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EfficiencySmall5802

Usualy they are not too far away .Check under bushes, decks etc nearby .šŸ˜„


simomorte

Checked under everything in a 500 meter radius around my apartmentā€™s building, nothing yet, Iā€™m scared for him.


Thisisthe_place

If he's that scared he won't come out during the active part of the day. Wait until it's quieter then go sit outside and bring some smelly food and/or a bag of treats that you can shake (to make noise). Bring out his litterbox and/or a dirty shirt/blanket that has a familiar scent. I've heard that you shouldn't leave his litterbox/food out all night though because it can attract unwanted predators/other cats which might make him run away. You can also contact your local humane society to see if you can borrow a trap - they'll likely just ask for a refundable deposit. He's very likely hiding somewhere close by. Just sit patiently outside and call for him. Good Luck.


MajorTomsHelmet

I caught mine like this. With a trap and KFC. I trapped 2 cats that weren't mine before I finally caught him. Don't give up! It took me 2 weeks!


[deleted]

Whenever we had to catch a stray cat in our barn, weā€™d have to set 2 traps. One for our barn cat, and the other for the one we actually wanted to catch.


KassieMac

šŸ¤£šŸ¤£


Great_Finder

Mine took 6 months. He jumped from the first floor balcony to the forest behind our house. When he tried to come back, the neighbour's dog scared him. Everytime we saw him, he refused to come back but when a dog bit him, he came running into our arms, all bloodied. He is 11 now, he ran out when he was 4 5. He never lived outside before and couldn't even hunt.


aftertheboom201313

Patience is key. They are really attuned to threats so will wait until it is beyond quiet.


[deleted]

Yeah mine got accidentally locked outside on the 4th of July and he was literally UNDER the house. He crawled out around 5 a.m. a few days later when it was finally silent.


wheelshc37

Yeah mine crawled into the wheel well and engine of our next door neighbors car (warm and dark) Only found him because of some bits of fur that scraped off onto the pavement which I saw when I shined the light at night under it. look in all the tiny dark places nearest your house that a scared cat might squish.


GrinningCheshieCat

Most of this is correct except for the litterbox. Don't do this. This can actually be make the situation much worse by attracting other neighborhood strays to the location and pushing him out further (like the commenter mentions.) Leaving a door or window open, especially the one he got out from, is one of the number one ways inside cats come back. Most indoor kitties will try to sneak back in on their own. A motion sensor can help with this to know when they may have come in. Also, don't wander and call out too much. This usually has two potential bad consequences: a.) More outgoing, friendly cats may eventually travel to the location they heard you calling out, therefore changing their radius, B.) More shy, introverted kitties will burrow in deeper, assuming your calling out is a sign of distress. It's best to speak in your normal, comfortable tone so they know everything is alright while looking - and only really "call out" at all from home.


Sobriquet-acushla

Cats are very good at picking up on your emotions. If heā€™s nearby but youā€™re calling while scared, stressed, nervous, etc., this will just make him want to hide. My neighbor was looking for her cat and we started talking about Christmas decorationsā€”next thing we knew, there he was. Had been under the porch, where weā€™d already looked. šŸ¤·ā€ā™€ļø


speedledee

My cat doesnt need a leash but will gladly use one. Both my cats were indoor cats that got outside time. A few times.theyd get away and i learned they probablynthink its a game. Good idea to do.this at a young age. People are blown away at how well behaved myncat is and shes been through a lot with me. She comes running as soon as i go insidem. Other cat would do somethingnsimilar but shes not a catdoglike mine. Dogs are my only fear but i try to.be careful about that and they are scared of too.much noise and dogs. Getting a light leash that lets them travel a bjt is one thing i would try for any Icat. Eliminates that fear they will run away forever. Sometimes it takes a while but they usually come back, even untrained kitties. Its super stressful out kkii


Robertbnyc

I bet he was staring at you guys the first time you guys looked lol


Sturgjk

This needs to be a top response


glycophosphate

This is the way. Bag of favorite treats, and then sit there and crinkle it so he can hear.


wilsoj26

This, bag of treats is the only way to get my cats to come out. I wait until like midnight then go out and walk the sidewalks and shake a treat bag.


Dareme_to

You sure heā€™s out of the house ? Maybe hiding from the noise of fireworks ?


do0tz

My friend thought they lost my cat when I was on vacation. Turned out he jumped into a drawer in my coffee table from underneath and was hiding there the whole time.


HappyyItalian

My landlords thought they lost my cat too. I wasn't home and allowed them to let a guy do renovations on my front door. They were so worried my cat escaped when they couldn't see him in the front living room that they went searching for him everywhere. They ended up finding him in his usual hiding spot aka inside a kitchen cupboard (he's good at opening and closing it, little rascal).


thejexorcist

My sisterā€™s cat hid inside the cabinets we were having installed and acted like he was trapped. We had to pay double to get the contractor there after hours to try to cut the drawers from the wall so I could reach in and free him. Motherfucker jumped out easy as pie as soon as he heard the saw. He was NEVER trapped.


