Will putting my cats litter box outside for lost cat?
Don’t put the litter box near the point of escape for a lost indoor-only cat. Only put out the litter box in an enclosed area such as a garage, shed or basement where it is less likely to attract predators. Don’t ever put out litter for an outdoor-access cat missing from their home. It just doesn’t make sense.
What should I put outside for my lost cat?
Leave the garage, or another door cracked open – cats like to sneak inside. Put your cat’s favorite bed, blanket or scratcher outside – the scent will attract them. Put some special food out, like tuna or sardines. The smellier the better!
How do you find a missing cat?
Top tips for finding a missing cat
- Search thoroughly around your property, inside as well as outside.
- Ask neighbors for permission to search their property and try to expand your search three to five houses in either direction.
- Repeat your search and recheck the same spots.
How do I find an escaped indoor cat?
Bring along a recent photo of your cat and ask neighbors if they’ve seen him or her. Check under porches and shrubs and ask neighbors to check in sheds and garages in case your cat was accidently locked in. If you did not see the cat run out then make sure you check all hiding places inside your house.
Do outdoor cats come back home?
Most likely, yes! As long as you introduce your feline to the outside world gradually and in a safe way they should always return home. That isn’t to say the outside world doesn’t have its risks. There is always a chance your cat could get lost, taken in by another person, or get trapped or injured.
Can cats smell their litter box from a mile away?
If your cat is missing, you probably heard that you should put out their cat litter box or spread dirty litter around your yard to help them find their way home. You may have even heard that your cat can smell their dirty litter a mile away. Unfortunately, there is no evidence that a cat can smell their litter box from that far away.
Does cat litter really work to find a lost cat?
You may have found examples of people swearing that dirty cat litter really works. However, in many cases, lost cats return home on their own for other reasons, and the presence of cat litter is likely just a coincidence. In some cases cat litter is more likely to reduce the chance of finding your lost cat.
Why is the kitty litter method not recommended for indoor cats?
The first reason we don’t recommend the kitty litter method is that the urine/feces scent could attract aggressive cats into the yard where a missing cat could be hiding. Cats are territorial and when an indoor-only cat escapes outdoors, that cat is often hiding within the territory of another (outside) neighborhood cat.
What to do if you find a lost indoor only cat?
Keep it in a litter box or bowl. Don’t put the litter box near the point of escape for a lost indoor-only cat. This is the location that your cat is most likely to return to on their own. Don’t risk attracting other cats that might scare your cat away.