What to Do If Your Cat Runs Outside [12 Solutions]
Let’s discuss what to do if your cat runs outside…
We’ve all been there – one moment your kitty is lounging indoors, and the next, they’ve dashed outside like a furry rocket. Don’t panic!
In this quick guide, I’ll share some essential steps to help you handle the situation if your adventurous feline decides to explore the great outdoors.
Let’s get started and bring that whiskered wanderer back home safely!
What to Do If Your Cat Runs Outside
Your cat has escaped and is running outside? Don’t panic, here’s what you can do.
First, stay calm and avoid chasing your cat, as it may only make them run further away.
Instead, try tempting them back inside with their favorite treats or toys.
If that doesn’t work, set up a humane trap with food and water near your home to lure them back.
Lastly, notify your neighbors and post flyers in the area, providing a description and contact information.
With a patient and proactive approach, you’ll increase the chances of safely bringing your furry friend back home.
Let’s break it down further…
Things to Do If Your Cat Runs Outside
Here are some things to do if your cat runs outside:
1. Stay Calm and Act Quickly:
When your cat runs outside, it’s natural to feel a surge of panic and worry. However, it’s important to stay calm and composed.
Cats are sensitive to their owners’ emotions, and if they sense your anxiety, they may become more fearful and hide further. Take a deep breath and focus on taking immediate action.
Start by closing all doors and windows leading to the outside. This will prevent your cat from wandering even farther away and potentially getting into danger.
If you have multiple people in the house, assign someone to monitor the exits while you implement the other strategies to retrieve your cat.
2. Shake a Bag of Treats Outside:
Cats are known for their keen sense of hearing, and the sound of a shaking treat bag can capture their attention. Grab a bag of your cat’s favorite treats and head outside.
Position yourself near the entrance and start shaking the bag rhythmically to create a distinct sound that your cat associates with rewards.
Be patient and persistent. Continue shaking the bag at regular intervals to maintain your cat’s interest.
You may also try using a high-pitched, happy voice to call out to your cat while shaking the treats.
This combination of auditory and vocal cues can help attract your cat’s attention and encourage them to come back to you.
3. Search Nearby Calling Out Their Name:
Cats are more likely to respond to their owners’ voices, especially when they are in an unfamiliar environment or feeling scared.
Begin your search close to home, as cats tend to stay within a relatively small radius when they first escape.
Walk around your property, calling out your cat’s name in a calm and reassuring tone.
Use their name and any nicknames or phrases that they associate with positive experiences.
The sound of your voice can provide comfort and familiarity to your cat, easing their anxiety and making them more inclined to come out of hiding.
Listen attentively for any faint meows or rustling sounds in nearby bushes or hiding spots. Your cat may be closer than you think.
4. Set Up Feeding Stations Outside:
Cats are creatures of habit, and their stomachs can often lead them back home. By creating feeding stations outside, you can entice your cat to return to the vicinity of your house where they feel safe and secure.
Set up small feeding stations in strategic locations near your home, such as by the entrance or in areas where your cat has been sighted before.
Place bowls of their favorite food or treats at these stations. Additionally, consider placing an article of clothing with your scent nearby to provide further comfort and familiarity.
Regularly check the feeding stations to see if any food has been consumed or disturbed. If you notice that the food is being eaten, it’s a good sign that your cat is in the vicinity and may return soon.
Keep replenishing the food and be patient, as it may take some time for your cat to build up the courage to come out of hiding.
5. Leave Out a Familiar Item
When you discover that your cat has gone on an outdoor escapade, leaving out a familiar item can be a helpful strategy.
Cats have a strong sense of smell and are often drawn to scents that they find comforting and familiar.
By placing an item that has your cat’s scent, such as their favorite blanket or bed, outside near your home, you create a familiar scent trail that can guide them back.
Additionally, leaving out an item with your scent, like a piece of clothing, can provide a sense of security and remind your cat of the loving environment they left behind.
6. Post Flyers and Notify Neighbors
Creating eye-catching flyers with a clear photo of your cat and your contact information is an effective way to spread the word about your missing feline.
Be sure to include details about your cat’s appearance, any distinctive markings, and any special traits they may have.
Hang these flyers in your local community, including on community bulletin boards, in local stores, and around your neighborhood.
It’s also important to personally talk to your neighbors and inform them about your missing cat.
They can keep an eye out for your cat in their yards or around the neighborhood, increasing the chances of a safe return.
7. Use Social Media and Online Platforms
Harness the power of social media to reach a wider audience and increase the chances of finding your cat.
Share a post on your personal social media accounts, along with any neighborhood groups or local pet-related groups, with a captivating photo of your cat and a heartfelt plea for help.