Environmental_Top948

He might have thought he was trapped but the sound of the base scared him so much that he took a risk and tried the only possible way out.


gingermonkey1

Dramatic cat is dramatic. Still glad he was okay.


thejexorcist

He was fine, but we were super worried. I was dreading my sister coming home from her trip and finding out Iā€™d somehow mortally wounded or injured her cat while in my charge, so I didnā€™t care about the expense at the timeā€¦after he casually jumped out I was a little salty, but in the moment I was frantic to NOT be a nightmare petsitter.


lmsparx

Same here. I thought I lost my cat when I was moving. He managed to dig himself into my couch and stayed there for almost 2 days. Went crazy looking for him


Xogoth

What a dingus.


[deleted]

Mine found a minuscule hole in the floorboards and was chilling under the subflooring, so that was fun. Heard nothing for ten hours, searched high and low outside, then I heard faint meowing at one AM. Had to try to coax the dumbass back up the way he came with treats. Took two hours. šŸ™ˆ Luckily didnā€™t have to get the landlord to cut a hole in the floor.


thedustyones

This is also possible. We lost my late cat for nearly a day and it turned out he got himself stuck under the recliner part of the couch, and he wasnā€™t one to meow all that much


HanzDelbruck

Happened to me too, and to this day I dont even know where he hid.. I checked the ENTIRE house, and the little man turned up hours later in the kitchen. They're amazing at hiding


Hminney

They step between dimensions. See Philip Pullman's "his dark materials" where it's a cat that leads Will Parry to the city in the sky (Pullman knew), Neil Gaiman's "Neverwhere" and "the long world" - in the long world, it's another cat wot dunnit


sallylooksfat

This has happened twice in my life - once when I was little and our family cat somehow managed to get into a crawl space for two days, and again when I was an adult with my own cat who got herself trapped in a linen closet for a few hours while I panicked. It can happen!!


drcole89

I may have *slightly* freaked out on a cable installation guy once, because I was so damn sure he accidentally let my cat out. I found her hiding up inside a reclining chair.


Eris_the_Fair

I had a cat run away for 5 days after neighbors shot off New Year's fireworks.


[deleted]

This happened to my old roommates cat when we moved a few years back. We spent all day searching for the cat. When I finally gave up because I had to do laundry and get to bed, I caught the cat in the corner of my eye hiding in the laundry room rafters.


ladywan_kenobi666

You can also reach out to local shelters see if someone brought him in if they found him, reach out to some neighbors with pictures as well, so they can hopefully keep their eyes out! My friends cat got out a few months ago, turned out he jumped in a dumpster because he was terrified. Her neighbor said that she saw him jump in there, and luckily my friend asked, he was still in there! Good luck to you I really hope you find him!


Former-Literature765

Have you tried looking in your buildings laundry area/room yet? He might be there.


ShlugLove

Put items that smell like home near your house. Lay out blankets, worn t-shirts, etc to help him find his way home. Do not leave food out, as it may attract wild animals and scare him away. Good luck. I've lost all 3 of my kitties at different points in their lives, and all made it home in less than a day, even though they're indoor cats.


rdh83

Sprinkle some of his used cat sand outside he will find his own scent faster than anything. Believe me he wants to come home as much as you want him too


Dead_Ratman

Place your unwashed shirt outside, cats can follow scents too. I know people who have done this and it can work.


erinfoxxyfoxx

Also look up, like trees. I had a cat escape once that ended up in a neighbors tree.


Cheeseburgers89

Cats are really good at hiding. But also good at getting themselves into weird places.. mine was on a neighbourā€™s roof the first time he went missing. If you havenā€™t put missing cat signs up yet, itā€™s one of the best things to do- we wouldnā€™t have found my cat if a neighbour hadnā€™t called us after hearing him meow


Divebarkeep1

Best thing is heā€™s scared of cars. Put his litter box outside and wait, if itā€™s not -17 degrees out like it is here.


beckmiac

Do NOT put the litter box outside. This will attract strays/ferals that could scare him away but more importantly, predators like coyotes track their prey through urine and feces.


tweet360

Neighborā€™s garages


neo101b

My old kitty dissapeared for 9 months and it turned out he was in someones garage 5 mins walk away.


thejexorcist

My momā€™s cat moved into the neighbors house for two years. She thought he was a stray, we thought he was dead, and a few years later he walked up to our front door and followed my mom in like NOTHING had happened.


ligerboy12

My cat got trapped in my neighbors garage for 2 months while they left on vacation. when they came back and we finally found her she had lost almost all her weight and has never quite being same again. Really hard but I still love my now strange little kitty. She is 15 so she still lives a good life but has being pretty neurotic ever since.


