My friend was taking care of my cats so I could go on a much-anticipated holiday, but she contacted me a few days after I left to tell me she left the window open, and Zhu Zhu slipped out! Well, I hurried back home as soon as I could, but it still took 36 hours for me to get back. It's now been five days, and no sign of her, only one spotting by a neighbor the day she got out. I have posted signs around my neighborhood, talked with residents and walk around every morning and late at night, calling her name and shaking a bag of cat food. Nothing.
I have been looking at various lost cat websites for help, but they may not be applicable in my situation. I live in a fourth-story apartment (still haven't worked out how she got down) so there isn't much hope she will find her way back. I put dirty clothes around the entrance just in case. She is microchipped, but here is the thing...I live in Beijing. Not much in the way of animal control here, but I wouldn't like that anyway, as I don't think they check for microchips. There are so many small alleys (with thousands of hiding spots) or really tall high rises. Also, each high rise has a courtyard with roughly six or seven strays that the local women feed, so I have been in contact with these women, and tell them to notify me if any kitty resembling Zhu Zhu shows up. Nothing so far.
I know this is an essay, but I am so upset. I keep having dreams that I found her, only to wake up and realize she is still missing. My remaining cat is also pretty upset, and cries a lot (as do I)
But I don't want to give up, even though it is so soul-destroying to go out every day, with nothing, not even a sighting, to keep my hopes up. I know it has been only four or five days, so it is far too early to give up anyway. But questions for those with experience--would a humane trap work in an area with at least three dozen strays in the area? Also, I read that she should be close, but is it possible these strays chased her off? And also, she is an indoor-only cat that is extremely bold around people and other animals, so I think she would answer if called--does that mean I should get on my bike and look further afield?
Sorry for the essay, I am just so sad and want her back badly, and needing a few ideas to keep my spirits up and hope alive. I have read so many lost cat search tips, but they probably assume a situation that is far from Beijing...one without a zillion stray cats in the area (though I suppose this means plenty of food is available to her) and large backyards and garages that don't exist here....any ideas?
I have been looking at various lost cat websites for help, but they may not be applicable in my situation. I live in a fourth-story apartment (still haven't worked out how she got down) so there isn't much hope she will find her way back. I put dirty clothes around the entrance just in case. She is microchipped, but here is the thing...I live in Beijing. Not much in the way of animal control here, but I wouldn't like that anyway, as I don't think they check for microchips. There are so many small alleys (with thousands of hiding spots) or really tall high rises. Also, each high rise has a courtyard with roughly six or seven strays that the local women feed, so I have been in contact with these women, and tell them to notify me if any kitty resembling Zhu Zhu shows up. Nothing so far.
I know this is an essay, but I am so upset. I keep having dreams that I found her, only to wake up and realize she is still missing. My remaining cat is also pretty upset, and cries a lot (as do I)
But I don't want to give up, even though it is so soul-destroying to go out every day, with nothing, not even a sighting, to keep my hopes up. I know it has been only four or five days, so it is far too early to give up anyway. But questions for those with experience--would a humane trap work in an area with at least three dozen strays in the area? Also, I read that she should be close, but is it possible these strays chased her off? And also, she is an indoor-only cat that is extremely bold around people and other animals, so I think she would answer if called--does that mean I should get on my bike and look further afield?
Sorry for the essay, I am just so sad and want her back badly, and needing a few ideas to keep my spirits up and hope alive. I have read so many lost cat search tips, but they probably assume a situation that is far from Beijing...one without a zillion stray cats in the area (though I suppose this means plenty of food is available to her) and large backyards and garages that don't exist here....any ideas?
