You are here:

Cats/lost cat

Advertisement

Expert: - 7/12/2007


Question
Karen,

I'm desperate for help. My 10 year old neutered cat knocked out a screen and got out a window a week ago today. We've only spotted him 3 times since then. There are many stray and feral cats in the neighborhood. My cat has tried to come to the front door and was attacked by these cats. Since the attack, he has not returned and the strays have begun spraying the porch and bushes around the house to mark their territory.

We have set Havahart traps, but caught neither the strays or our cat.

What can I do to run off these strays long enough to get my cat back home? Is it possible that he won't return now. We're devasted by the thought that we'll never see our cat again.
Any suggestions?

Answer
Hi Renee,

I know how you must feel. I had a cat who got away when i moved. I was able to get her back after a few days but I know what that feeling is like. The best advice I can give you is to go to all expert Debbie C. She is the expert on getting back your cat. I followed her suggestions and got mine back. She is on vacation now but left some advice in her profile section. I would then read past questions and answers from her file. Use the advice she gives out. It works. Good luck and let me know if you get your little one back.

Ciao, Karen

Cats

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.