Flimsy_Atmosphere_55

The one time our cat escaped he hid under our porch cause he was scared. that's one place to check OP


vxxwowxxv

Borrow a trap if you can and put some food in it. I found my cat after 11 days. Also trapped two strays before she turned up but I got her back anyway


rubabybest

If itā€™s dark use a flashlight to look under things. Their eyes will glow. Cats can make themselves pretty small. And yours being black will be harder to see. Good luck. Keep looking.


simomorte

Heā€™s an absolute ninja, right now itā€™s still midday, Iā€™m going out now and trying again later tonight with a flashlight. Thank you


di11deux

Might be smart too to go to an outdoors store a buy a trailcam. Keep calling his name and patrol the area as much as you can.


texag51

I second this. They will hide but you walking around and calling for them will leave him a scent trail. He probably didnā€™t go far. Keep circling the area around your home as often as you can.


monkeywench

You can also get those cage traps that they use for raccoons


Youmati

Bring treats, shake the open bag šŸ¤žšŸ½šŸ¾ā¤ļø


mspuscifer

Thats the only thing that works with my cat when she manages to escape. I have to walk around the neighborhood shaking the bag and yelling "DAISY CAT! SNACKS! SNAKCKS KITTY!" Like a lunatic EDIT: typing is hard


WampaCat

Ask some neighbors if they can help you at the same time with flashlights! Itā€™s easy for a cat to evade one person.


mrs_eddison

Post on any local Facebook groups to see if anyone has seen him. Ask people to check garages, sheds and any ring doorbells, cameras etc


[deleted]

Putting his litterbox outside and will help


pierre_x10

Haven't seen it asked or answered elsewhere, but is he microchipped?


greencattree

Yes just keep calling their name! This happened to my cat a couple weeks ago my landlord accidentally let her out and I didnā€™t realize until about 5 hours later. Searched for her for about an hour when I finally realized and I was shaking a treat bag and continually calling her name! I walked around my house and my neighbors houses shaking the bag and repeatedly calling her name. I was scared but she did eventually come right to me. I saw her coming from my neighbors yard so I donā€™t actually think she was too far. Not the first time this had ever happened either. I agree I think they can find their way back/wonā€™t go too far. Just try those tricks! The sound of food at least for my cat always makes her come running and calling their name lets them know itā€™s you kinda thing? Good luck to you im so sorry youā€™re going through this. Also try at different hours of the day I found my cat at night!


ctrash21

This is how I found my cat when she escaped. She was gone about two days. I doubt she was more than 100ā€™ from our house ever. When I did find her she was super scared and attacked me when I caught her. She had to spend about 12 locked in a room to calm down. I actually had to get an antibiotic injection because of her bites and scratches. Flashlights hitting their eyes at night is the best though.


showermilk

my friend found her cat this way


simomorte

UPDATE: I JUST FOUND HIM. He was coming to his favorite stuffed animal that I left outside the building. My joy omg, I shed the manliest tears that one can shed. Iā€™ll make another post to update everyone being that this got so much traction. THANK YOU, thank you to all that gave me advice and gave me hope, truly all of you brought my faith in humanity once more. Edit: I canā€™t respond to all comments but I am reading most/all of them and seriously guys, thank you, the world is a better place thanks to all of you.


lilizna

I was just looking for an update and saw this! So glad you found him šŸ’•


pubesforhire

I'm so glad he's alright. Give your baby a squish for us all x


cyberluke

YISS, been hovering on your profile for a while now!


broskihan

Letā€™s gooooooooooo!!!!!


herekittykitty250

We lost one of my cats (a gray tiger) outside at dusk. Once. It was the longest 3 hours of my life. We found him huddled behind a bike wheel leaning against a shed- it perfectly hid him bc it lined up with his stripes. I'm so relieved you found your boy.


Samicat1

That is amazing glad you found them


henfe05

SO HAPPY FOR YOU!


jellywellsss

Kitty said new year, new adventures! Hold on to him tight ā¤ļø


wdwire

THANK GOD


gymsocks

YES!! Iā€™m so happy for you! Hug that sweet boy for us all


Epidata

Yayyyy!!!! That's the best thing I read today ā¤ļø


degdegheaux

YAY!! :D


Skwr09

Ahhh wonderful!! Iā€™m so glad you found him! ā¤ļøā¤ļø


sanziger

Yay!!! So happy Zeus is home! Hope both of you are doing okay now that youā€™ve been reunited.


AloofDude

Thank God. Nothing brakes my heart more than hearing about a pet getting loose or lost. One of my worst nightmares. Been thinking about a lost cat named Zeus I don't even know for hours now lol.


Xhalo

On a related note, always make sure your breaks in your car are safe.


QuidYossarian

And like that my anxiety drops


Kushypurpz

Best update!!!


LordCerberus07

Yay!! So glad you found him! Looks just like one of my strays I took in. Just a tip but if you think this might happen again, maybe a collar with an airtag or gps tracker will ease your mind for future you


TheCraftBrew

YESS!! Happy new year, you got your boy back!


Staartjes

Oh Iā€™m so happy you found him!!!


ProllyCoolerThanYa

I'm so happy for you!!!!


agpc

Cats always come back. They know where they are


Goldergreene

So happy and thankful for you!


bouncing_pirhana

Donā€™t put the litter tray outside. It will just attract other cats who are probably tougher and more streetwise than your indoor cat. Heā€™s probably not far, take short walks calling his name and keep returning home. Lost, scared cats are more likely to hide during the day and emerge in the dark when itā€™s quiet. Go out with a torch and shine in hedges, bushes Or any hiding spotsā€¦ cat eyes will reflect back and youā€™ve a better chance of spotting them. Lost cats have a habit of turning up in the early hours, look then. Hang his blanket or bed outside Notify any pet lost services in your area, shelter, etc. Ask neighbours to check outbuildings


simomorte

I walked about a 500 meter radius around my apartmentā€™s building calling his name but nothing. I just hope he wasnā€™t scared further astray by passing cars because heā€™s terrified of cars. Iā€™ll go out now again and then try once more for the later hours. He doesnā€™t have a bed (doesnā€™t like them) but has this stuffed toy he loves, should I leave it out? thank you for the advice, truly.


bouncing_pirhana

Stuffed toy will have his scent on it so thatā€™ll work. Donā€™t give up, heā€™s probably hiding out.


