ok one week ago today my 6 year old indoor cat ran away. last monday we found out that he has been across the street at our neighbors who have 2 outdoor cats. a mother and a 1 year old kitten. well the neighbors said that our cat has been eating over their with the kitten and theve both been playing togather. so monday we went over and tried calling him, but apparently he ran back to our house. its been 4 days since our neighbors have seen him but the kitten has been missing alittle also. so we set a humaine trap in their yard monday night and theve caught both of their cats once. what im basically asking for are suggestions and for people to pray that he cames home. any suggestions are welcome, tonight were im going over to sit in their yard and try calling him. if it helps at all we live in the country and we both have alot of land. please help, thank you for listening.

Dearest Jeff,

I'm so very sorry! Nothing much worse than not knowing. I realize that because I'm there, too. In order to help you better, could you please answer a few questions? Working in Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation for around 30 years, we ask these things ...

1. Is your indoor male cat neutered? (I say male because you typed "he" when referring to your 6 year old indoor kitty.)

2. How long have you had your 6 year old cat?

3. How long have you had your 6 year old cat where you live at this time? (What I'm asking is if there was a recent move.)

4. This next thing: PLEASE ANSWER IN PRIVATE MESSAGE unless you don't mind it being here ...

Do you know your neighbors across the street who have 2 outdoor cats, one of which is the mommy with a baby kitten?

5. If you do, how long have you known them?

I'm going to stop here. Will await answers to the above in order to ascertain if this ought best be discussed privately.

You and your kitty are in my thoughts and prayers. Many Comforting Hugs!

Always, Dottie xoxoxox

Just one small suggestion. Judging from your description of where you live as well as the situation, it may be a better idea not to call your kitty. Your kitty may be having too much fun so might not answer you. Instead, you could post yourself in your neighbor's yard and/or any other of your kitty's favorite places.

Wait. Look. Listen. Do not call your kitty.

Bring a good flashlight and don't hesitate to use it on and off.

Remember, you know your kitty much better than anyone else and I'm only describing kitty behavior in general.

You'll know best what to do. By they way, indoor kitties love chasing the "light" from a flashlight. I don't know if they'd do it outside though. It may warn them or frighten them when outdoors. Sorry, I'll Google that one for you and get back.

Lighting a Candle.

Always, Dottie xoxoxox

thank you for replying, well 1. he is neuterd, when we were taking him to get neuterd when we first got him he got out for 2 weeks, we later found him in our barn. 2. we have had him for six years 3. we have never moved 4. yes we know them very well, our familys are good friends 5. my family has known them more then 25 years, but im only 18 so not as long as the rest of my family. well ill stop calling then even tho i just did it for an hourO_O well he is really skidish so im scared that a flashligth might scare him and he has never liked to chase lights either my other cat does but he doesnt. we all think that he is having fun over their but we just wanthim back. again thank you for helping, i greatly appreciate it:)

thank you

Hello again Jeff,

You gave perfect information, Dear One. Thank you. My apologies if any of the questions offended you. But, I needed to know your kitty just a bit. Ya done great. Jeff, have you looked up? Your kitty may have climbed a tree and is scared to come down. That happens all the time. Now, you can also use the clicking the tuna can method to find your kitty when he is not up in a tree. If he is not up a tree, keep tapping the tuna can or shaking the hard food box and keep calling for him.

However, if he is up a tree: Please click here: The WRONG Way.

Above is the WRONG WAY to rescue your cat from a tree using a can of cat food or tuna. Never, ever use a broom or anything similar to try and shoo your kitty back down. Can you hear that cat howling? That is fear, anger and frustration. Using a broom to try and shoo kitty down from tree will either do what it does in the above video which is make your kitty go even higher to escape being prodded ... Or your cat will fall out of the tree and possibly injure itself or worse. This goes especially for indoor kitties. They are not as good at climbing trees as those kitties born and raised outdoors.

