29/01/2023
Shared from Community Cat Coalition:
Preparing to Lose Your Indoor Cat
I lost my cat Zane once, he was gone for 90 seconds. That was the time it took me to run to the kitchen and retrieve a can of food. Back at the front door, I opened the can, tapped the lid on the edge and laughed with relief as a gray streak rushed out from under some shrubs and made a beeline for the can. Oh that all cats would be so easy! The reality is that many indoor-only cats get outside and a large number are never found. Cats escape from faulty carriers during moves or trips to the vet. They dash outdoors when visitors come, fall through window screens while bird watching or let themselves out when a maintenance man leaves the door open. All this got me to thinking. Parents enroll their kids in swimming lessons to prevent drowning. They teach them to avoid strangers and to look both ways when they cross the street. But what do we do to prepare our indoor-only cats for an unexpected adventure in the outdoor world? We don't. They are safely indoors and we intend to keep it that way! So, I'm going to share a few tips that will help your indoor-only cat make it back home safely.
The first thing you need to know is that most cats go into survival mode when they find themselves in strange environments. What do they do? They find the closest hiding spot and hunker down to hide. Once concealed, they often stay put for days or even weeks. They instinctively know that dangers exist, and keeping hidden is their best defense. So, what can the owner of an indoor-only cat do to increase their chances of getting him back?
1- Teach your cat to recognize and come to food or treat sounds. When in hiding mode, most cats will stay put when their owners call. But they will sometimes come to the crinkly sound of a treat bag or the sound of an opening can. And many will come to familiar "sweet talk" or other sounds you use when feeding them or cuddling. Your spouse may look at you funny, but by making the same sounds every time you feed, you are training your cat to recognize and respond to that sound.
2- Build a catio or enclosure or screen in a deck area. This is a great way to introduce your cat to the outdoors while protecting them from predators, cars and cat-hating neighbors. When a cat knows his yard, he isn't as likely to panic and disappear and he will have some street smarts to help him survive if he is lost outside. If a cat escapes outside, open the catio door or create an opening so they can re-enter on their own.
3- If you have a potential door dasher who doesn't know the world outside the door, put a hiding spot or two right near the exit of your door. A deck chair with a dark underside or table with a cover make nice hiding spots. Most cats will go for the first cover they see so having someplace handy to hide may make them easier to find. Just be sure to take your time moving towards them so you don't spook them farther away. Unfortunately, if you have a chronic door dasher, this will only work the first few times.
4- Don't stop looking! The single biggest risk factor for a cat not getting back home is their owner losing hope and giving up. Many indoor only cats remain invisible for a long time. We know people who have given up after weeks of looking, only to find out that their cat was within 30 feet of their house the entire time. Setting traps right away and passing out flyers is critical, but not giving up is the most important thing of all!
Of course prevention is always best, so here are a few more tips.
-To reduce the risk of door dashing, never greet your indoor cat at the door. Instead, designate an official greeting place a few feet away from the door. Cats will quickly learn that this is the place to get attention and treats.
-Keep a can of rocks or pennies by the door and shake them when the cat approaches. Most cats dislike the sound and will come to associate the opening door with that annoying sound.
-Buy a cat deterrent to put by your door. Motion sensitive sound devices and electronic pads can teach cats to stay away from the door area.
-Keep cats in carriers when traveling in a car and triple check the carrier to make sure the door is latched.
-If you are expecting visitors or are planning to have work done on your home, consider locking your cat in a bedroom with her favorite treats, toys and bed.
-Make sure your cat is microchipped. Rescues, humane societies and shelters often provide inexpensive microchipping.
-Finally, we recommend making up lost pet flyers before you lose your cat. Trust me, if your cat is lost, you will want to be out looking for him, not sitting in front of a computer trying to put together a flyer.