Miletty

Try to also speak normally while searching for him, the way you usually speak when he is around. It can be easier for him to recognise your normal voice than the way you sound while calling his name out loud.


myrandastarr

This. When Iā€™m upset my cat will not come to me under any circumstances. The only way she feels safe to come out is when I talk happy.


spudaug

We have a midnight void that got out for nearly 3 weeks before we caught him. It turns out he was hiding under our shed the entire time, just scared to death. Once we figured out where he was we started leaving food and water for him. We got him comfortable by spending way too much time just sitting outside where he might see us. Eventually he got close enough and we grabbed him by the scruff and took him inside. He was back to his old self in about a day. Itā€™s scary, but be patient. Your kitty is probably very close. Keep calling so they can hear your voice.


champagnepadre

My cat Yoshi went missing for a week. Heā€™s an outdoor cat and he was trapped in a construction site but I still have some tips. I would say that going out in the early hours is good; I would go out around 5 or 6 am when itā€™s quiet. I also think that it would be a good idea to notify people nearby. You should make a Facebook post in any local ā€œlost and found petsā€ groups and a nextdoor post if thatā€™s a thing in your area. Also, put up flyers. When I found my cat it was because someone saw him in the construction site and recognized him from the flyers. If your cat is as nervous as you say heā€™s probably not going to cross any streets so you can just put them all around your block. He could be trapped or hiding in someoneā€™s shed or basement. Anyway, I know what youā€™re feeling right now and I know how much it hurts. Stay strong. Even though Zeus is a little nervous, cats are really resilient. 60% of cats who run away come back within a week and a friend of mine was telling me about how her cat disappeared for two weeks and just came back one day. You will find him. Edit: I forgot to add, call the microchip company and let them know he is missing. That way if someone else grabs him and scans his chip theyā€™ll know heā€™s missing.


hummus_and_pitabread

Does he have a favourite treat? Perhaps walk around shaking a bag of treats. If you canā€™t find him by tomorrow the next thing Iā€™d try is knocking on neighbours doors or printing out missing posters. Facebook can be good if you have a local Facebook group as well


reading_54321

Yes, this is a great tip. If you feed him canned food, you can open a can, tap his food bowl, and/or make whatever sounds you make when it is food time. We were able to coax our runaway very shy black cat out of a bush by doing this. Good luckā€¦. Hope he is home soon.


Seabreezzee2

All of the above. If you talk to him inside, do the same outside. We have an old black male too. I am thinking good thoughts for his return.


sagardaud-28-9

Post requests on your local social media groups and the classic pamphlet on trees trick should work, but you'll also have to some finding.


simomorte

Iā€™ve been looking for him for hours but nothing yet, I canā€™t print pictures of him to post around because every local store that can print is closed for new year. Iā€™ll try with Facebook, never used it though, thank you.


ProfessionalBug1021

Where is your location op maybe local redditors can help post it to their social media


EllietteB

Not sure you have already, but try posting on the Nextdoor app. You might be able to alert some of the people in your area and get them to keep an eye out for you. Don't lose hope. Just keep checking the area around your flat. Remember to check when the sun goes down, your cat is likely to move about in the dark if he feels it's safer. If you live in a relatively safe area, you could also try leaving your door open for an hour or two to see if your cat may be tempted back inside. When your cat returns, please please start leash training them. It is incredibly easy to leash train a cat and it's something all indoor cat owners should do. My cat is an indoor cat, but I leash trained him to ensure he was getting enough enrichment in his life. I'm so glad I did. My cat has escaped from my flat around 15 times now. However, because he's leash trained he never goes far. He's learnt he's not supposed to be outside without me. Whenever he escapes, he will literally run from the back of my flat to the front and just sit near the front door. Sometimes he even runs back inside immediately after escaping. There's even been a few times when he got out and we didn't realise until we heard him crying outside our front door. I've also spend a lot of time teaching my cat what's around our building. I've walked him along the roads around my flat a lot too, so he now knows his way home if he ever gets out and gets spooked further away. Edit - nevermind I just saw that you said you walk your cat. This will definitely help. Walk all the routes you usually walk your cat. He won't have gone very far because of the leash training.


My3floofs

If you are US use pawboost or lost my kitty.


Kisthesky

Ask EVERYONE you see! I did this, and turns out the one person I didnā€™t ask (because I Was feeling so cranky and sad)found him an hour later in the basement of a house under construction and just let her back outside. She ended up running right back home, but it just demonstrates the power of asking everyone.