What ought the man have done? He ought to first call out pleasantly, "Common here kitty, kitty, kitty," then open the can of tuna so that the cat can see and hear it. Keep calling pleasantly and reassuringly to your kitty as you tap, tap, tap on the can with the opener, spoon or fork. Make sure you have your kitty's attention when you place the can on the ground and walk away. Say nothing else. No more calling. Wait at least ten to fifteen minutes. If your kitty has not begun to meow and make effort to come down the tree yet, then repeat the above process using a new can of food, but do not remove the other can of tuna or cat food. Then wait again ...

Your kitty may be too frightened to even try to come down, especially if it's way, way, way high up in a tree. In that case, this is what you do. Jeff, does your PC have the capability of viewing YouTube videos? If not, please say so and I'll describe it word for word.

Please click here: Amazing cat rescue from a tall tree. This house kitty got/jumped into the kitty carrier on its own. Usually, that doesn't happen and you or a professional will need to go up and fetch your kitty. Please read the following disclaimer carefully ...

Warning!!! This is very dangerous for you to do if you are not experienced, so please leave it up to the professionals. Even your kitty may attack you due to fear. Please Be Warned!!! Thank you much. Now to continue ...

Here's an example: Cat Saved from Tree by use of Fishing Net.

Also click here: Cat Rescued From Tree Using a Lift. And, why would your indoor kitty want so badly to climb a tree? The answer is usually: Birds. Please click HERE and don't worry cuz the kitty doesn't hurt any birds. I have loads of "rescue the cat from the tree" videos and Websites. Here's one more video for good measure:

Cat Rescued from Tall Tree Set to Music.

Jeff, I'll keep checking this area at least twice a day unless my PC goes *POOF* on me again. Okay?

Best of luck and winging many loving Angels to you and your kitty!



Always, Dottie xoxoxox

thank you again, ill try looking up in the trees. and ill use what you have said si i do it the rigth way, thank you very much for your help:)

Yay! I was so hoping and praying you'd see this tonight. Bless you, Jeff. I'll be back later, you betchca I will.

We are gonna find your kitty, Jeff. Okay?

It may take days, but we will find your kitty.

Many Comforting Hugs!

Always, Dottie xoxoxox

Hello, Jeff. I see you've dropped by again and are reading. I pray you have good news.

I'm here in case you're posting more information and/or questions. I am here, Dear One.

Always, Dottie xoxoxox

no nothing yet, i looked up as many trees as i could but nothing, my gut feeling is hes jsut hiding in the brush or a neighbors shed. as soon as i have some more news i will let you know. thank you for being here:)

Hi Jeff,

That's the very same gut feeling that I have, too. If you decide to go looking in the brush or neighbor's shed for your kitty, remember that cats are nocturnal so it won't do you much good to search after dark. That's when your kitty will be most active, playful, and possibly hunting. Best time to surprise him would be during the day. Possibly mid to late afternoon.

Good luck finding your kitty and I hope he shows up at your door bringing you a "gift" from his adventures.

Please keep us all posted. Ok? Ok!

Always, Dottie xoxoxox

i sure will:) thank you for helping so much, and he has brought us "gifts" before in our own home.

You are very welcome, Jeff. Now, why did I have the feeling that your kitteh has brought you "gifts" before in your home?
I don't mind those "gifts" being brought to me by my kitties as long as the "gift" has stopped moving. Know what I mean? Bet you do.
That simply freaks me out for some reason. Probably just a girl thing.

It's just a matter of time. He's gone on a "walkabout" as Crocodile Dundee would say. He'll be back. Hang in there. K? K!

Always, Dottie xoxoxox

yea i know what you mean:) i sure will. well alittle while ago me and my mom moved the cage back to our yard to see if he was over here. i put a pair of my smelly socks in their with some tuna, then i put an old military poncho over it to cover it up(i used to make tents for my cats and they like them alot) so is their anythign else i should do or just wait? oh and we also sprayed some tuna juice around the cage.

Hi there Jeff,

All of that sounds great! Let's see what happens and I'll put on my thinking cap about other things to do. Before I add one suggestion to what you're already doing, does your kitty like rolled up balls of aluminum foil or do you know?

Always, Dottie xoxoxox

i dont know if he does, when he was in the house he loved plastic balls with bells in them but im thinking it might scare him outside:/

Hey Jeff, here's some more that you and your Mom can do. Please click on the Website links below ...

