Cat has gone missing

[gingerfreckles]

My indoor cat appears to escaped from the first floor window of our new flat 😿 in the last hour.

I've searched the flat and been outside with a torch, dreamies and his rattle toy but there is no sign of him.

We only moved here two days ago and he's never been outside in his little life he only 8 months old he'll be petrified.

I've put a note up downstairs but I don't think there is much else I can do for the night? This feels like the last straw in a long line of lockdown misery.

[Want2beme]

You'll be surprised at how clever he is. He'll be back after he's had a little explore. He's had a little bit of time to get familiar with where he lives. Leave the window open for him tonight and if you can put something with yours and/or his smell on it outside. Put some food/treats on the window sill. Let us know when he's back. They're such a worry sometimes.

[Toddlerteaplease]

My timid indoor cat escaped once. She spent 6 hours hiding behind next doors bins. She didn't like the big wide world! Go out with a torch. You might catch the light in his eyes. He's probably very close by and hiding.

[Toddlerteaplease]

Have you checked every single nook and cranny in the flat? He may still be in there!

[RRocket]

Aw it's the worst thing ever! I sympathise so much. My cat was once missing for 8 days and it was one of the worst weeks of my life.

Put their litter tray/bed/blanket/contents of your hoover outside so that they can follow their scent home.

Put stinky wet food around the boundary of your property.

Post on Facebook local pages, Petlog, community websites, gumtree etc with a photo, date last seen and location, and your contact details. Contacting social organisations for the elderly including church groups are often very helpful and kind.

Print posters with a photo, date last seen and location, and your contact details.

Put posters/flyers with above information through neighbours doors asking them to check sheds, garages and out buildings.

Contact all local vets, RSPCA and PDSA asking them to keep an eye out.

Go out at night when it is very quiet and still to call for them and listen. (this was what eventually brought my cat home).

Knock on doors with your flyers and put a human face to your missing cat. Neighbours are often more likely to check their sheds of help you look when you’ve spoken to them.

As it's lockdown lots of people have been doing gardening and mowing lawns, maybe your cat snuck into a garage or shed?

[Lindy2]

Put his litter tray outside or some of his bedding. If he's nearby he will be able to follow the scent to find his way back.

Searching at night when it is quiet is also a good idea.

Also, if you have a local Facebook group post on there so other people can keep an eye out for him.

I hope he is home soon.

[thecatneuterer]

I'm sure he'll be back. Leave food and water outside, day and night. Is he neutered and chipped? And, if he's still not back after a couple of days, do the posters/flyers thing. And I agree that actually knocking on doors is a good idea.

[violetbunny]

Put something outside that smells like him - a blanket perhaps or even a litter tray.

[gingerfreckles]

Morning all!! Kitty is back 😺
Fortunately I looked out of the window one last time before going to bed at 1am and there he was across the street hiding by the side of a car.
He didn't even flinch as I approached him, picked him up and bought him home.

He was ravenous after his adventure and settled for a nights sleep. I'm keeping an eye on him today especially as the windows are open with the warm weather.

Thank you all for your advice

[Fluffycloudland77]

Thank heavens for that.

Have you got flat cat window screens so you can have the windows open all summer without the cat getting out?.

[pilates]

Glad it’s a happy ending 😀

[Allergictoironing]

Link to Flat Cats - I have them and mine haven't managed to get out in the 4 years I've had indoor cats (despite Girlcat having a damned good try!).

[Want2beme]

Great news! Can we see him

[gingerfreckles]

Thanks for the tip on the window screens it's exactly what I need. The windows all have a safety catch only allowing them to open a small width so I was surprised that he squeezed himself they cheeky thing.

Here is a picture of the naughty boy.

[EachandEveryone]

Lovel boy. I have those screens and they are fab.

[Fluffycloudland77]

Ooh he’s got cheek pouches! He’s a big handsome lad isn’t he? I wouldn’t have pictured him getting out of a window on the latch either but cats are sent to astound us.

I’m glad your going to get them. You don’t want this happening again.

[Want2beme]

, he's just like my girl. Beautiful.

[OrcharD14]

So glad he’s back safe & sound. He’s absolutely gorgeous - very like my Snowy!
Do you have a balcony that you could cat proof?