All cats have a homing instinct, whether they are indoor, outdoor, or stray cats. However, much like people having a sense of direction, some cats may have stronger instincts than others and be able to follow the trail home more effectively.
If possible, leave a way for your cat to return home, such as an open porch, garage or window, preferably near the point where he got out. Many indoor-only cats will attempt to return home within the first week after escaping, and they will most frequently do so in the middle of the night when no one sees them.
According to the study: 61% of lost cats were found within one year. 34% of lost cats were found (alive, thank goodness) within 7 days. after 90 days, lost cats were less likely to be found alive 😿
In fact, most felines spent an average of 79 percent of their time outdoors within 50 meters of the owners' homes, with only a few of them wandering farther. The scientists GPS-marked almost 100 pets in a small town in Eastern Norway in order to track them while they were outside.
In our experience, it is not unusual for a cat to be MIA for 24 hours at a time. Some cats even disappear for two to three days at a time.
Indoor cats who get outdoors are typically found less than three houses away. Ask friends and neighbors to help with the search, and check under decks and porches, in garages and sheds, and other places where a cat could hide or get trapped.
Renovations, unusual loud noises (hello, new baby!), bringing a new pet home or even just moving your furniture can all potentially stress out your cat. If they can't find somewhere at home to hide away until things settle down, they may run away in an attempt to find some peace and quiet elsewhere.
Here are some reasons why a cat might try to escape: Searching for prey: Cats are natural hunters, so it's not unusual for them to look outside for something to chase. If you have a cat in search of prey, escape attempts could become a common occurrence.
Although the reason why cats are expert explorers is still unknown, it is known that cats have a homing instinct. A homing instinct is an animal's ability to navigate its way home even through unfamiliar territory.
Call your vet's office and tell them your cat is missing so they can keep an eye out for your cat. You should also contact local animal authorities, such as the animal control department and the local shelter.
Cats will miss their owners when they are gone, but the response to a cat missing you may vary. Some kitties may express their sadness through purring, meowing, or following their owner around, while others may show no outward signs of sadness. Here are some common signs your cat missed you: Meowing and Crying.
Cats leave home for many reasons, but they rarely “run away.” In many instances, cats simply get distracted and wander off or manage to find some trouble. Some of the reasons cats wander include: Looking for mates if they haven't been spayed or neutered. Defending their territory from a neighborhood cat.
It's theorized that they can follow their own scent trails all the way back home. Their powerful sense of smell is also why it's recommended to put a lost cat's litter box or favorite blanket outside. Those familiar scents could help them remember where they live.
Some cats that are free to go outside can spend the whole day outside and come back to eat in the evening, others might nap and cuddle inside during the day and go hunting at night. Some adventurous cats can also spend a couple of days outside and come back as if nothing happened.
Cats are often lost, and in 76% of cases, you will find them. If you have a name tag on your cat, there is a very high possibility to find it. Someone will find it and will reach you, but if there is none, it may go to the lost and found department in this case.
If your cat does wander away, you can help him find his way home by putting something outside for him to recognize the scent of. “Since we know cats rely on their sense of smell, we can use this to help them find their way home if they're lost,” Dr.
The study reported that 93% of all lost dogs found their way home, but only 74% of the lost cats were ever found. Of those lucky dogs, 15% were reunited through the use of an ID tag or microchip but only 2% of cats.
Cats can disappear for days at a time and return with no trouble, looking perfectly healthy. While you might be worried, they're likely to stroll in and wonder what all the fuss is about. If they haven't yet returned, give them a few hours before you make a plan of action.
"Just as you would if you were in pain or sad about something, sometimes cats just need time and for someone to love them," she tells Daily Paws. Your cat won't shed a tear over one less treat, but he might cry when he's lonely or mourning a family member.
They are lonely
This is the case for a large number of kitties left alone, whether the separation is just a few hours or even several days. Incredibly social creatures, cats do not like being away from their family – they feel protective over their humans much in the way dogs do.
All in all, even the most aloof and brooding cat will be able to pick up on your warmth and devotion. Whether they choose to admit it or not, they can sense when a person loves them (and hates them). So always make sure you're emitting good, kitty-positive vibes, and your cat will be sure to indulge in the lovefest.
In fact, the Missing Animal Response Network has found that cats will often hide for one or two weeks after becoming displaced from their territory. Yikes! They wait until they're starving before 'breaking cover', which makes things even harder for you. So don't give up.
Cats are territorial. When an outdoor-access cat suddenly vanishes, it means that something has happened to that cat to interrupt its normal behavior of coming home. The disappearance could mean that the cat is injured, trapped, or deceased within its territory.