How to Find a Missing Cat

How to Find a Lost Cat by an e-How Contributor

How to Find a Lost Cat

Lots of great help, including the use of a baby monitor. That's something I'd not thought of and is a very good idea!

Let us all know how it goes. Okay?

Always, Dottie xoxoxox

I think you're right about that. Also, it would serve as a warning that you may be near. So, if he's having lots of fun and doesn't want to be caught, he would see and/or hear those toys then take off to continue his walkabout.

We cross posted. I hope you see the one I just posted before this one.

There is one more Website, but I'm gonna save it for now. No need to scare you at this time since all is most likely fine. Please, keep in touch when you're able to let us know your progress. Hoping to hear good news.

Always, Dottie xoxoxox

to be truthfull the the mourning my cat went missing i looked at like 50 websites and those were the top three i looked at the most:) so im thinking i might just have to wait a while:/ i dont think the fliers would really work mostley because the area i live in( its really country and not alot of people. all my neighbors tho are on the look out for him so i guess tahts good.

No kidding, Jeff. Well, you know what they say: "GMTA" - Great Minds Think Alike.

I'm with you about not putting up flyers. Not at this time anyway. Like you said, all your neighbors are on watch, too. Great!

Unfortunately, I also agree that it's a matter of time. May take days, a couple weeks, and has been known to take longer.

Hang in there and keep doing all you're doing. I have a feeling it may be a few days, but please don't hold me to that. Okay?

Many Comforting Hugs!

Always, Dottie xoxoxox

dont worry i wont, thank for all of your help. just talking about makes me feel better:) ill wait tonight to see if he goes into the cage, ill let you know in the mourning if anyhting happens:) thanks again

You're very welcome. Jeff, come and talk as often as you wish, need or desire. It really does help to talk about it.

All of us here at LS are pulling for you, your kitty and please remember to thank your Mom, too. I know you have.

Always, Dottie xoxoxox

PS. Wouldn't it be something if your kitty cat brought you this as a "gift" with it still "moving" about ...



Now, that's one very grateful Nom Nom Nom critter!

Please do keep us posted. We'll be looking forward to hearing from you, Jeff.

Many Comforting Hugs!

Along with Dottie, I'm sending prayers for your dear Kitty's safe return, Jeff.

Hugs

Jan and my Angels and Pixie xx

{{{{{Hi Sweet Jan}}}}} Jeff, please know that Jan, and her Angel Fur Kids along with her Pixie Fur Kid are so very special!!!

You and your kitty are in great hands, Jeff.

Hoping to hear some good news from you today if it's possible.

Many Comforting Hugs to You, to your Kitty Cat, to Jan, her Angels and Pixie!!!

Always, Dottie xoxoxox

well nothing yet, i went out today and the cage was tripped but im almost positve my dog set it off:/ thank you jan for your support as well:)

Ah heck, Jeff. Getting closer though. You bet ya!

Hey, it could have been your kitty. Then again, you know best about your dog and cat.

Hang in there and keep doing what you're doing. Place the humane trap in different areas for just in case if you think it best. Okay?

Always, Dottie xoxoxox

well no sign yet, i talked to my dad and he said hes going to get another trap from my uncle wensday so that might help:/

Oh Dear, Jeff. Well, that other humane trap will certainly help. Blessings to your Dad and Mom for all their help and support!

I know you want your kitty back like five minutes ago, Jeff. I also know how hard this waiting game is when it comes to getting our fur and/or feather kids back home. We miss them! Please, hang in there, Jeff. Like I said, I've known cases where kitties go on a walkabout and don't return for a month or even two. But, they do come home. Yep, they do. You just keep doing all you're doing and hope to gosh that your cat gets really curious and goes into one of those traps. Please come back and keep us posted as to all that's being done and if anyone spots your kitty. He may get spotted then dash off until he's ready to come home.

There's an old comedy movie called "That Darn Cat" staring ... I'll bet your Mom and Dad know about it. Jeff, please know that you and your kitty are in my thoughts and prayers. Also, I hope that your Darn Cat comes home real, real soon!!!

