Jet is AWOL

[andrew021]

Let Jet out at 2.00 am today. She was crying looking out. So unlike her as she normally sleeps through the nite. Thought she wanted to go to toilet as I heard her at her litter tray.

She has not returned. I was looking outside for her at 3.00 am and saw a fox in the street, dont know if it has spooked her or taken her. jet is a big cat so wouldnt expect a fox could handle her.

Phoned Cat Protection League to report her missing and have made flyers to put through neighbours letter boxes asking them to check sheds and garages in case she is trapped somewhere.

I have been told I am over-reacting as it is early days but it is so unlike her to venture far, especially at nite. I searched the area this morning but no sign of her.

Any ideas what i should do next.

[Elaine]

Here are a few things to try:

1. Posters, Posters, Posters with picture and details with contact number.....hand out to neighbours and anyone you see. Put up in local shops, pubs and supermarkets. Stick to all local lamp posts. (If it rains go and collect them and replace however it's best to put posters in plastic wallets so if it rains they don't go all soggy - the neighbours and council don’t mind you putting them up so much that way). Also put one in your and friends cars - it amazing how many people see them this way. Make smaller flyers and push through every letterbox on your streets and the surrounding area. It is a good idea to offer a reward … of course this doesn’t have to be money … a box of cho-colates or a bunch of flowers is just as good.

2. Knock on doors and ask neighbours to check their sheds and garages WHILE YOU WAIT … it's surprising how many people say they will check but as soon as the door is closed they forget. Knock on 10 doors either side of your house on both sides of the street.

3. Register him lost at all vets/catteries/rescue homes within a 20mile radius. Follow the link and click on the map to find rescues in your area http://www.[Sys edit: Links to pet forums not allowed]/adoption/index.html

4. Leave food out and a toy of his

5. Leave out an unwashed item of your clothing

6. Put the contents of your hoover bag on your garden - it’s full of smells that they will recognise and if doesn’t bring him directly to your door will at least hopefully keep him in the area. Alternatively if you have a litter tray that has used put some of the used litter on the garden as this will have familiar smells in it.

7. Contact the local fire brigade and see if they have had to rescue any stuck cats

8. Ask the local children to look - they are great for knowing all the local hidey-holes and love helping. Also have a word with your local post-person and milk man if there is one that delivers in your area. Also try and enlist the help of people walking dogs as they tend to go “off road” in the fields and parks.

9. Ask the local radio station to announce he’s missing and give out a contact number

10. Put an advert in the local paper

11. Contact your local environmental services dept (bin men) they keep a log of all animals picked on the roadside ... I know this is not a pleasant call to make and hopefully it will come back as negative.

12. Go out after dark when it is quieter with a friend / partner and walk round the local area gently calling every so often (give him a chance to answer you). Keep talking as you walk round that way if he is in the area he will hear you.

13. When you talk to vets and rescues, ask them about any known local feral colonies and where they are based. If Kitty has been missing for more than a few days s/he might have wandered further afield and might be “hanging round” near a colony for security (safety in numbers) and company. If vets/rescues know locations of colonies, these might be useful to get some ideas of where to start looking.

Finally have a look at these sites - they are all EXCELLENT

http://www.mymoggy.com/ contact Sue at mymoggy.

http://nationalpetregister.org

http://www.soyouhavelostyourcat.co.uk/#1

http://www.petsearchuk.org.uk/

http://www.amissingpet.co.uk/

http://www.animalsearchuk.com/

http://pet-rescue.org.uk/forums/index.php?showforum=308

http://www.lostmycat.org/index.php

http://www.animalrescuers.co.uk/html/lostfound.html


Good luck and stay positive.

Hopefully your little one has just got itself shut in a shed somewhere.


And finally ……. IMPORTANT NOTE: When you get your furbabe back remember to remove ALL the posters and inform all vets / rescues / websites etc that they are home.

[andrew021]

Thanks for the very good advice. Have my flyers made up ready for posting to the neighbours letter boxes.

Am just so worried in case something has happened to her.

[alexgirl73]

I'm sure she'll stroll in soon oblivious to all the fuss she has caused. Sending ((hugs)) to you. Keep us updated please.

[Elaine]

I do hope nothing has happened to her but please stay possitive. Its not unusual for a cat to have gotten a scare and be lying low somewhere near by.
Keep going out and calling her, maybe even take a box of cat buscuits with you to gently shake, if she is food motivated, it may just bring her out of hiding or she may call out to you if she hears her name being called but cannot reach you.
Hope she comes home very very soon xxx

[yola]

Andrew - I can't add to anything Elaine has listed as she'd kind of covered every possible angle . However, try to remain positive - Jet probably did get spooked and is lying low somewhere.

I will be thinking of you and her and hoping you've both reunited really, really soon.

[andrew021]

Just received the news from neighbour that Jet has returned home and is safely indoors.

Am so relieved and she is grounded for a week.

Thanks for the support.

Will leave work shortly and give her a big hug.

[dandysmom]

Thank God she's home and safe!!! How terribly worrying for you, so glad it ended well.

[kado]

That's brilliant news for you. I even panick if i dont see them for more 30mins.

jane

[Mags]

That's wonderful news Andrew and such a relief for you..