The loss of a beloved pet is a real tragedy, so apartment dwellers try to install cat guards on their windows and keep a close eye on the stairwell door. Security in country homes is more complicated. Homeowners often wonder why their cats are absent from the house for days or even weeks at a time.
Some people try to explain the sudden departure of the cat by omens – and even recommend incantations if the animal does not appear on the doorstep for a long period. You should not follow such advice, because their main task is to escape from reality.
If this method does not suit you, you can find out below the real reasons for occasional wandering and effective tips for finding a missing pet.
The long walks of a pet
If your pet systematically disappears for a few days or even weeks but always returns, it is either: satisfying its hunting instinct, living on 2 houses, or simply exploring the world. Actions to prevent further escapes depend on the situation:
Hunting birds and rodents. Since congenital instincts cannot be eliminated, the focus should be on preventing escapes. It is also advisable to diversify your pet’s entertainment with a variety of toys: wind-up mice, balls, play complexes, interactive toys and even special robots.
Double life. There are not many known cases, but this option should not be excluded. If after a walk, the cat returns full and not particularly eager for affection, put a collar on him and attach a note with a message. If he gets a response from the other family, you’ll ensure that the whip’s life is safe.
Explore the area. This is characteristic of kittens and those with strong territorial instincts. As with hunting, it is best to take preventive measures.
If the “lost cat” has not returned after the usual time, start looking for it. Detailed instructions on how to return will be given below.
Why a cat has left home for good: Causes
Special attention should be paid to the disappearance of cats that are always around or disappear from their owners’ sight for only a few hours. There are five reasons for their sudden and prolonged disappearance.
Sexual instinct
Cats and unspayed kittens are driven by hormones. During the libido period, they may run away from home for a few days in search of mates. Females fluctuate, but males peak in early spring.
Pregnant females are also guided by their instincts. Before giving birth to kittens, they build a “nest,” a safe place to hide from potential enemies. Loud music and noisy conversations of gathered guests can scare a mother away. In this case, she will go in search of a quieter, more welcoming place: a barn, attic or cellar.
Lost or killed on a walk
If a cat has run away from home and has not returned, it may have gotten lost or killed. Unlike street animals, pets are not adapted to extreme situations. They are trusting, cannot defend themselves, and are unable to navigate unfamiliar terrain. This makes it difficult for them to find their way without help.
In the best case, a “lost dog” will be rescued by kind people, but there is also a high risk of death and theft by intruders. In the latter case, rare and expensive breeds are of interest.
A grudge against a human
Frequent quarrels in the family and unjustified punishment of the animal can cause separation. An unfavorable psychological environment causes constant stress in the animal. The use of brute physical force is even worse.
Competition with other pets
Mundane jealousy is not to be ruled out either. Competition for the owner’s attention often occurs between pets. When a new family member arrives, the old one may feel abandoned and unwanted. Such reactions are also typical when children are born since they must involuntarily spend most of their time there during the first few months.
You should also make sure that there are no quarrels between the whiskers. Dominant individuals can hurt the weaker ones by demonstrating their superiority and strength.
Can a cat leave home to die?
Many senior pet owners wonder if cats give up because they anticipate death. The answer lies in instinct. Cats don’t have a mystical gift, but they do try to move away from their habitat when they feel weak. This prevents death from predators who decide to take advantage of their prey’s discomfort.
If a dying person is hiding under a bed or in a closet, they simply do not have the strength to leave their familiar territory.
Can pets find their own way home – or is that a myth?
Touching movies with pets are simply a great story. Cats and dogs don’t have GPS built into their heads, so officially confirmed returns are either pure chance or the result of experience. You have to learn to find your way around. It is unlikely that your pet will return without help if it is too far from home.
What to do if a cat has left home
If you know the cat has left the house, don’t get your hopes up and start looking for it. To do this, you’ll need to take a good look around and get the attention of those around you through print and electronic advertising.
Things to help you in your search
To begin with, you must ensure that you have auxiliary tools. The search will be facilitated by :
- A flashlight needed to look in dark rooms (basement, attic) ;
- A color photo of the missing person that can be shown to people on the way;
- Dry food or scented cat treats (a “lost cat” may not respond to their voice, but will run away in response to their smell).
Additional items should include a blanket or some kind of heavy cloth. A frightened cat may be reluctant to pick up and may even try to attack, so a throw blanket will help prevent another escape and keep your hands safe.
The animal must be very familiar with them. If not, it may be frightened and run away.
Where, how and when to search
The search algorithm and when to start looking depends on where you want your pet to go. If your pet has never been outside and has fallen through a window, you should start as soon as you find him. Out of fear, your pet will lurk near where it fell or run off in an unknown direction.
You should not delay in such a situation, as the chances of a successful return home decrease rapidly by the hour.
The situation is somewhat different for those who often go out alone. A search operation must be organized if the animal has not returned by the end of the day.
The first thing to do is to search the house. The advice is trivial, but it is not uncommon for owners to find their pet in a linen closet, a forgotten box under a couch or a locked pantry.
If the search inside the house is unsuccessful, arm yourself with the items listed above and go outside. Pay particular attention to the following areas:
directly under windows;
Your own and your neighbors’ stairs (start with the top floor and check the area behind the garbage chute);
Open basements and attics;
Under cars;
nearby trees and shrubs;
Nearby neighbors’ garden plots;
The outbuildings of your home (house, garage, barn);
the edges of nearby roads.
When searching these areas, ask your neighbors and passers-by. The most valuable information is usually provided by children and old ladies on the bench, who rarely refuse to help – because they have a lot of free time. Don’t forget to show them the photo you took and leave your contact number during the conversation.
After dark, organize a second search of your surroundings. The quieter atmosphere of the night will make it easier for the cat to hear your voice and you will be able to see it from a distance with its burning eyes.
Writing and posting notices
If your first-day efforts don’t produce the desired results, check with local animal clinics and shelters and start putting up notices. Print a large, clear photo of your lost pet, with details about its appearance, gender and age, along with a name and the amount to be paid. Place flyers in all areas of your home, in the most visible places: doorposts, fence gates and pet stores.
Don’t forget to talk about the cat on your social networks: on your own page, with your friends and in specialized groups. If possible, enlist the support of bloggers in your city who have an active and loyal following. The six handshakes theory might work here.
What to do if a cat is found but does not want to come to the hand?
In such a situation, you can try the cover trick, but there are 2 nuances: you have to be as close as possible to your “lost” or have very good accuracy.
If you are defeated on all fronts, use the food or treat you have saved. Slowly hold out your hand with the treatment for the cat to sniff and approach. You can then retrieve it without too much trouble.
What are the dangers of keeping a pet outside for long periods?
If a cat has left the house, it may die of hunger, thirst, cold or poisoning from rat bait. Other things to watch out for are collisions with vehicles, attacks by strays and human cruelty.
All of these situations can be avoided by following preventive guidelines. They are designed to ensure safety, minimize the risk of escape and make it easier to find a “lost person”.
When you get a pet, you take full responsibility for its health. Therefore, make sure that your pet is safe and comfortable first. Remember, in most cases, pet owners are responsible for the escape and disappearance of their pets if they did not anticipate the risks beforehand.