Many Comforting Hugs!

Always, Dottie xoxoxox

thank you, it is EXTREAMLY HARD waiting. every time i think of doing something i remember how he was somehow involved. its even worse because i have to go to school and think about this. im putting my faith in god that he will bring him home.

Jeff, that's a wonderful thing to do! I have a couple things I want to post here, but I need to find one of them. I'll be back.

Sorry that took so long, Jeff. I needed to weigh through 27 pages of posts and images. This is one thing I want to give you.



I know that's a Christian passage, but it applies to all. God in any Faith knows, Cares and Loves. Your kitty is protected, Jeff.

Next, please click on the candle image below and follow instructions. It's free, non-denominational, and a loving journey.



Also, I've sent a very special Vale Fairy to keep watch where you are. Here she is.



Have Faith, Jeff. Believing can and does make it so!

Winging more loving Angels to comfort you, guard your kitty and bring him home soon!!!

Always, Dottie xoxoxox

its ok:) thank you for those, i especially like the candle. i am very gratefull that you are helping me through this, thank you again:)

Of course, Jeff! Any time at all and you're most welcome. I only wish I could do more and will keep thinking and researching.

I love those candles very much, too! Remember, each one burns virtually for 48 hours and there's a search feature on the front page to find your candle if you leave your initials, or any initials as long as you remember what you typed at that part of the journey. You may light as many and as often as you wish, all for free. Some even use this site for birthdays. Cool!

Please, keep the Faith, Jeff. Do keep coming back here to chat for any reason you wish. OK? Make sure your Mom approves of any info you give here since you're 18 years old. I know you'll do that cuz you're one very smart Dude with smelly socks!

Sending more Angels, Prayers and Lighting Candles!!!

Always, Dottie xoxoxox

i will do, im going to get some rest so ill let you know tomarrow sometime if anything happens:)

Good for you. I think I may rest and watch a bit of TV myself.

I'll see you tomorrow, Jeff. Sweet dreams to you, your Mom, Dad, Uncle, Neighbors, Friends, Everyone! Blessings!



Always, Dottie xoxoxox

well as i was turning off everything in my living room my other cat Buddy was sitting at our padio door growling alittle. usually he will only growl if a cat is outside. i dont know if it was my cat but it was alittle weird:/

I'm here, Jeff. Hmmm? It could be another cat or possum or a mouse ... You know your cat Buddy best. Wanna go have a look? Do you have a very good flashlight? By the way, my doggie's name is Buddy. So, ya wanna have a look see, or get some rest and try again tomorrow. Tomorrow is a fresh new page. A new beginning. It's up to you, Dear One.

Let me know. K? K!

Always, Dottie xoxoxox

i did look around alittle but no sign of anything. i dont think it was a mouse or possum. he doesnt care about mice, and we dont get alot of possems, raccons, foxes, or skunks around our house especially our pourch. he only makes two sounds when he sees another animal, a growl for cats and a weird chirpping noise at birds. i dont know, ill have to wait and see.........

Wow! Ain't that somthing. Then it could have been your other cat or a different cat. Talk about your games of cat and mouse. I'll bet your other cat loves to hide. You said he loves the tents you make for them. Hey, he's gonna show up soon. Coulda been him peeking in to hear you and your other pets, but still not ready to come home yet. We shall see. You bet ya!

Keep us all posted and do try to get some rest so you'll be okay in school tomorrow. I know rest is the last thing on your mind right now. Believe me, I have been there and done that. Gotta take care of you, too. Okay? Then again, you may be in a different time zone from me. Note! Jeff, that is not your cue to say your time zone. OK? OK.

Keep us posted, Dear One. I'll be checking in and that's a fact, Jack. We're all pulling for you!

More Comforting Hugs!

Always, Dottie xoxoxox

well this mourning i went out to check the cage and when i went to lift up the poncho to look in, this huge orange cat started freaking out inside the cage. i ran to go get my brothers help to let it go. tonight we were thinking to put the cage on our pourch:/ thats all the news i got for right now, so.......

