My Cat is Missing

[Aggie_Ama]

Our cat, Tortilla, went missing over the weekend. We think she got out Sunday morning and haven't seen her since. She was declawed when adopted her at the shelter so I know she has never been outside since we have had her not sure if her previous owner ever let her out. My husband and I are both worried sick because she isn't wearing her collar. She does has a Microchip if she ends up at a shelter.

We put up flyers around the neighborhood, alerted the neighbors and I put ads on the county shelter forum and Craigslist. We have walked the neighborhood the last two days watching for her. We put food and water on the front porch as well as a shirt of mine for a familiar smell. Anything else we can do?

[PamNY]

No advice, but wanted to wish you good luck. I had two cats who disappeared for days and then returned. In one case, a newspaper ad worked (this was before Craigslist). The other cat was in the neighbor's garage.

Cats really do have a remarkable ability to survive. I hope Tortilla is home very soon.

[Blueberry]

Oh Amanda, I wish I had good advice to offer other than to say make sure she isn't hiding in the house or a shed. Sometimes cats find unexpected hiding places.

Mostly just wanted to offer my sympathies. I hope she comes home soon!!

[maillotpois]

So sorry - I would be heartsick as well. Thinking good thoughts for you all.

[Koronin]

I'm so sorry.

[OakLeaf]

((((((Amanda)))))) Sending thoughts for her safe return...

[lauraelmore1033]

You should check out Missing Pet Partnership's website. They have a lot of valuable information about displaced indoor kitties. Typically, they don't go far and they will hide in silence for 7-10 days until hunger and thirst motivate them to meow or seek help. I am a volunteer for MPP--ever since they helped me recover my own indoor only kitty. My cat ran between my legs and chased a visiting cat down the street and just disappeared into thin air. We ended up having to trap her. Never did see her, but noticed that food was disappearing from the spot where we saw her last and set a trap.

[Brandi]

Anything?

[Aggie_Ama]

Sadly no but I am still not giving up hope that we'll be reunited.

[Tri Girl]

I'm still praying that you and kitty are reunited. Hugs Miss Amanda!

[Kathi]

You should check out Missing Pet Partnership's website. They have a lot of valuable information about displaced indoor kitties. Typically, they don't go far and they will hide in silence for 7-10 days until hunger and thirst motivate them to meow or seek help. I am a volunteer for MPP--ever since they helped me recover my own indoor only kitty. My cat ran between my legs and chased a visiting cat down the street and just disappeared into thin air. We ended up having to trap her. Never did see her, but noticed that food was disappearing from the spot where we saw her last and set a trap.

My house only cat got out through an open window and spent the night outside. We had a hailstorm that destroyed the screens on the back of the house a few nights earlier and she had been going to the basement at night so I didn't miss her. The next morning she was sitting by our patio door waiting to be let in.

Several days later we dared her to come outside which she did, of course. She found a space under the fence to go through and immediately ran to the front of the house and under our porch. Had we not been following her we would have never known she was under there. The porch is a cement block and there was no way for us to get under it to get her out. A very smart neighbor suggested running a garden hose under one side. She had an escape path on the other corner and when the water started flowing sure enough out she popped. I had envisioned setting up a tent and sleeping next to the porch until she came out.

After reading this post I'm betting my cat spent the night under our porch and it'll be the first place I look if she ever gets out again.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed you find your kitty.

[murielalex]

I was taking care of a little stray kitten about a year ago, trying to get him to come inside. He was just getting friendly, but got spooked by visiting guests (two weeks) in my home, and vanished. I looked for him for weeks, and then figured he was just gone. He showed up again last night! He's a bigger, still skinny and skittish, but it's him! I'm posting this to let you know there's still hope.

[Aggie_Ama]

We found her! Tonight my husband went walking with me while put flyers on people's doors. When we were almost out of daylight, flyers and energy a couple came up and asked if we were looking for a cat. They said "a white one with black spots and no tail?" We said she was white and brown but no tail so we thought the meant our cat.

We hurried up the street to the storm drain in front of our house, the one we have checked nearly every day and there she was. First my husband tried to reach her but he couldn't get the nape of her neck. We could pet her and she was meowing loudly but we just couldn't reach her. She tried to jump out but couldn't make it. Luckily some teenage boys had just the "tool" to pry open the manhole cover. They got it open and we tried to figure if my husband could fit. To me his shoulders looked too broad, but he was about to fold them in and climb down. She started to scoot into the drain and he kept trying to coax her out. Finally he was able to grab her and hand her to me. She has a few burrs and looks a bit dirty but other than being hungry and thirsty she seems okay. She is definitely exhausted. We had been putting food out but I am sure the 90+ degree weather wore her out. She is now in her collar and safe with two very happy parents and two very happy Schnauzers. I could tell the dogs missed her, Jens had especially seemed to notice.

[jobob]

Great news, very glad you're reunited!

[Koronin]

I am so very happy to hear you found her and she is now safely back inside your home.