trap on her front porch, and sat up all night for 4 days waiting to see if he would show, and on the 3rd night he did, but would not go in the trap. On the 5th night he must have decided he wanted whatever she had placed for food in the trap and he went in! Because she was staying up all night, she saw it happen, and immediately went out and brought him back in.

He was happy in her home before he got out and is happy again now that he is back home. I don't think you can assume your cat isn't happy being your indoor kitty. Sometimes, cats just can't resist being nosy/curious!! Probably why they have nine lives!!

 

[Mamanyt1953]

You've gotten the advice I was thinking of, so I'll only add, when using the traps MOST cats cannot resist KFC!

 

[NewKitty18]

He’s back! I was out front calling for him this evening and I heard him meow and then he wandered up to me. With the help of some Fancy Feast and Churu I was able to grab him and get him inside. He was freaked out for about two minutes and now he’s totally back to normal. Slept on our bed, etc. As far as he’s concerned the most traumatic part of these last several days is when I grabbed him.

Thank you all for your advice and reassurance!!!

 

[FeebysOwner]

Yay!!!

 

[Mamanyt1953]

I LOVE posting this candle!