Distraught -- Maggie missing

kristinlowman

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Infrequent poster, but long-time reader of the forum.

Just had to share my anguish that one of my beloved cats, Maggie, got out of the house this morning. We have 4 indoor cats. Somehow, the screen fell out of a window, and she got out!
We did not notice the missing window or that she was missing right away, so who knows how far she has gone. We have a large yard and a forest preserve behind us, so we have no idea where she went. We set out food and her bed. We called animal control, the microchipping company, and our vet. We are going to take another walk around the area and hand out flyers to our neighbors. Any other ideas?

She is a VERY skittish cat, so we think/hope she is hiding somewhere nearby. Please pray she will make her way back home! I am very distraught!!
 

gingersmom

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I would bet a million dollars that she is VERY close to the house, but hiding because she is scared. Calling to her won't do much good.

There is a website that I found GREAT info on when my Ginger fell out a screen and was "lost" for 10 hours. She later came in through a window I left open for her (because she was my only cat at the time) because I was sitting in front of it, talking on the phone, and she came to the calm sound of my voice.

That website is: http://www.lost-pets.org/

Good luck finding your Maggie!!!
 

ktlynn

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Originally Posted by GingersMom

I would bet a million dollars that she is VERY close to the house, but hiding because she is scared. Calling to her won't do much good.


Most indoor-only cats do stay close to home once they get out, and they typically do not come to you when you call. Don't be surprised if you see her and she runs away from you.

There's another very helpful site to look at: www.catsinthebag.org
You're off to the right start by putting out food and familiar items immediately.

You'll need to get a humane trap to help get Maggie home. Call shelters and the vet's office to see if they have one to lend you. There's lots of detailed info on the website I mentioned to explain how to use it.

Best of luck that you get Maggie home soon. Please keep us updated.
 

lisar

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The technique of sitting down with a bowl of food at like 3am is actually a very good technique. You can use normal trapping techniques to, KFC etc... if you think she is very close to your house. Depends on her personality but she most likely very close but hiding under the house or something like that.

Tuna warmed up to smell (10 seconds in most microwaves, remember to remove from can first) will get a cat out of hiding, so will KFC, treats, bento flakes... etc. Think like a hungry cat... what will get you out of that hidey spot?

Hope she comes back soon.
 

krz

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My daughter's cat got out accidentally one late evening. We searched all over all day long, calling to him. Nothing. At night, we went out with flashlights, low to the ground. We found him, still very close to her house, and we had looked there and called to him in the afternoon.


We saw his eyes and she just gently walked over to him, speaking in a very quiet calm voice, and just reached down and grabbed him.

I will pray Maggie is home safe and sound very soon. I bet she is close by, just scared.
 

maxiecat03

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I also feel very strongly that Maggie is not far away. My Cameo jumped through a screened window in the back door...and it was gone about an hour before we noticed. We were distraught as well. This was his second 'escape'. He's an indoor cat, too.

Well....we walked out front looking...from previous experience we knew he wouldn't answer....so we came back in. I just sat at the back window and looked out...staring at nothing really.....but wishing him to be somewhere.

Lo and behold...I see a cat near the back and side of the garage. Cameo is a fawn colour.....so is easily visible at night. I put the flashlight on him and saw his shiny eyes. By the time I went out the back door and around to the side, he was gone,of course....so I came back to my place of vigil. Sure enough.....about 20 minutes later....guess who's peeking out the front of the garage door..(don't ask, you have to see this garage
)...so I watched for a bit...and thought he was going to come out...but he kept pulling his head back in...like a turtle. I got his treats, the flashlight...and very quietly and slowly went outside, down the steps...and kept talking to him....just Like I would in the house. I shook the treat jar..stopped..knelt down...talked to him....etc...finally got close enough..and got him interested in the treats....and picked him up. It took about an hour.....but was very happy....I was so afraid he'd retreat into the back of the garage....I think he was afraid...but my calm voice and treat noises kept him interested. He didn't resist 'arrest' LOL !!!

Good luck in finding Maggie....I'm positive she's not far away. Keep us posted. Here's some hugs for you
 
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kristinlowman

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Thank you so much for all your advice and support! I am happy to say, Maggie is home. I've only ever had indoor cats and never had one escape (my worst fear!), so I immediately thought the worst, that we would never see her again!

My husband was walking by the back woods, and heard her meowing/crying! He suggested I sit and wait with some food and call for her, but I was so afraid to lose her again, that I went after her. She is a terribly skittish cat though who has never let us pick her up, so it was quite an ordeal to capture her! She let me get close enough to pet her, but then when I tried to grab her with towel, she went running. My husband and I spent literally an hour following her through the thick woods and up the mountain that is behind our house. We were all exhausted, but finally we cornered her in tree stump and were able to put her in the cat carrier. I feel really bad that we may have traumatized her with the chase...maybe I should have been more patient and let her come to us?? But she is back home and seems to be back to normal.

So happy she is home!


P.S. This is an older picture..I won't be opening the windows this wide again for fear of another screen popping out!
 

krz

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I am so happy that Maggie is home!!


Don't feel badly about the way that you caught her, too many bad things could have happened to her and she will forget it. She sure is a beauty.

I am sure she loves to sit by the window, maybe you can buy some screen guards that will keep the screen in place. I use them just to ensure my cats are safe inside.

This was good news to hear tonight!!
 

blueyedgirl5946

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I think I am in love. Maggie is a beautiful girl. I am so glad she is home. I am sure she will forgive you for chasing her.
 

ktlynn

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This is wonderful news!!! I am so happy for you and Maggie!


As KRZ said, don't worry about how you caught her, even though it scared her. The important thing is that she's safe at home now.
Once Maggie has calmed down, check her carefully for any injuries or wounds. Chances are she won't have any, but do it just to be sure.

Thanks for the picture - Maggie is a beautiful girl; so glad she's home!
 
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