Oh My, Jeff. Perhaps that other cat got fooled because it's not familiar with your poncho, smelly socks that give off your scent and so on. This may be a blessing in disguise! Ya gotta remove your poncho and anything that has your scent on it. Your cat will know and won't go near the trap. Also, if your kitty has been around those traps, then he won't be fooled. Ya gotta find a way to disguise the trap so it does not look like a trap at all. Putting the trap on your porch will possibly or probably be a give away to your cat and he won't go near it. Know what I mean? Ya gotta think like your kitty.

Try putting the trap elsewhere. On your property close to your house would be fine. Make sure to hose it down first or however you clean it with soap and water to remove your scent. You may have to wash and rinse it a couple times cuz cats can smell where you have been several days after you've left. Word up! Then, perhaps cuttings from the bushes you've talked about. That would make a great camouflage for the humane trap. Also, dump any of the food onto the ground or ... What I'm saying is that your cat will smell and/or recognize any plate or bowl you might use. Keeping tuna in a can is fine making sure there are no sharp edges so he won't hurt his mouth when licking. See where I'm going with all this? Show your Mom and Dad all I wrote. OK? OK.

Do you have any questions at all? I am here. Gonna reboot my PC now cuz it's giving me fits and shall return in about 1/2 hour.

I promise that I will be back! As long as this PC allows me, I shall be back. Many comforting Hugs!

Always, Dottie xoxoxox

ok well i got rid of the poncho and my socks and the containter the food was in. i coverd the cage with foliage to try and camoflauge it. i dont if i should rinse it right now because its supposed to rain here the next few days:/ the only thing we werent sure of was leaving the food on the ground (we threw the can away a few days ago so we have the tuna in a plastic container) so i put it in the cage in the container does taht make sense?

Hi, Jeff, I can so relate to your concern about your missing kitty. There are so many things about a missing kitty, and the longer they are missing the more fretful the heart becomes. When I was a little girl a family cat went missing for 6 months. He was an outdoor cat and when he came home from his prowls he bore the wounds of being in fights, or escaping the cruelties of the neighborhood kids - - we lived in a neighborhood that had a lot of trouble. One night he went missing. My elder siblings looked for him and sometimes my dad would, too, but he didn't come home - - until 6 months later - - the evening of my birthday. He just showed up on the door step, and he was a beautiful cat! His fur had grown back in where it had been missing, his eyes were bright and shiny, all of his wounds were healed. And it was a special treat because the next day was my birthday - - and this was my birthday present.

The bottom line is - - don't give up. From what I've read you're trying everything you know how to bring your precious kitty home. All the suggestions Dottie has given you are really great ones. I don't know if you've thought of this but you might put a "LOST" notice in the newspapers and also with your local vet offices. I don't know how close you are to the road, but cats do travel a long distance, and if something caught your kitty's interest, he could be in the next county - - honestly. So, you might want to cover a 25 mile radius in your area for local vet offices. Also, someone could have picked up your kitty thinking he is a stray and taken him home - - unless he's wearing a collar with an ID tag, or is tatooed or has a microchip. So, that's another idea.

You probably are already aware of these suggestions. Jeff, I do so know and understand how anxious you are to get your precious kitty home, and please know you are in my thoughts and prayers that you will find him - - either in your searching or his coming back home sweet as you please as though no time has been spent away. And please do let us know how things are going.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

thank you moon beam that helped:)

Hi there, Jeff. I'm very sorry I was unable to get back sooner. To see why I couldn't, just click here ...

Alert! Rogue Program Posing As Anti Virus/Anti Spyware, Creeps In Your PC When You've Done Nothing!

I'm still cleaning up the mess from that rogue program, but wanna give you more goodies and information to help you. First of all, please meet Moon Beam. She's also a very dear friend, really knows her kitties and is oh so special, too! Thanks for that, Moon Beam. It made me weep with joy when I read about your kitty showing up six months later and on the eve of your birthday. What a terrific present indeed! Oceans of kitty cat Hugs and Kisses!!!

Jeff, since I'm still cleaning this PC, I am gonna just post the Websites and tell you where to click the photos at this time.
You and your brothers can make more humane traps yourselves! You can put a bunch all over the place even far, far away.
First, watch this ...

