help !! new rescue cats are hiding under floorboards

Hi a few days ago I adopted two twin kittens/cats jut under a year old they were raised in a cattery at the rescue centre and never been in a house before. When I first got them home they adapted well, they hid for a couple of hours but came out to eat and use litter tray and afer a few more hours they were playing with toys I got them , especially liking the wand toys and after playing settled on the sofa next to me and all went great carrying on from that in the days that followed so much so I let them go into the passage and they bedroom last night. They happily played but when I woke up I couldn't find them and noticed there was a hole in floorboards undet my stairs and think they must have gone in their, I have left food and treats near hole to try encourasge them up. I'm really worried as they have collars on but. Not. Heard their bells. Do I need to call some one or will they come out when ready ?

Are they breakaway collars? Will they come off if they get hung up on something? If they're breakaway collars, the collars may no longer be on them.

It's been the better part of a day now - anything????? :cross:

Any idea where they can get to from that hole? Could they have gotten outside the house?

I'm so sorry they disappeared. Unfortunately, not knowing your home.... it could be anywhere. Hiding up under a sofa. In the springs of a mattress. Down under the floor, apparently.

Is there anyone else living with you? Could someone have accidentally left them out?

Are you in a rural area, or does it make sense to leave some cat food outside?


The first thing to do is to search your home:

http://www.catsinthebag.org/

If you're almost certain they're not inside, then you need to determine if they could have gained outside access from that hole (if they haven't turned up yet).

http://www.petfinder.com/cats/lost-and-found-cats/tips-for-finding-lost-cats/

http://www.missingpetpartnership.org/recovery-lostcat.php

http://www.treehouseanimals.org/site/PageServer?pagename=caring_ccg_find_lost_cat


The food may lure them out at night if they could not have gained outside access.


If it doesn't.... and you're sure they're under there somewhere, you'll need to call someone.

In the meantime, you may want to go through the rest of your home to ensure it's kitty proof. Think... behind the washer or dryer, stove, sometimes there are access points to the walls behind sinks, etc.

EreHi yeah they are break away collars so its possible that they have come off so I can't hear them. I thought I heard bells earlier but there hasn't been any food eaten or the litter tray hasn't been used, I phoned rspca earlier to get adivice and if I can prove they are under the house they would come out but I'm really not sure their isn't any holes on the outside of the but I'm in a semi detached house so dunno if they could be under neighbours house I guess I'll ask them tomorrow morning if they haven't turned up. I live in the house by myself, the last time I saw them they were playing in my room but I heard a band then silence after that but didn't think check then but when I got up noticed they had moved things in the hall.
I live in a village its quiet rural its worth leaving abit of food out the front of the house but I know they haven't been in the back garden as I've got patio doors so can see everything there and I've only been out a hour today.
Thanks for all the links and advice hope they turn up during the night and I'll check everything is kitty proof and when they are out I'll find something to block the hole up for future

Oh that's great the RSPCA will come out if you need them.

I'd search the house from top to bottom - read through the links for ideas on where to look. If you're sure they're not somewhere else in the house, I'd call the RSPCA tomorrow if they haven't shown up tonight. They'll be OK one night without food if they don't come up to eat. :heart2:

Please keep us posted!

Hi good news sort of I got up this morning and the food I left out was gone so they are not trapped. This moring I put a tunnel from hole to a den I made for them I put a cushion and blankets that smells like them and food by and a blanket over den with a gap/door for them to get in so I'm hoping when I get in tonight they are hiding in their new den. Fingers crossed

:cross: I wonder if they're even down the hole? :dk: But at least you know they're ok! Vibes this works!

If this doesn't, you may need a live trap to catch them so you can fix that hole. Seems like the RSPCA would help with that.

I know now that they are definetly down the hole as I had all the doors shut in the house so there was only the stairs and hall and only the hole and the den I made. They have lost their collars as I was in siting room about a meter from the door to the hall and heard nothing but just checked hall and the food has now gone, I think your right I'm going to have to use a live trap. Least I know theyre alive but I'm so worried

I know, it's impossible not to worry. :heart2:

I hope you're able to trap them without any trouble!!! Poor little dears. They probably feel safe in the enclosed space. I guess they just weren't ready for so much freedom yet! :rub:

Just after I put that message up they came out the hole and put there heads round the door and probably could of got them if I had food out in the sitting room but I didnt so they went back in the hole before I could catch them but when I got in earlier one ran down stairs into the whole but caught one of them I'm hoping he will miss his brother and be easier to catch. So I can cover this hole up and help them feel safe again

GREAT JOB! :bigthumb: Many vibes you're successful!

Aw thanks so much feeling more possitive that I'll catch little mr soon

Any luck? :cross:

Yeah patience was they key, after a failed attempt to get them last (they got out he door faster then I could shut it) they came out the hole about an hour ago one walked into room I was in but I didn't try get him I waited till they went upstairs to eat (put bowls of food and water up there) when I was sure they they had started eating u crept into hall and filled the hole up with a blanket tempererly and got them back into there safe room thankfully both are ok as they have been eating and drinking at night. They acctuaully seemed quiet happy to see me purring and taking treats off me, they approach me if I sit down just get scared if I stand up but main thing is they are out safe and te hole is blocked up so we can continue to build up a bond, thanks to your help will advice and link ect I've cat proofed everything so no nasty disapearing again

Oh that's wonderful!

Enough excitement for now, right?

Happy bonding! :rub:

Yeah way to much exitement. ive got a feeling these two beauties are going to keep me on my toes, I wouldn't have it any other way though :-)

Major set back with the cats I had to catch them to get the checked out by vets. Got them home and they have gone back to hiding and been realy nervous. Feel so awful dunno what to do :-(

They will get over it in a day or two. My two domestic cats who are 13 and 14 years old that I've raised since they were 6 weeks old still run and hide underneath my bed for hours after getting back from the vet. I've found that set backs even with ferals can last a few days and may take as long as a week for things to get back to normal, but they always do. They understand that you are their caretaker and will forgive you for this experience. Try giving them a special treat today--some tuna or chicken breast--they will soon forget the scare of the day.    

Thanks I hope they do. I spose been in a house is new to them as they grew up in a rescue. have some chicken breast I'll take them some for them later. Nice to be rasured thery will come round

How are they doing? :rub:

Hi they are doing well. They love to chase any kind of dangly toy and love eating even treats out my hand. They are still in my spare room as to made a mistake and picked them up to take them to the vet now the shyer kitten doesn't fully trust me. I spend about. 5 hours a day in the room playing and talking to them and providing food. There us cat trees, beds and toys in this room and they love it. I'll post some pictures soon