Expert: Jessica - 8/5/2010

Question
I have cats in my apartment. neither of my cats show head around anywhere. They like to hide under the couches under the table and under my bed. where do you think they are?

Answer
Hi Dalton,

If it's impossible that they have escaped through an open window or snuck out the door when someone was coming or going, I would check inside the lining of your couches and the box-spring of your bed.  Cats are notorious for tearing holes in these thin linings and climbing inside.  Also, check behind any entertainment centers you might have, and underneath dressers that might seem too low for the cats to fit under.  They can squeeze underneath furniture that is only 3 inches off the ground if they try.  Sock drawers and closets are also favorite hiding spots for cats to get trapped in if they get left open.  Search the apartment through and through for holes or open vents in the wall and ceiling.  Many a cat have climbed into a tiny hole in the wall or ceiling and required rescue.  

Leave a tasty, aromatic food out for them, such as some tuna fish or a fishy flavor of Fancy Feast.  If the food isn't touched within a couple hours, discard it and try again in a few hours.  If the food still isn't touched, I would notify your local animal shelter that the cats seem to be missing, just in case they have slipped outside somehow.

Good luck!

Jessica