This Box Trap apparently is tripped on its own and doesn't need anyone there to pull a cord ...

Box Trap - Day Five - Cat in the Woods on this guy's property

It looks a whole lot in that video the same as you describe where you live. They caught other animals on other days and released them. Should you wish to see those videos, just let me know.

Next: Jeff, please click here: Drop Trap Design

Regarding the above, please MAKE SURE TO SCROLL ALL THE WAY DOWN. CLICK ON EACH IMAGE TO ENLARGE IT. READ ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS. Thank you, Jeff. No, I was not shouting. The CAPS are for just emphasis only. OK? OK.

<<Snippet>>

A drop trap is a lightweight frame covered with netting - made to catch feral cats. It is propped up on one side with a stick, and food is placed in the back. The trapper stands at a distance, holding a string attached to the stick. When the cats are eating, the trapper pulls the string, allowing the trap to drop, capturing the cats inside. The trapper immediately covers the drop trap with a blanket to calm the cat(s).

<<End Snippet>>

Okay, now please click below ...

Many photos of different homemade humane traps for your pet cat and instructions.

<<Snippet>>

The transfer: The cats are easily transferred into traditional box (wire) traps for transport. A box trap is placed door-to-door with the covered drop trap. The box trap is also covered (top and sides only) to make it appear to be an exit tunnel. When the matching guillotine-style doors are raised, the cats discover the “exit” and move into the box trap, for secure transport to the vet!

Drop traps SAVE TIME!

Most cats don’t recognize that it’s a trap, and will walk right in. Are you trying (and trying!) to trap cats who just snicker at you? Think they’re “too smart”? With a drop trap, you will most likely be able to trap every cat that shows up. Just reset the trap and they will keep coming. You can often catch more than one cat at a time (SEVEN is the current record - a Florida mom and 6 kittens). Imagine the time and angst that are saved!

You won’t have to starve all the cats for several days to catch a few. We generally feed a normal breakfast, just picking up the leftovers, when trapping at suppertime.

You are in control of the trap!

This means that you can prioritize baby-maker females, pregnant cats or kittens to stop reproduction NOW. Or, handle the opposite situation: trap the newcomer when everyone else is 'done'!

Catch sick or injured cats. Re-trap “trap-shy” cats if necessary!

Use the fact that cats copy one another to your advantage. Suspicious cats see their friends eating from the trap – and are lured in as well – even if you captured their friends!

<<End Snippet>>

Please Click Here: A Demonsration Video

I'll be back as soon as I get this junk cleaned off my PC just a little bit more, Jeff.

Many Comforting Hugs!

Always, Dottie xoxoxox

Jeff, you'd better place an ad for just in case. Take a look then click the next link I've provided ...

Missing Cat Found 2,361 Miles From Home

And what about the dog that was found 9 years later? Cool!

I don't know if you're in the USA or another country, so I'll begin with the USA. If you do live in another country and wish me to locate a similar service, ask your Mom if it's all right to say here the country where you live. You can email me, too. Please click below ...

America's National Lost & Found Pet Database - It Is Free

Start in the middle and just a bit down where it says, "SUBMIT A LOST OR FOUND PET REPORT HERE." It's in dark blue right above where you click to submit your information. IMPORTANT Note: This site is for pets who have been missing for 60 days or less. Just so you know. Okay? Also, look to upper right light blue square where it says "LOST PET ADS" and so forth.
And, take a look at this so you can better think like your cat ...

Psychology and the Missing Cat

<<Snippet>>

(Found at the very bottom of this Website ...)

What can personality determine about the lost cat's probable location?

Missing indoor-only cats and timid outdoor-access cats are more often located nearby rather than farther away. The cause is more likely to be fear. Bolder less timid cats who are missing have a higher chance of being involved in a mishap (car accident, locked up, illness, predation). Most likely something has interrupted their usual routine. If a cat is more socialized to other cats (feral or born of a feral mom) and is only timid with humans, it's more likely that it is wanting to explore with other cats. Read here to determine the personality profile of your cat and how it may affect its behavior when lost or missing.

<<End Snippet>>

Also click below ...