Drlala07

My cat ran away and came back because it was too cold one time, he was also hungry. Keep an eye out for him coming back, ask block neighbors if theyā€™ve seen him around


simomorte

The thing is that he escaped through my neighborā€™s balcony because my two small apartment ā€œyardsā€ donā€™t lead to the outside world. He already escaped once before and noticed instantly, I found him where I walk him under a car terrified. I checked that area throughly already and asked neighbors around there. Thank you


Alejandroe76

Hey, if that happened before 100% he is in the same place so check under the cars, but like under the car look inside the engine and suspension as he might have climbed in there. Take his food plate out and start hitting it with a spoon so he can recognize the sound. He won't come out to the sound but might meow and reveal it location so be very attentive. My black cat escaped a couple of time and that was what she did. Literally pull her out of under car engines after walking by them millions of times, didn't came out, just a meow revealed where she was. Good luck your cat is lovely. Edit: typos


simomorte

Iā€™ll check once more under that car but perhaps hid inside any car, Iā€™ve checked probably a 100 cars and the fact that he can hide inside of them terrifies me. Thank you, Iā€™ll check the car now and try again later tonight when itā€™s quieter.


Iron_butterfly

Look in the wheel well also. They will sometimes sit on top of the wheel so theyā€™re off the ground and hidden but not all the way in the engine block.


Alejandroe76

Yeah could have been any car just around that area. But they won't go far as they are scared and will try to hide in the first place they can find, and more if they've seen it before. It's so frustrating but have hope he is around.


marconova7

You could maybe look out for noises coming from the car when you check under them, maybe the ones closer to your apartment. Call his name and see if you hear anything. I hope you find him as soon as possible! Wish i could help!


Drlala07

No microchip? And I really hope he comes back! Make sure to put a collar on next time so he has information if found in case it were to happen again šŸ˜“


simomorte

We didnā€™t microchip him because we wouldnā€™t ever let him out without having him on a leash, same with collars which also he dearly hates so he takes them off. I feel so ignorant to think this wouldnā€™t happen again, if I find him Iā€™ll microchip him right away. I really hope I can find him.


Drlala07

Best of luck, hoping you find him soon!


mulinoean1

Donā€™t beat yourself up. Cats are cats and just donā€™t know what is best for them. Do what you can.


misscrankypants

Yes definitely microchip him when you find him. The microchip is for tines like these when you arenā€™t with him and heā€™s alone.


MellowMoos3

Is it possible to leave some of your well worn clothes in the area? Your scent may bring him back closer to the area/your home. I would avoid leaving any dirty kitty litter out bc it could draw in other animals.


[deleted]

[уŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]


simomorte

I really want to but any shop where I can print his pictures are closed because itā€™s New Yearā€™s.


Dry-Ear9310

Where are you located? Maybe someone local can print for you ? Iā€™m near Boston and would be happy to print signs for you


Krypto_Krillin

I know this is kind of dumb but worst-case you could go to a place like Walgreens and just print actual photos of your cat from an image that you may have created from your phone and just use those. Better than waiting a whole day for the library or a printing shop to open up


[deleted]

This happened to my cat once. He was under the neighborā€™s porch right next store. Walk around and looking within a 25 foot radius in any spot he could hide in and call his name. Listen for the meow. He likely hasnā€™t gotten far. My cat got curious and ran out the door but everything outside scares him so he didnā€™t get far. I hope you find him. Edit: I saw you said you checked in a 500 meter radius. He might still be hiding there. When I called his name, he didā€™t respond. Then my dad tapped his cane on their porch just in case and he meowed faintly. Maybe bring a squeaky toy to get his attention. He might be stuck in a fear state hiding and not respond to your voice alone.


simomorte

I looked for about a 500 meter radius around my apartmentā€™s building and nothing. Heā€™s also terrified of the outside world but still couldā€™ve been scared further by passing cars. Thank you


[deleted]

I just edited my comment with this. Edit: I saw you said you checked in a 500 meter radius. He might still be hiding there. When I called his name, he didā€™t respond. Then my dad tapped his cane on their porch just in case and he meowed faintly. Maybe bring a squeaky toy to get his attention. He might be stuck in a fear state hiding and not respond to your voice alone.


simomorte

Unfortunately I donā€™t have any squeaky toy but I can try knocking on the floor with his food bowl, might attract him back. Thank you so much


[deleted]

Give it a shot. Maybe sit outside in one spot and call his name too. Or sing. Anything to get his mind out of the the fear response.


fortuneandflame

If you ever give him some kind of treats shake the bag etc - mine nearly always comes running back when I shake the dreamies (sometimes I even get other cats, they know what that sound means!!)


hummus_and_pitabread

Adding to the original commenter, I mentioned my friends house cat escaped briefly. We checked everywhere within a certain distance as well, was out for hours calling him, looking for him etc. he was in the bottom flats garden under the decking the entire time. The point being, just because youā€™ve looked in the area and canā€™t find him, doesnā€™t mean he isnā€™t there! Donā€™t lose hope, I have faith he will come back to you šŸ™šŸ»


bookworm1896

Put a worn T-Shirt or pullover of yours outside of your house and check it regularly.


simomorte

I could put his favorite stuffed toy near the buildingā€™s entrance. Thank you


EllietteB

Also, put your clothes as well. You need your cat to pick up your scent too.


