When you "lose" your cat, she is not really lost

My cat Maverick was missing for two weeks, and I found him. He got out again, and I found him again.

Cats tend to claim a territory very near the location where they escaped our homes. They gradually return to a feral state, so they may take awhile to recognize your voice, when you call them.

They usually claim a territory within 3-5 blocks, although experienced cats who have been outside a lot may have a 10-block radius territory.

Take your cat's favorite canned food with you and walk around the neighborhood calling him or her. Don't give up. It may take a few days to find him. Maverick was living in the sewer right outside our apartment building on Sierra Madre Bl. the entire time. I kept calling him, "Kitty! Kitty!" I went out several times a day. They neighbors all knew me, and knew how much I loved my wonderful friend. Some of them talked to me about my search.

Then, one day, I saw him. He was across the street, so I went across. The traffic confused him, so I kept saying, "Kitty. Hi, Kitty," and patiently waited until he calmed down. I opened the can. When he heard the "scht" sound of the can opening, he came to me. I fed him some. Then, I carried him under the arms with his legs dangling, to our little home. He was such a huge cat that I could barely lift him, but we got home safely.

Our cats are not really lost, just displaced. Don't be discouraged. Go out and get your darling kitty!

See me walking my other cat, Sylvester, on a leash on You Tube.