How to get lost and scared cat to come to me

[Kinsters]

My cat went missing two weeks ago. I think I've found her but couldn't get her to come to me.

I was driving home earlier and noticed a cat that looked a lot like her about half a mile from my house. I stopped the car and got out but she ran through a fence into a gated community and just stared at me when I called for her. I went to the gate but she'd disappeared and I had my baby in the car so couldn't spend ages trying to convince the concierge/security guy to let me in.

I went back at night and the night security guy told me he had seen a cat running around the area I'd seen her earlier. I really think it might be her but I went all around talking and occasionally saying her name and rattling her food bowl and nothing. Anyone have any tips for how to get her to come to me? I will just go and walk round there every day but I have a six month old baby and my husband works long hours so it's not easy.

Thanks! I'll update how we get on. We didn't see her last night but the food was gone this morning. We're going to put the trap down tonight as it's Friday night so we can stay up a bit late. Its hard to devote lots of time because we've got a six month old baby and my DH works long hours.

Had to abort trapping mission as there was a massive house party going on in the house next to where we put her food. Such bad timing. We left food but it was untouched this morning. Hoping she's still in the area and was just lying low because of all the noise

Ah, I'm sorry you had to abort the trap for the night. I know you said she's half a mile away but it might still be useful to try the usual tricks of putting out a worn t shirt of yours and her used litter tray outside your gate so she recognises the smell of she does walk past?

Chocolatesmellsfunny yes, we've got her litter tray out. We have another cat as well and she's always out miaowing for her friend.

Why to you have only one shot?

I recommend strong smelling food in trap (such as tinned sardines if you can get them).

I hope you manage to coax her home soon. I wonder what's spooked her into running away.

My boy has been missing for two nights now, no sign of him so it's positive that you know her whereabouts at least!

Can you leave something familiar smelling near where you're leaving her food? One of your used pillowcases or a blanket tied to a railing might help her if it smells familiar.

CherryValanc I was worrying about the trap not working properly and it setting off when she's there but not in it iyswim cause then she'd be scared and not go in it. Its a moot point though cause we haven't even seen her 😩

I've been out every night from 10pm until 1am. I used a whole mackeral as the bait (it's a hook style trap) with tuna leading into the trap but nothing. At the weekend my husband can stay out till later. We've had some other people say they've seen her but there are quite a few tabby cats in the area so I don't 100% believe they've seen her but we have nothing else to go on. Raining tonight so I'm taking a night off. We think she's roaming around quite a large area so I'm putting the trap in a different place each night and waiting in the car nearby.

BalletShoe I think she probably wandered too far and then couldn't find her way back (there was a big rain storm the night she went missing that would have washed away her scent trail). I'm in two minds about leaving something that smells of me. She seems to have totally forgotten us so I dont want to spook her even more. Its so difficult to know the best thing to do.

I hope your cat is back safe and sound!

Have you had any luck?

Have you had any luck?

I hope she is home or at least close to home.

My cat came home on day , he's been through the wars a bit but is on the mend now. I wish the same for you and your girl