How do lost cats get home

The investigative question when an outdoor-access cat disappears is: What happened to the cat? The territory for an indoor-only cat is the inside of the home where it lives.

Usually they will look for the first place that will offer concealment and protection. Their instinctive response is to hide in silence because that is their primary protection from predators. How long they remain in that hiding place and what they do from there is dependent upon their temperament. The investigative question when an indoor-only cat escapes outdoors is: Where is the cat hiding? Temperament influences actions. In addition to posting flyers and checking the cages of local shelters, encourage cat owners to develop a search strategy based on the specific behavior of their cat.

Here are guidelines to use:. Cat owners often behave in ways that actually inhibit their chances of finding their lost cat. Moved house or changed a phone number? Found a cat? The best way to identify a lost pet - Blog. Lost a cat. Five things to help find your lost cat Shake a box of their favourite biscuits to entice them home.

If your cat has a favourite toy, try leaving it in your garden. Cats have a strong sense of smell - leave out a regular blanket or bedding to encourage your cat out of hiding. You might find your moggy is more active at night, especially during hotter weather. Go out with a friend or family member when it is dark to call for your cat by name. Leave a bowl of water out and some food.

A tasty treat such as tuna might be enough to bring your cat home. Most indoor-only cats tend not to travel far. Once a cat has wandered out of its comfort zone anything can happen to scare them further: Barking dogs, wildlife, loud traffic noise, teasing school kids, the list is endless.

When I moved to my last home in Canada in , my cat Merlin escaped from the open back door into the woods as soon as the movers left. Exhausted after a long day, I had no choice but to go looking for him. Before long I had an entire posse of neighbors looking for him. Merlin returned on his own at bedtime, nonplussed as ever.

Not all cats are that lucky. What was not helpful? Say more Sign me up for the PetMD Newsletter. Submit Feedback. Still have questions? Continue to Chewy. Connect With a Vet Experienced vets answer all your pet questions via chat or video.