Recovery Tips - Lost Cat Behavior

How are ya doing, Jeff? You and your kitty remain in my thoughts and prayers.

More Comforting Hugs!

Always, Dottie xoxoxox

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!! i dont know what to say, thank you. i will definiatly try these traps tomarrow, i would totally do it today but its getting dark and i dont think i would be able to build and set one up rigth now:/ btu again thank you so much, ill geive them a try tomarrow and ill keep the ad in my maind in case it takes that long. thanks again:)

You are very welcome, Jeff! Hey, I'll keep posting more ideas, suggestions and information as I collect it. Ya know what? Your kitty is SOOOOOOOOO LUCKY to have you!!!!! Keep us posted. I know that you will.

Big Hugs to you and all your Fur Kids!!! Sending another very special Fairy to watch over your kitty ...



Always, Dottie xoxoxox

Hi again, Jeff. I want to make certain that you pay special attention to this part found in the bottom link of the last post I made to you with all that information. It tells you that you are doing the right thing regarding your kitty and also gives more hints and tips where you can go searching. In other words, other places your kitty may be hiding. Here you go. Please Read Carefully.

<<Snippet>>

If you've lost a cat that is allowed outdoors part-time or for brief periods of time and he/she has vanished, then it is possible that he/she is not missing but is hiding in fear. That's because even outdoor-access cats can become displaced. Here's how it works. A cat can become "displaced" into unfamiliar territory when he/she is chased off (beaten up by another cat, chased by a dog, etc.) and he/she ends up in a yard or area that is totally foreign to him/her. We've had many cases where cats that were "lost" were actually only five houses away or a block away, hiding inside a neighbor's yard in fear because they were disoriented and unable (or unwilling because of fear) to return home.

In one of the investigations we solved, one of our cat-detection dogs located a missing cat named Gizmo who was missing for 3 days. Gizmo was hiding inside an abandoned bathtub in a yard just two houses away. While some cats have the remarkable ability to use the homing instinct to work their way back to their territory, other cats who are displaced either don't possess this skill or they're too frightened to use it.

The majority of cases of displacement involve indoor-only cats who've accidentally escaped outdoors. However, any cat will be displaced when they escape from their carrier while at the vet's office, escape from an RV while traveling on vacation, or escape from a vehicle during a car accident. In cases of displacement, even though the cat is technically an "outdoor-access cat," it is a DISPLACED CAT when it ends up in an area that is unfamiliar.

A cat's individual temperament can range anywhere from a bold "clown-like" cat to the other end of the spectrum which is a catatonic "feral-like" cat. This temperament will influence how far he/she will travel and whether or not he/she will respond to human contact.

Recovery techniques should be geared around a missing cat's unique, individual temperament. If he or she is skittish, he/she will more likely be nearby hiding in fear and you'll need to use a humane trap to recover him/her. If he or she is gregarious, he/she could easily travel several blocks (even a mile or two) and you'll need to knock on doors and post fluorescent posters at major intersections in the area. Be sure to visit our Displaced Cat Behavior page for more information on the topic of displaced cat behaviors.

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Jeff, do take advantage of all the clickable links within this and other Websites cuz you just never know what you'll find out.

Please keep us all posted. Lots of Hugs to you, your kitty, Mom, Dad, brothers, Uncle, Neighbors and Friends!!!

Always, Dottie xoxoxox

no im lucky to have my kitty, im just dreading how long it is going to take to get him back. its even wosre having to go to school thinking about him while all my friends are jokeing around:( thank you for taht article, it was an interisting read. ill let you know if anything happens:)

You're very welcome, Dear One. Please believe me, I know how hard this wait is for you. How very hard it is for you in school with all your pals having fun, joking, laughing. It borders on being tortured. True. But, if your kitty is as skittish as you say, and your kitty is an indoor-outdoor kitty then ... Well, read that snippet that I posted last. He could be somewhere you wouldn't think about in a hundred years. So close by and all hunkered down hiding. Think like a cat, Jeff. You can do that as you search.

Sending more Angels, More prayers and Lighting more Candles for You and your Kitty!!!



Always, Dottie xoxoxox