Where and How to Search for a Lost Cat

There's nothing worse than realizing your inside cat is lost outside. I've spent hours helping friends search for lost cats. An inside cat who finds themselves outside can disappear in a flash. The question is were did they go? When you understand how to search for a lost cat, the chances of finding them are in your favor and you have an idea of where begin. Knowing your cat's personality can tell you if they will hide in the first spot they find or if they are more apt to explore.

The Leary of Strangers and Cautious or Timid Cat:
This cat is close to her family and other pets in the home, but will stand back and avoid strangers. She might check a new person out in her home, but if lost would probably not show herself to someone she doesn't know. She wouldn't be happy being outside and would be easily intimidated and scared. She will hide in a quiet spot and stay out of sight somewhere close to home within a block or two, unless she's scared away by a dog, another cat or a person. She won't leave her hiding spot until hunger begins to overwhelm her. Then she will try to find her way home. Walk slowly around the neighborhood, call her name and listen carefully. There's a good chance she'll answer your call. Trail a towel with your scent on it as you walk. Try to think like a cat and search for a lost cat in out of the way hiding spots.

The Friendly Likes Everyone, Exploring, Curious Cat:
An exploring cat is fearless and curious. He's friendly to everyone. This cat is more likely to wander farther away if he gets outside. Laid back and easy going, he's willing to explore his sudden freedom and he'll cover a greater distance as he explores. He could be found anywhere by the time he's finished wandering. He may or may not answer you when you call his name. You can take heart in knowing he has a good chance of finding food and water on his own or finding someone who will take him in. He won't be shy in letting other people know he's around and hungry. When searching for a lost cat who is more curious, be prepared to expand your search area.

The Scared of Her Own Shadow Cat:
As you might guess, this cat can be harder to locate and catch. She doesn't like any kind of change and avoids human contact having never established a close bond with people. She may prefer other cats to people. If lost, she will hide in fear for awhile before finally venturing out to look for food. Cats are territorial and she may establish a territory that could be close by as long as she isn't scared away. She won't hide from people and someone may see her from a distance, but she won't approach them and will run away if they try to approach her. As long as she can find food, water and shelter, she will stay put. There's a chance she could be mistaken for a feral cat. She might answer you if you call her name, but a live trap may be your only way of catching her. The best way to search for a lost cat who is this timid is to walk around your neighborhood in the off chance you might spot her moving around. Be patient and calm when you approach her. Even though she may recognize you, she could be easily spooked and run away. If you see her, a towel or piece of clothing with your scent on it could be helpful. Find a place to sit down nearby. Call her name, give her an offering of her favorite food and calmly wait. It might take several sessions before she feels comfortable enough to come to you. If she comes from a home with multiple cats, one she's comfortable with could help convince her to come to you. The other cat should be in a pet carrier or on a leash to make sure they can't wander off. A dog she knows can also help.

Keep in mind that searching for a lost cat can be complicated by unpredictable events which could change your cat's personality. An injured or sick cat may react uncharacteristically and other animals could chase them farther away from home. However, knowing your cat's personality can give you a starting point of where to begin. There's a good chance she's closer than you think. The better you know your cat, the better chance you'll have of finding her if she gets lost outside. Be sure to talk to neighbors, put up posters, call your vet or animal shelter for assistance, check trees, telephone poles, garages, vehicles, sheds, storm drains, around bushes and wood piles, house roofs and under porches. Leave food and water out just in case she comes back on her own. Never wait to see if a lost cat will return on their own and check often around your house just in case they're waiting for you to come home.

Personality Profiles, sonic.net

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