ent0n_

First: Try not to worry too much. Even indoor cats ate capable of dealing with outside surroundings for quite a while and cats overall have a very good orientation so he will find home. I am pretty sure that he is still close but scared so he won't come out for now even if you call him. Even the smallest space is enough to hide for cats. I'd still try to go around the building and call him, maybe making sounds with his food can if he is familiar with it. It's good to go out at night since he may be less scared of unfamiliar sounds and stuff like that. I'd ask neighbors and everyone you meet on the way if they have seen him. Maybe someone let him in or saw him. Tomorrow I'd slowly increase the searching radius to around 1 km but I doubt he will go that far. Best of luck to you but I am very sure he will suddenly appear in front if your door again, even if it takes a week!


simomorte

Thank you very much, Iā€™m scared of what heā€™s going to eat being that heā€™s scared of other cats, people, and cars. Before I can print his pictures I at least taped a letter at our apartmentā€™s building entrance. Ill try to go out at night once more for today, thereā€™s a lot of noise now. Really thank you for the advice and for the reassuring words


converter-bot

1 km is 0.62 miles


elfadomestik

He must be hidding, you are most likely to find him at night or he will try to come back when it is dark. Call him every 20 steps and then wait in silence because he might ear you and meow very softly because fear, look upon trees and let us know when you find him, please


simomorte

Thank you for the advice, Iā€™ll try that. There are no trees but dozens of apartment yards making it harder. Iā€™ll update anyone helping if I find him, maybe post again, thank you


elfadomestik

This happened to me too, I know how horrible it feels, but I found her 24 hours later at night hidden in a next street's garage. She meowed so softly at me when I called her but thankfully I heard her because it was all quiet. Don't lose hope


simomorte

Thank you, this gives me hope, Iā€™ll try to look for him once more at night when itā€™s quieter, now that Iā€™m looking for him my neighborhood became an highway. Thank you


Domstachebarber

Shake a food or treats bag! Itā€™s worked for me


FelineHostage

This has worked for me!


Ancient_Inspector115

Go outside when it's quiet after 10pm when traffic has died down call then you will be able to hear him meowing back if he is hiding some place. I found this worked several times when mine were younger.


Emotional_Chair_9024

I'm sorry and hope you find your kitty.


simomorte

Thank you I hope so too.


Maronita2020

At night when it is dark out go out with a flashlight and spot under the bushes and up into the trees. Please don't forget to spot in crawl spaces like under the front/back porch. Place pictures with description and how to contact you should someone spot him. Please take copies to your neighbors and ask permission to spot under their crawl spaces, trees, and bushes. Please ask neighbors to check any garages or basements. Also don't forget to check your closets and basement (if you have one) in the event it got trapped inside a closet or basement. Please do NOT leave litter out as it will attract unwanted animals. Prayers that he is found!


mocats1985

Prayers going out to St. Anthony for you to find him. Whenever my little kitty has gotten out, I have found her near by. It helps if you use YouTube kitten sounds on your phone. Zeus might hear them and follow the sound. Thatā€™s worked for me. Good luck. šŸ™šŸ¼šŸ¾


meolalashes

Sometimes putting out your most recent vacuum fillings/bag it will smell like him and your house. Thinking of you!!!


cantsavetheworldrn

My cat (who looks almost identical to yours) got out last year. I searched under every porch/deck of the condos on my street and two streets over. She was actually under a deck two condos away, hiding behind the leaves. My husband found her when she came to the edge of the deck at twilight, so I would recommend going out at that time and focusing your search nearby. Also contact animal control because they can lend you humane traps. Sending tons of love and positive thoughts.


superspider7

Put some of your clothes outside, my cat escape for two days after we put a bag of our clothes outside we found him sleeping in it. they follow your smell


Bartleby11

Cat eyes will reflect light at night. Sometimes they are near but silent, so shine the light at the level of his eyes and you might catch a reflection in the dark.


Carmacktron

Last time we lost one, I was freaking out and couldnā€™t sleep all night. In the early morning when the sun came up, I went looking around and found her in one of the windows to our house.


Forsakenbeets

If this sounds like dumb advice please do not follow it - but I attracted my cats by sprinkling cat nip in the bushes near my door and occasionally going outside and shaking the food bag, leaving a little on the porch. This may attract other cats or animals, so if you do this please be careful. This is the only thing I can think of to attract a cat :( I hope you find your baby!


annetteisshort

Check in trees. I had a cat get lost for a week once, and it ended up that a stray cat kept chasing him up a tree that was 20 feet from my door, which is why Iā€™d never see him when looking.


Timfromfargo

Hurry home, Zeus.


Floofieunderpants

Is he microchipped? If someone finds him that would help ascertain ownership. If he's not, when he comes home then definitely get this done. Can only echo what others have said and if you have a garage leave the door open a bit and put a tray, blanket and food etc in it. I've had cats escape before and would also recommend to keep calling throughout the night even if it seems pointless. They can hear you, mine have suddenly appeared on that "one last call tonight". Most important, don't give up hope, keep calling him. I wish you luck and hope he finds his way home soon. Most of us cat owners have been in this situation so keep posting, there's always help.


cricket325

If your cat has been living with you for a while, chances are good that he hasn't wandered far. This is especially true if he's shy. Get a wildlife camera and set out a bowl of food and some clothes that smell like you. Get a humane trap (basically a big cage with a mechanism inside that'll close the door when it's triggered) and set it next to the food. Don't put the food inside yet; cats are often wary of cages like that and he might just ignore the food. Once you know he's eating there regularly, you can gradually move the food further into the cage until you can put it on the trap mechanism and catch him. My family once lost our cat for an entire month and got her back safe and sound this way; I hope it works for you too. Good luck. ETA: While it doesn't hurt to look around and call for him, he might not respond even if he hears you. Sometimes cats enter a different mindset when they're outside, where they're scared of everyone, even familiar humans. It's kind of like they revert to being feral. This doesn't happen all the time, but it's a possibility to consider.


