To think - if I had the money I'd take dd and book a Travelodge so we can get some rest (cat related)

[catsbabyandchaos]

I have 2 cats and live in a second floor flat.

2 weeks ago one cat jumped out of the window () and for two nights kept me and probably everyone else in the flats awake yowling to come in. Except when I went out to try and get her back she ran off.

She has now done the same thing.

I was out there at fucking 4 in the morning sorry for language shaking whiskas kibbles to entice her. She knows it's my window as she howls outside it and I mean proper yowling that wakes you up but when I try to get her back just runs off.

I'm crying my eyes out I can't do another night like last night, I'm at work in the morning and have to be up at 6.

What the hell do I do ?

I think that the most sensible thing to do in this situation would be to try and borrow a cat trap from a local rescue.

It sounds like your cat is frightened and it is going to be very hard for you to get anywhere near her. It might be worth trying the idea of taking your other cat outside in a basket first. You never know you might be lucky! But the cat trap will almost certainly catch her fairly quickly as she is bound to be hungry by now.

I do sympathise, but how is responsibly rehoming the cat, worse for her than letting her jump out of 2nd floor windows and run around on train lines and roads??

Yes JubJubBirds I absolutely think that.

It must be lovely to live in your little bubble but unfortunately as someone who volunteers for animal charities I am sick to death of people passing on animals with medical or behaviour problems because they haven't got the bollocks to do the right thing.

Animals have no concept of length of life - just quality - shelters across the country are full of very rehomeable animals that no one wants - thousands of healthy animals are pts each day because of irresponsible people over breeding and dumping pets.

These are the lucky ones - the unlucky ones will be used for baiting or abused in some other horrific way.

Welcome to the real world. The animal rehoming situation in this country is at breaking point.

I would rather know where my beloved animal had gone rather than always wonder what had happened to them.

So you can well and truly shove your judgy pants.

OP - if you contact your local Cats Protection they should be able to lend you a trap for the cat - you load with food and wait for them to take the bait. They're used for feral cats that are spayed / neutered then released again, so they do work!

@ judgy pants. I was all with your plight until then Whippet. I think the outcome of our 'aside' has to be that you think IABU and I think YABU and there's nowhere further for us to go.

It's derailing OPs thread anyway as she's said she doesn't plan to rehome and she's moving somewhere more suitable soon. Also any talk of rehoming seems to send her over the edge a bit, whether it's aimed at her or not.

Oh mrs rtft, we've covered these points already.

Apologies if I'm repeating anything others have already said - have skimmed thread but haven't time to read in minute detail.

First off - OP, am sorry for your current predicament - both for the worry you have about how your cat is faring - wondering if she's cold/hungry/scared etc., - and for your own lack of sleep (whatever the cause, no sleep makes anything seem so much worse).

As cat is so nervy and runs off can only reiterate that you contact cat charities to ask for loan of cat trap and hope she takes the bait so you can trap her. If you feel she may make another dash for freedom - which is pretty inevitable if you have open windows and she's used to going outside - then when she's been caught, perhaps ask for their advice with regard to short term fostering rather than rehoming per se if, as you say, your stay in current flat is only temporary. I'm not saying that would be an easy option either - for you or the cat(s) - but if it was only for a while and if you feel they're currently stressed out and/or unhappy it might be something to think about ? You don't need to describe your circumstances here, but that sort of service is usually aimed at people who've found themselves in unexpected difficulty but who don't want to give up their pets.

I do sympathise - years ago I had no choice but to move from house and garden on a very quiet no through lane to 1st floor flat no far from a busy road - with 4 cats who were all used to going outside. I was lucky enough to have my own front door at the top of steps so was able to get a cat flap but I spent a lot of time worrying about their safety. IMO however, it would have been more stressful to keep them shut in given their background and I was lucky they never came to any harm before I was able to move somewhere safer.

Do try to get some help with a trap as you're probably not going to sleep well - yowling or not - until she comes back (one way or another).

Thank you mrs for your thoughtful response. However I asked yesterday and the thread had since moved on, those queries having been answered. Which is why I suggested you rtft.

Have you seen or heard her today?

I've only just got in, and no.

CPL can't help apparently as it's too far and they don't deal with these sorts of issues.

She may come in when she's hungry, or not.

Obviously I shouldn't have left the window open, but I did.

OP, if you search for "cat trap" on Amazon - that is what you need, I think. If you were to put one of those under the window with her favourite food in, then you could catch her without being anywhere near her.

(I know they are not cheap - maybe a call around local shelters would turn up someone who has one you could borrow?)

OP, ring your local animal shelter and ask if you can borrow a cat trap (they normally ask for a refundable deposit) they're very easy to use and completely humane. have frequently used them for trapping ferals for neutering. hope you catch her soon.

Aw, I feel for you OP. You're clearly worried about her. I hope she comes home soon.

What a little madam, it's lucky you love her Could you try emptying your Hoover in a trail to the window? I know that if a cats lost, the smell can help them find their way home - the familiar smell might encourage her home

Has Kitty come home yet?