Buster

My cat escaped from the front of the house and not at all familiar with this side of the house.  Buster is very familiar with the backyard but I can see the exploratory side to him. We have fences that join row houses that he loves to climb and then when has had enough he then returns and hangs around in the backyard or will go inside..weather permitting.  He is 5 years old...and I have had him since 6 weeks old.  I have another cat at home that is quite content to stay inside and in the backyard if weather is just right.  The day (morning of) Buster went missing, that night was thunderous weather and it was Victoria Day.  I believe he just hid somewhere from fright and maybe got disoriented.

I have been getting a lot of response to posters I put up in my neighborhood. A lot of false alarms.  3 different individuals have seen him at top of my street in a parkette that very much sound like Buster,  problem is, always kids around...when is the best time of day I should try.  I don't know if he is catching food or has gone without food.  I have tried calling, putting out food (tuna and his dry food) and no luck yet.  I learned from a neighbor she saw him walking along the fence like he would...why did he not come int? Is it possible my other cat hissed after 1 week apart?  If so, will he not try again?  Does he feel dejected.  Please help!  I am so sad & scared for him.  There has been rain after rain and heat and very cold temperatures at night.  I just want him home.  What more can I do...please advise me.

Patty

Cats who are lost can feel dejected but NOT because of you or feelings they possess toward you!! They are totally disoriented, particularly a Kitty who has rarely been outside. Also indoor only cats are different from outdoor kitties in how they behave when lost. The web site pet detective outlines this much better than Ivan here. Also catinsbag or catsinabag (unsure if it is. Org or. Com but google it and they shd both show up.

Most lost cats are scared em eleven if you -of people they know and love!! I know this founds megashana as we say in Yiddish (ie crazy) but it is alas true. They hide from those trying to help them! I would place as many posterd and i would call EVERY rescue group in the area starting with the pound because they give such few days to owners. Call your neighbours, call your cat. Is he chipped and does he have a name tag? Some pet detectives do grids and most often, cats and kittens are found close to their home whether in hiding across the street or under your own home!! Domestic cats have few resources to work with especially if they have never bad to fend for themselves. If they do fall in with a clowder

(Part 2 -sorry I replied and had difficulty with editing) .

I mean they have great difficulties surviving on their own and competing for food with other feral cats and if Buster has always lived with you, he needs tobbe found asap. He will still be skittish though and often, s cat friendly trap with his favourite food -even if it is the dreaded tuna (not good for cats due to high mercury content!) - you can "catch " him that way.

Www.catsinthebag.org
http://www.pet-detective.com/

Thank you so much for this info and I will go on that website you suggested for more answers.  I am sooooooooo  sad right now.  I know where he is (the general area) but what would be the best time of day to incise him with his favorite; tuna.  I understand at night they hunt or stay awake to be predator alert and sleep through the day?  Most sightings have been 10:00-11:00 am and approx 7:00 in the evening....but in the evening, his hangout is by a kids playground and kids are playing till approximately 8:00.  I hope 8:-00 is not too late.  

He was so close to home, why do you figure he did not come through an open patio door (other cat Boots on the other side of it) do you think hissing happened?  Will he try again...we live so close to the park, it is literally a stone-throw away.  What are my chances he will come on his own.  I now have the other cat on a separate floor, do you think this will work?  Please help.....

So sorry your Buster is missing. Check out the sticky at the top of the S.O.S. forum Tips for finding a lost cat.

Nighttime is actually a good time to go looking. You can take a flashlight and shine it under bushes and into small spaces. The cat's reflect the light and make them easier to than during the day when they might be camouflaged.

for Buster.

Welcome, Patty. I will hope and pray that your Buster finds his way back home soon. Don't give up hope!! I am sure he knows his territory since he is used to already going out back. It is possible that your other cat is hissing at him so good idea to put your other cat on another floor. Buster probably smells off to Boots and he doesn't recognize him. Mega, mega vibes that Buster will return safely to you. At least you know he is around. :nod: