[Permanent Preservation Edition] My Cat Ran Away! How to Find and Catch a Lost Cat, and How to Prevent Escapes

The number one concern for cat owners living with their beloved feline companions is "escape".

No matter how careful you are, they can sometimes slip out when you're not paying attention.

The thought of your beloved cat getting into danger outside makes you break into a cold sweat.

This time, I'd like to talk about what to do if your beloved cat escapes or gets lost. I'll explain in detail not only how to search and how to catch them, but also measures to prevent escape.

Reasons why indoor cats escape

Today, keeping cats strictly indoors has become standard, and fewer cats are allowed to roam freely between the house and outside.

Many cats don't know the outside world because they don't go for walks like dogs. So why do they escape?

Let's consider the reasons why indoor cats escape.

Reasons cats escape

It's thought that cats want to go outside because there are stimuli that aren't available indoors.

For example...

• They spotted prey like birds or insects outside the window
• They want to patrol their territory
• They are former strays or rescued cats and miss their outdoor life
• They are in heat and looking for a mate (spring to summer)
• They are interested in neighboring stray cats
• They don't get along well with other cats in a multi-cat household

These are some possible reasons.

In addition to a cat's curiosity, they might also escape due to unpredictable reasons such as:

• Being startled by a loud noise
• Windows or walls being broken in an earthquake

Common escape routes for cats

Let's also understand the cat's escape routes – how and from where they might escape.

● Cat Escape Route 1: "Entrance"

The most common escape route is the "entrance". Cats often aim for the moment the door opens when their owner leaves or returns home. Be especially careful when receiving deliveries or guests.

● Cat Escape Route 2: "Window"

Leaving a "window" open without a screen is also a common way for cats to escape. Some cats are even clever enough to open or tear through screens. Don't let your guard down.

● Cat Escape Route 3: "Balcony"

Cats also target the moments when you're hanging or taking in laundry. There have also been cases where cats have escaped by climbing over the railing after being let out onto the balcony for sunbathing.

● Cat Escape Route 4: "Carrier Bag"

Be careful when taking your cat out in a carrier bag for vet visits or grooming. You must also be prepared for the possibility of your cat jumping out of the carrier bag and escaping.

Do cats come back if they escape?

Dogs have a homing instinct and are said to return home even from far away.

Do cats also have a homing instinct? If they do get outside, can they return home safely?

What is the likelihood of a cat returning after escaping?

If a cat is allowed to roam freely, it will usually return home once its outdoor business is done.

However, the probability of a strictly indoor cat, unfamiliar with the outside world, returning home on its own is very low. If they run away in fright, they might get too far from home and lose their way back.

The outside world is full of dangers

For an indoor cat, the outside world is an unknown and potentially dangerous place. It is full of dangers that could be life-threatening. In this sense, the probability of an escaped cat returning home safely is reduced.

● Traffic Accidents

There's a very high chance of getting into a traffic accident. Many accidents occur when a cat, startled by an approaching car, freezes up and is hit.

● Fights

They might get into a fight with stray cats and get injured.

● Infections/Parasites

Contact with stray cats could lead to infections like feline AIDS or viral leukemia, or parasites.

● Unwanted pregnancy

If not spayed or neutered, there's a possibility of pregnancy. This also increases the risk of infection.

● Abuse/Kidnapping

Animal abusers target stray cats. What if a friendly stray cat, accustomed to humans, appears before an animal abuser? Even without malicious intent, there's a chance they could be taken away simply because they're "friendly."

● Accidental Ingestion/Poisoning

If they get hungry, they might eat something terrible. Depending on what it is, it could cause symptoms of poisoning.

"How to search" when a cat escapes

If your beloved cat escapes, you'll probably feel a sense of panic, thinking, "I have to catch them quickly!"

Before you rush out of the house, take a moment to calm down. Remember the following tips on how to search for an escaped cat.

Things to bring when searching for an escaped cat

When going to search for an escaped cat, it's important to prepare the necessary items before you leave.

• Carrier bag
• Their usual food and treats
• Toys
• Bath towel or blanket
• Flashlight
• Photo of your cat

A carrier bag is essential to safely bring your cat home once you find them.

If you have your cat's usual food, treats, or toys, they might lower their guard and come out. Also, having a bath towel or blanket with your cat's scent on it can help you gently capture them.

Ideally, you should also have printed photos of your cat. This allows you to show the photos to neighbors or passersby and ask for information.

Where and how should I search?

It's important to understand your cat's behavior patterns rather than just searching aimlessly. Stay calm and try calling their name in your usual tone.

● First, search within a 50m radius of your home

Cats unfamiliar with the outside world often stay close to home. Start by concentrating your search within a 50-meter radius of your house.

Look in places cats like that are "dark and narrow," such as under cars, in plants, in gaps between buildings, in gutters, under air conditioner outdoor units, behind vending machines, and under park benches. Gradually expand your search area from your home.

● Place "familiar" items around your home

Don't panic if you can't find them right away. Strictly indoor cats rarely go far immediately.

Leave a window or door slightly open so they can return anytime (if there are no other cats living with you). Additionally, placing "food," "treats," or "scented cat litter" around your house might encourage them to make an appearance.

● Spread missing cat information via posters and social media

"Missing cat posters" and "missing cat flyers" for nearby residents are also effective. Utilize free poster-making apps or services and ask as many places as possible, such as vet clinics, to display them. Actively use websites and social media to post information about your missing cat.

● Don't forget to contact the police station, public health center, and animal welfare center

Cats outside are difficult to distinguish from strays at first glance. To prevent them from being euthanized as "owner unknown," make sure to report your missing cat to the local police, public health center, and animal welfare center.

When should I search?

If you don't find your cat immediately after they escape, try searching during the hours from night to morning when cats are most active. Also, if there's a set pattern in their daily life, such as meal times or play times, they might become active during those times.

"How to catch" a cat that has escaped

Even if you find your cat, don't call out loudly or rush towards them.

Cats are on edge and highly wary. Even if it's their beloved owner, they might get startled and run away. First, gently call their name from where you are.

Approach slowly in a low posture

It's tempting to catch them immediately, but try to be patient here. Approach slowly, maintaining a low posture at the cat's eye level so as not to intimidate them.

If you gently extend your hand, they might approach, bringing their nose to your fingertips. If you have their favorite food or treats, quietly place them near the cat.

Observe them from a distance. Once they calm down, wrap them in a bath towel, blanket, or a large laundry net and gently guide them into the carrier bag.

● Be careful of injuries during capture

Attempting to capture them by force can sometimes lead to serious injury, even for the owner. If you have no choice but to forcefully capture them, use a towel or blanket to cover their head for capture, rather than bare hands.

● Using a humane trap is also an option

If you know where your cat is but can't catch them, using a "humane trap" is an option.
You can borrow one from local government offices, public health centers, animal welfare organizations, or veterinary hospitals, but be careful when handling it as it is designed to lure and trap the cat.

Thorough post-capture care is essential

Once safely home, thoroughly check your cat's entire body for any injuries or itching. Gradually give them food and observe their eating habits, as well as the condition of their poop and pee. Once they've settled down, it's a good idea to take them to the vet for a check-up, just in case.

Your cat might be wary of you, but take your time to rebuild your trust.

Oh, and don't forget to take down the missing cat posters and so on. It's a good idea to leave them up for a while with a "Found!" message added.

What if you can't find your escaped cat?

If you can't find your cat no matter how hard you search, consider the following methods.

● Inquire at veterinary clinics

There are cases where cats are brought to veterinary clinics after being injured in traffic accidents or other incidents. Inquire at nearby veterinary clinics.

● Hire a pet detective

There are also pet detectives who help find lost pets. They have extensive expertise and mobility, so if there's a pet detective in your area, it's worth considering hiring them.

● Inquire with municipal cleaning departments, etc.

Even if you've done everything you can and still can't find them... It's not something you want to think about, but it's necessary to inquire with cleaning departments or clean centers that handle animal remains.

Cat escape prevention measures

Escape prevention measures are extremely important to protect your cat from danger.

Review the reasons why cats escape and their escape routes, and effectively prevent escapes.

Preventing escapes from entrances, windows, and balconies

Let's physically block the cat's escape routes. At the same time, establish rules among family members, such as not leaving doors or windows open and reconsidering how to open and close the front door.

● Escape prevention gate

Install an "escape prevention gate" at the entrance or back door. If you close the gate before opening the door, you can prevent your cat from jumping out.

There are various types of escape prevention gates, from simple ones to serious ones that cover from floor to ceiling. You can even DIY one using materials from a 100-yen store.

If you can't install a large gate, use a cage or carrier bag to keep your cat inside when guests arrive or for other situations.

● Cat present sticker

Be careful when opening and closing the entrance door. To inform family members and visitors that there is a cat, put up a "Cat Present Sticker."

● Screen door stopper

To prevent your cat from opening the screen door themselves, secure it with a screen door stopper or tension rod. Replacing it with a tear-resistant screen is also effective.

● Block balcony railings

It's best not to let your cat out onto the balcony, but some cats enjoy sunbathing. To prevent them from escaping, block the balcony railing with a net or reed screen.

● Lock doors

Cats can easily open lever-style doors and sliding doors. Lock rooms with escape routes to prevent them from entering.

Ways to relieve stress even indoors

Create a quiet place for your cat to rest alone so they don't feel stressed.

Cats need high places where they can exercise vertically, rather than just a large space. Try arranging furniture such as cat trees, cat shelves, and bookshelves.

Prepare for unexpected escapes and disasters

Even with escape prevention gates and other measures, it's difficult to completely prevent a cat from escaping. It's crucial to be prepared for contingencies. This is not only for escape prevention but also useful during disasters, so it's a must-read.

● Microchip is essential, also put on a cat collar & ID tag

It is essential to have a microchip implanted where your owner information can be registered.

Also, if your cat escapes, a cat collar will serve as a sign that they are a "pet cat." Furthermore, if they have an ID tag, you will be contacted by the owner, giving you peace of mind.

Accustom your cat to wearing a collar regularly and keep it on at all times. This also has the advantage of making it easier to describe your cat's features in an emergency. "Measures to make them easier to find" are also important if your cat goes missing.

● Get them used to carrier bags and harnesses

Accustoming them to carrier bags regularly will be useful for isolation during visitors or in case of a disaster. Get them used to it by giving them treats inside the carrier bag or by using it as a regular relaxation space.

Additionally, putting a harness on your cat before placing them in the carrier bag can prevent accidents where they jump out. Gradually get them used to the harness as well.

● Complete vaccinations and spay/neuter surgery

In the event of an escape, remember to have your cat vaccinated to prevent infections.

Also, to prevent unwanted pregnancies, consider spaying or neutering if you don't plan to breed. Spaying or neutering eliminates heat cycles, which can somewhat suppress the urge to escape.

Summary

Cat escapes happen suddenly. Therefore, it's very important to take escape prevention measures daily and be prepared for emergencies.

First, install escape prevention gates at escape routes. Then, create an environment where your cat can relieve stress indoors. Accustoming them to collars, harnesses, and carrier bags from an early age not only helps prevent escapes and getting lost but also proves useful during disasters.

If they do escape... don't panic and focus your search within a 50-meter radius of your home. And don't forget to report them missing to the public health center, animal welfare center, and police station.

Once your beloved cat returns, give them plenty of love and attention.

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