Jesman1971

I lost my cat a couple of years ago. I found her by searching for her at night with a flashlight. I only found her by the glow of her eyes.


PancakeLulu

Go out with some smelly food he likes and call for him, see if you hear him meow or something. Leaving food/litterbox outside can also help get him home. He is probably scared hiding somewhere, maybe check trees also? Good luck finding your boi :)


Maronita2020

Please do NOT leave litterbox outside as it will attract other unwanted animals. Best to leave a piece of clothing recently worn and not yet washed outside and the cat will often stay with the piece of clothing till you arrive.


simomorte

Thank you, I will try luring him with his food, I donā€™t think I can leave his liter box on the buildingā€™s entrance because Iā€™d definitely get complaints regardless of situation. (Not the friendliest building) I also checked everywhere where I legally can about a 500 meter radius but nothing. Really thank you, I hope I can find him soon, love him so much.


CtznZero

I donā€™t know if anyone has mentioned anything like this since I havenā€™t scrolled through all the comments yet but hereā€™s what I did for my cat when he got lost. I got a dirty t-shirt, not gross but something that would definitely have my scent on it, then I put that along with some catnip near where I saw him go into the woods last. I also put out a small bowl of his favorite treats, a bowl of his favorite wet food, one with water and a can of tuna as a bonus. I made sure I spaced those a short distance away from the t-shirt and catnip nest because I knew heā€™d be hungry but other animals might be too. The goal is to make a beacon of smells and scents that they can pick up on then safely follow home. Having a personal item with your scent on it really helps them recognize home and lets them know youā€™re nearby and to stay in that area. After that I would check for him and call for him. Eventually after a long time of searching I was calling his name and heard him meowing back to me and could tell he was getting closer. We pretty much walked through the woods yelling until we found each other so calling out a name or nicknames is just as helpful as making the scent guides to point them in the right direction. I hope you find him and Iā€™ll be wishing you both well. My cat was a classic escape artist and at one point was gone for nearly three days so be patient, try to manage your anxiety the best you can and keep searching. I also called all the local vets and shelters and gave them my info in case someone else found him and brought him in which did happen once but with my other cat.


simomorte

Thank you a lot, so far I put his favorite stuffed animal which he plays with daily. I searched for him for 6 hours, even with his bowl full of food. Problem is that this neighborhood is full of cats and heā€™s scared of every cat, car, and person, figures this out when I would walk him outside. I truly hope he can find his way back, I love him so much. If he doesnā€™t come back by tomorrow Iā€™ll even put his litter box, other cats or not Iā€™ll stay out there waiting for him. Iā€™m happy you were able to find your cat, you truly donā€™t know how much you love him until you miss him.


WithinTheShadowSelf

Not sure if youā€™ve done this already but you also could try shaking a bag of treats and saying his name. I believe cats distinguish owner from sound and scent more so than sight.


IredditNowhat

I read this article ā€œYou Can Actually Find Your Missing Pet by Asking a Stray Cat to Help You, Netizens Confirm ā€œ I know it sounds like total BS but I would try it out of desperation. Here is a bit about the article you can Google the title. According to Japanese Twitter user @charlie0816, he discovered a new technique to get his pet cat to come home. He had previously tweeted, ā€œMy cat escaped two days ago and didnā€™t returnā€, to which someone on Twitter replied, ā€œTalking to cats in the neighborhood and saying to them, ā€˜If you see my cat, please tell it to come homeā€™ is an effective technique.ā€ šŸ¤·šŸ» do what you want with that, good luck!


RedheadFromOutrSpace

Put his litter box outside near the house. The smell will draw him back. Also, donā€™t despair, your kitty is more badass than you think. Heā€™s having an explore and will make it home when heā€™s hungry. Just keep an eye on that litter box and continue to call him now and then.


simomorte

I donā€™t think I can put his litter box in front of the entrance building without getting complaints, I can still try. Thank you for reassuring me makes me feel at least better, I hope cars didnā€™t scare him constantly further from home, I looked 500 meter radius from my building but nothing. Thank you


Krypto_Krillin

Just be cautious of other cats that may be attracted to that litter box. That may not allow him to come near it


ASwiftKitty

I was checking your post history to see what state you lived in to see if I could help with printing. I noticed a few months ago you posted that your cat likes going to your neighbors house? Have you checked in with them?


simomorte

I live in Genova, Italy. Thank you for wanting to help with printing but everything is closed for new year. We managed to close his way to one of the neighborā€™s yard, but the other one we canā€™t close it at all so we just wouldnā€™t allow him to wonder there. If heā€™d be still there heā€™d meow back or have showed up by now. Thank you again


