Kitty Problem-Please Advise!

haggartc · July 2009

My FI and I are staying with friends who have two cats. The friends are away for the weekend so we're just keeping an eye on the cats to make sure they have water, etc. We're not cat people (I'm allergic, FI is a dog person) so we haven't interacted with the cats too much other than to scold them for being in our room. One of the cats slipped out the door and outside. We chased it from deck to deck trying to coax it to come out with kitty food, and its toys and treats. At one point a neighbor tried to help us and it ran away for good and is now nowhere to be found. And it just went full dark.Right now, we have both the front door and the door to the deck open, with my friends shirt at the deck door. We're hoping it will decide to come back. The other cat is in the basement with the litter box so he doesn't run away either.Any advice you can think of that may help to coax it back inside?

Brie2010 · July 2009

Leave out very smelly wet cat food. Call your local animal control. It's not their job, but sometimes if you explain nicely they will come help you find it.Call your friends and explain what happened. If this happened to my cats, I'd want to know, even though I'd be piissed. Also, they might know something you don't--my aunt's cat "slips" out the door regularly, and reappears a few hours later at the back door every time feeling very smug.And please don't punish the cats by sticking them in the basement.

111Kate111 · July 2009

OMG are they outside or indoor cats?? I would totally freak if one of my cats got out and ran away while in the care of someone else, not going to lie- my cat was like my child. My cat never went outside so I don't know how to help. I really think you need to call your friends ASAP- that is not something they are going to want to come home to find. Especially if they are close to the cats. In he meantime- can you start patrolling the neighborhood with flashlights?? I hope the cat comes home soon! Good luck

aMrsin09 · July 2009

Have you tried putting an opened can of tuna just inside the open deck door. far enough in that the cat has to be inside inorder to eat it.

111Kate111 · July 2009

does the cat like tuna? Mine did- maybe put some open cans of tuna by the doors??

Junebug060609 · July 2009

I agree with the putting out food idea and with calling your friends. I'd also suggest putting food/water down with the other cat...and interacting with the cats some.

notquiteblushing · July 2009

I'd be out there all night callling his/her name. If it's an indoor cat he's probably holed up and scared somewhere.

haggartc · July 2009

Thanks for the advice...unfortunately, our friends are camping at Pennsic, so I don't think they're going to get a message until late tonight, although I am going to call and let them know what is going on.I feel terrible....I know how much they love the cats and I'm not quite sure what the reaction is going to be.I would let the other cat out, but he will take off through the open doors and I'm more concerned with getting Remus back in than Leonard being annoyed. The basement is finished and they have toys, so he should be okay.