Expert: DebbieC - 4/14/2007

Question
Hello... My 7/8 month neutered kitten went missing and has been gone for more than a day now. he usually plays with the other cats in the neighborhood during the evenings, then returns home. Last night he didn't come home. I have been told that they can still roam when neutered... Is this possible? How far could he have gone?

Kind Regards  

Answer
Hi Amy,  yes even neutered cats will roam.  Most likely if your cat was mostly an indoor cat, it won't go more than 1/2 mile!  Even indoor/outdoor cats like to stay close to their territory (within less than 2 miles).  

First put fresh water and food out your door every night just before sunset.  If you have a garage with a door, crack the door a little so if needed, the cat can get into the garage.

Also if you don't see your cat within a week (post lost ads at the shelters, Animal Humane, and your local vets around your home), ask at the shelter if they lend out cat traps.  If your kitten isn't home in a week, we'll need to begin trapping mode.  

This usually means keeping up with the same food and water nightly you'll put down outside, only put the trap NEXT to it - it will become part of the "landscape" outside and not scare anyone away.  Also put out stinky cat foods, like human Tuna in oil, Jack Mackerl, Chunk canned chicken (human kind).  Lost, strays and feral cats tend to come out to look for food just after sunset and roam until about dawn.

If you kitten is lost, you may not see it for a few weeks as it could be in hiding mode.  But, look under anything and everything in your yard (a pipe 6" or bigger cats can get into), and also do the same at your neighbors 5 houses on both sides and across from you.  This is the best starting point the soonest!

Please let me know if you find her, or someone has seen her.  If not, keep putting fresh food and water out until you can borrow a trap from the local shelter or pet food store.

Looking forward to hearing your kitten is HOME with you safe soon!

Thanks,
Debbie