If you're the owner of an indoor-outdoor cat, you may be faced with a situation in which your kitty is suddenly missing. Even indoor-only cats may slip out the door unexpectedly. However, chances are your cat did not go too far. Cats are very territorial (even neutered ones), so search nearby areas closely for any convenient hiding spots. Show
In order to find your cat, consider the possible reasons for his absence. This is the time to set aside emotions and evaluate the possibilities, with an appropriate action for each. Human InterventionThere's a possibility that your cat may have been a victim of one of the following scenarios:
Injured or Killed
Plan Your StrategyWith these considerations in mind, you can plan your strategy for recovering your cat if he is still alive or to bring closure if it is discovered he's not. Time is of the essence, and you may need to perform all of the following actions:
The Spruce / Jaime Knoth The Importance of IdentificationIf your cat has proper identification, it is more likely to be returned to you. If your cat wears a collar and tags, most people will return him to you if they think he is lost. With micro-chipping and/or ear tattooing, many veterinarians and animal shelters will be able to notify you, even if the collar/tags were removed. Ear tattoos that were applied at the time of spaying or neutering can serve as an indicator that your cat has had previous preventative care and may have a home. Use Caution in Offering RewardsSad stories have been told about cruel extortionists who extracted large cash rewards from grieving pet owners under the premise of having "found" their pets. If you advertise with a reward, leave out one or two pertinent identifying details of your cat (e.g. he has one black whisker, one white toe, etc.) Don't leave yourself open to false hopes, and by all means, don't wire reward money until you see your cat. Become Involved and Involve Your NeighborsYour neighbors can serve as another set of eyes to be on the lookout for your lost cat. Inform them if your cat is missing and keep them updated on whether your cat has been found or if the search continues. Take the time to be neighborly and keep an eye out for your neighbors’ cats if they are concerned about their whereabouts. Keep Your Cat IndoorsAlthough indoor cats occasionally slip out, they rarely go far, and can usually be lured back in easily before meeting harm. It goes without saying that an inside cat is a safer cat. Hopefully, these tips will help foster a successful recovery. Remember, it's every bit as frightening for our wayward cats as it is for us. If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet. Do cats come back home after they run away?Yes, cats can return home many days, weeks, months, and even years after they wandered off or were lost. According to the Lost Pet Research project, there were reports of cats traveling 50-80 miles in 2.5 years, 38 miles in 6 months, 30 miles in 10 days, and 20 miles in 21 days. So if your cat is lost, keep up hope.
How long do cats stay gone when they run away?When cats run away, it's often just for a few minutes, hours, or days at a time. Most likely they will return. According to studies, cats usually don't travel further than a one mile radius of their home.
Do cats miss their owners when they run away?According to Tim Link, animal expert and President of Wagging Tails, cats do, in fact, suffer from separation anxiety. Just like dogs, they're apprehensive when we leave the house, and they want reassurance that we'll return at the pre-arranged hour.
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