UPDATE!!! She's home!!! (My oldest cat got out last night and is missing.)

[Nancyg56]

In addition to St. Francis...
Even though I'm not Catholic, when something is missing I always say a prayer to St. Anthony (the patron saint of lost things)...

"Tony, Tony look around
What was lost must be found".
(and then I add "Yaaaaaay, Tony!").

works for me,
agnes!

I do too. My Mom also insists that we send money to her favorite mission but it seems to work. Prayers being said for your lost kittie to find her way home.

 

[THE HAT]

about a year and a half ago our elderly, indoor cat (with a hip problem) snuck out the last time we let the dog out for the night. we never noticed until the next morning, we searched everywhere, made up flyers, drove the streets every day. fast foward 2 weeks later and about 4am dh hears our cat meowing at the back patio door. a few pounds lost, a tic in his neck but no cuts or sores. took him to the vets to be safe.
everyone we talked to during those loooong two weeks said he will come back just watch. (we are extra cautious now with the sneaky fellow)

so i can feel for you in my heart, i know the head games you are going through, and i am thinking positive thoughts that your cat comes home safe just like ours did!!

 

[luvmydogs]

All my good thoughts and prayers that your baby will be home soon--safe and sound.

 

[Charade]

Thank you all for the kind words. I hope and pray that she's ok and will return. I'll keep searching and have water and food out there for her.

 

[HERSEY]

I hope your cat returns safetly and soon you must be frantic. I know I would be. They say cat don't go far from their home she must be very scared.

 

[Cruisin]

I have also heard that indoor cats when they get out mostly won't wander very far away.

I have also heard that even though they may know your voice and recognize you when they call, they may not respond because they are very frightenend.

Make sure that you really look under things (bushes, porches etc) for your baby.

I've heard too that putting something of their own out in the yard, for example, their litter box or a blanket, sometimes shows them that they are at the right house and helps to lure them home.

We once had a kitty gone for 5 weeks and he returned home, skinnier but seemingly healthy enough.

Good luck in finding your fur baby.

 

[bubie2.5]

I hope you find your baby soon.

 

[eclectics]

Maybe you could put something with her scent on it near the food and water. I doubt she would wander far. Thoughts and prayers go out for her swift and safe return.

 

[Charade]

Maybe you could put something with her scent on it near the food and water. I doubt she would wander far. Thoughts and prayers go out for her swift and safe return.

I did. I have a kitty "tube" that she liked to sleep in so I put that out on the back porch along with some food and water. It's so cold here that I'm sure the water will be ice long before morning.

Thanks.

I just wished it wasn't February.

 

[Equidae]

I am so sorry to hear about your cat! Many hugs to you! I was in your position last month. Luckily we found her after 17 days, but not without diligence and trying. Putting up fliers is good, so is going to your local animal shelter AND humane society and talking with your neighbors. Putting out food is very good too. She is probably near by and won't move until she is very hungry. Our cat probably stayed in the same spot for almost two weeks because after that our neighbors started spotting her frequently. We also used a humane trap (our local shelter allows us to 'borrow' them, but a neighbor lent us hers). We put smelly food in there (like tuna or mackerel.. anything that had a strong smell) and sprinkled the area with catnip. We caught two feral cats, but not ours. She came back to our house a couple times we know of -- but to the front, not the back that she got out of, so we weren't expecting it. She as scared and ran from us -- yours may do the same. We finally cornered her under a car and just calmly talked to her until she calmed down and came to us. What a happy day! We also had gone out in the quiet of the middle of the night searching for her -- when it's quiet they are more likely to hear you and come out. Don't give up! Just as I started to want to, that's when she came home!

I found this site very helpful, maybe you will too.. http://www.catsinthebag.org/

Good luck! I know it's a very hard time - -we were so upset when our girl was gone! We got her home safely, she was skinny, but otherwise healthy.

 

[safetymom]

I hope you find your cat soon.

 

[poohandwendy]

Oh John, I am so sorry. I know how scary that is. I read once that cats will not travel very far (usually within 3 houses away, but they hide really well) , so hopefully she is pretty close. If it hasn't been mentioned, I would suggest putting one of your worn shirts in the box you leave outside. That might help her find home easier. {{{HUGS}}} I am sure you are just beside yourself, praying you find her soon!

 

[luvmydogs]

I've volunteered at shelters and fostered animals for over 14 years, and along with all the other good advice you've gotten here, I'll add just one more that we always tell owners looking for their lost pets: If there are kids in your neighborhood, talk to them and their parents. Kids spend an awful lot of time outside playing, and if there's anyone who may get a glimpse of where your cat may be, it would be they. Just give them a good description, and let them know where they/their parents can get in touch with you if she's seen--so many missing pets are found by tips from neighborhood kids.

All my best wishes for you and your baby.

 

[kat3668]

sending prayers and pixie dust your way....

 

[Charade]

Here's a pic of her.

 

[Mimi Q]

 

[Bashful2]

Your kitty is beautiful and it looks like she has a lot of fur to keep her warm. It's amazing how well cats can hide when they're scared. I bet she hasn't gone very far. Maybe you could put out some tuna. That smell should bring all the cats in the neighborhood around. I hope you find her soon. Please keep us posted.

 

[Charade]

That's a good idea about the tuna. She loves it (but her stomach doesn't). I'll put some out tonight on the back porch.

Thank you all again for the kind words and support. It means a lot.

John

 

[Aidensmom]

I just saw this thread. I am so sorry! I am praying she comes back.

My cat has gotten out twice, but I have always found her within a couple of hours. I don't know what I would do if I didn't, pets are just like a family member.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Best wishes, John, do hope she returns.