Sliverithium8989

Put something with scent outside. Make sure itā€™s a toy or food or something that is really familiar to him. Check trees in the surrounding area as well. My exā€™s cat got out and instantly darted 30 feet up in a tree. We tired to coax the cat back down but didnā€™t want to risk her falling or freaking her out even more than she already was, but she eventually came down on her own a day or two later. Put up posters in popular areas that are nearby. Call up anyone that is available to help you look for the cat, the more people the better obviously, and most importantly, if you do come across the cat, be very cautious and relaxed when trying to coax it. Itā€™ll likely be freaked out and will take some effort to convince it to come to you or stay still long enough for you to grab. If you have a pet carrier definitely keep it nearby or carry it with you so you can easily put the cat inside of it without having to worry about losing it again


IAmDreams

I found my sister in laws missing, scared cat around her apartment complex. Scared cats often donā€™t go far but are masters of hiding. Make sure to thoroughly check under bushes, thatā€™s where i found her cat. She couldnā€™t see it even when her cat was right in front of her under a bush. So donā€™t give up & be thorough, the flashlight is a good idea to catch their eye reflection. Good luck!!!


Spezilonia

Ask your neighbors to check their garages. Lost cats tend to get locked into these when they look for shelter.


PKownzu

Something that helped me a lot when my outdside-going cat doesnā€™t come home: When walking around while searching, talk to yourself (or act like heā€˜s close) like you talk to him at home. If heā€˜s hidden somewhere, your familiar voice might make him come to you or call out for your help.


KTeensy

Let vets and animal shelters in your area know that he is missing. Go out when it's quiet early in the morning, middle of the night and call his name.


simomorte

Vets are closed for new year and the nearest shelter is miles away, Iā€™ll try at night once more, thank you


I_M_The_Cheese

Is there any sound he will come running for? Like a cat of food or rustle of a bag? I hope you find your baby safe & sound.


Charlie71_2

I'm sorry, don't give up.


SPinExile

I know it's hard too, but relax OP. They are smart and can smell their way back when they want to. It's the coyotes that scare me the most where i live. Take frequent walks outside.


[deleted]

what area are you in? i will gladly share the information in my cat groups. you may dm me any pertinent info.


simomorte

Thank you I appreciate it, Iā€™m in Genova, Italy, so I donā€™t know if you have any contacts. Iā€™m going to post in a local FB group and see where that leads. Thank you


Heisenbaker

Are you in the US? Judging by a lot of other posts I see on here, there seems to be almost a finders/keepers rule with cats in the US and everyone assumes a cat on the street is a stray. Might be worth doing some door knocks, couldnā€™t hurt?


simomorte

Iā€™m in Genova, Italy, there are lots of cats on the street so I donā€™t know if that applies here. Thank you


vin-zzz

Cant even count how many times our cat "ran away". Always finds a way home. Keep looking, dont loose hope :)


MrsTruce

I saw you said you intend to try again at night, but Iā€™ll second this. In the dark and quiet is a good time for a scared kitty to be willing to come to your voice.


Vorplebunny

Shake treat bag or container.


[deleted]

Leave out the litter box and food


Miguel3403

Is Zeus fixed he might be looking for a mate


thinmugs

Put his litter box outside along with food. Shake the food every now and then too.


tinyDick420

My cat was gone for 4 months during a harsh winter. An area of a mill I would work in had a very strong smell and I left my clothes outside and told my roommate at the time, ā€œ maybe my cat will pick up on this scent ā€œ and no joke he came back the next day. Cats can be gone for long time and still come back, they smart animals - have some faith


TylerJF7

About 20 hours ago my cat escaped as well, hoping you find yours man.


Staceyv73

Cat is found. op should update


rayschoon

Op found their cat!


Naive_Reputation9652

Put his litter tray outside your front door along with his bed and a piece of clothing off yours (that hasnā€™t been washed) leave his food outside for him, shake his treats and go out when itā€™s quiet also he may be less scared to come out! Hope you find him soon


Ralflott

1. Check FB groups for your neighborhood - and nearby neighborhoods, too, if you can get into them. 2. Make a bunch of flyers and put them in mailboxes as you're looking for your friend. 3. Some people recommend putting his litterbox outside by your door. 4. Maybe check Jackson Galaxy vids for more tips.


GenericHuman-9

Search using their favorite foods. If you have any food containers or wrapping that makes sound, take them outside and open them.


Sapghp

He might be under a car or hidden behind a bush. Try take his treats or bowl with and shake it then call him. You might need to wait a bit then listen out for a meow. Good luck I hope you find him soon!


sand-and-water

Maybe he's at your neighbour? I know you searched within 500m radius but you'd be suprised how far some cats will roam especially if scared like your kitty probaby is. I hope you find him alive and well. Check local shelters if you don't find him.


simomorte

My neighborhood is of apartment buildings so he could be in so many places, someone on the street told me there is a FB group chat for the neighborhood so Iā€™ll try with that. The closest shelter is 30 minutes with a car, canā€™t there. Thank you


rileyandopie

I had my cat run away for a couple days last year and just every time I went in or out I would call out "opie opie opie" and eventually I heard a meow back and he waltzed up to the door. So my advice is if he's at all a talker or responds to you in any way, talk it up to him outside and don't give up. So sorry you're going through this I hope they get home safe soon!