Ask your friends, family, and followers to share your post, increasing its visibility. Additionally, there are online platforms and websites specifically designed for lost and found pets.
Utilize these platforms by posting about your missing cat, including all relevant details, and regularly checking for any potential sightings or information.
8. Contact Local Animal Shelters and Veterinarians
Reach out to your local animal shelters and veterinarians as soon as you discover that your cat is missing.
These professionals often have a network and resources to help reunite lost pets with their owners.
Provide them with a detailed description of your cat, including their breed, color, any distinctive markings, and even their personality traits.
Animal shelters and veterinarians can keep your cat’s information on file and notify you if a cat matching their description is brought in.
Remember to follow up with them regularly to stay updated on any potential leads or sightings.
9. Set Up a Humane Trap
Setting up a humane trap can be an effective way to safely catch your cat and bring them back indoors.
These traps are designed to be enticing to cats while ensuring their safety. Place the trap in an area where your cat has been spotted or where they are likely to frequent.
Bait the trap with something irresistible to your cat, such as their favorite treats or a small bowl of wet food.
It’s important to monitor the trap closely, as you don’t want to leave your cat trapped for an extended period. Once your cat is safely inside the trap, carefully transport them back indoors.
10. Use Scent-Based Attractants
Cats have a highly developed sense of smell, and using scent-based attractants can be an effective way to lure them back.
Start by placing some of their used litter outside near your home. The familiar scent will act as a beacon, guiding your cat back to the area.
You can also try using catnip, which many cats find irresistible. Sprinkle some fresh or dried catnip in the vicinity of your home or even on your porch.
This can help create a strong scent trail that will lead your cat back to safety.
Read more about transitioning outdoor cats to indoors.
11. Check all Hiding Spots Outside
When cats run outside, they often seek out hiding spots where they feel safe and secure.
It’s crucial to thoroughly search the outdoor area, paying close attention to potential hiding spots.
Check under porches, decks, and bushes, as well as in nearby trees or tall grass. Cats may be scared or disoriented, so they might try to find a quiet spot to hide.
As you search, call out your cat’s name in a calm and reassuring voice. They may respond to your voice and come out of hiding.
Be patient, as it may take some time for your cat to feel comfortable enough to emerge.
14. Set Up a Temporary Shelter Outside
If your cat tends to stay in a specific area outside, consider setting up a temporary shelter to provide them with a safe and comfortable space.
This can be especially useful if you’re unable to bring them back indoors immediately.
Use a cat carrier with a cozy blanket inside or a small tent with their favorite toys.
Place the shelter in a quiet area near your home, ideally in a spot where your cat has been spotted before.
Provide food, water, and a litter box nearby to make the area more enticing for your cat to stay close by.
This will give you more time to implement other strategies to bring them back indoors.
By combining these effective strategies, you increase the likelihood of finding your adventurous cat and bringing them back safely.
Read more about keeping outdoor cats warm.
FAQs
My cat ran outside and won’t come back. What should I do?
If your cat has run outside and won’t come back, try not to panic. First, stay calm and call out for your cat using a friendly and reassuring tone. You can also try shaking their favorite treats or using a toy that they love to grab their attention. If they don’t return, leave out some of their used litter or a piece of your worn clothing near your door, as familiar scents can help guide them back home.
What should I do if my indoor cat escapes outside for the first time?
If your indoor cat escapes outside for the first time, it’s important to act quickly but calmly. Avoid making sudden movements or loud noises that might scare them further. Try to approach them slowly and gently, using a soothing voice to encourage them to come back inside. If they seem hesitant, you can try using a carrier or a familiar blanket to safely transport them back indoors.
Read more about a cat disappearing without a trace.
My cat is hiding outside and won’t come to me. What can I do to lure them back?
If your cat is hiding outside and won’t come to you, it’s best to give them some space and time. Avoid chasing or cornering them, as this can cause further stress and make them retreat even more. Instead, leave out some food, water, and a familiar blanket or bed near their hiding spot. You can also try sitting quietly nearby and speaking softly to reassure them that it’s safe to come back.
What if my cat runs up a tree and won’t come down?
If your cat runs up a tree and won’t come down, resist the urge to climb up after them. Instead, try to entice them down using their favorite treats or toys. You can also try using a laser pointer or a flashlight to create a moving light that might attract their attention. If they don’t come down after a while, it’s best to contact a professional tree service or animal rescue organization for assistance.
Read more about the dangers outdoor cats face.
How can I prevent my cat from running outside in the first place?
To prevent your cat from running outside, make sure your home is secure by checking for any potential escape routes such as open windows, loose screens, or unsecured doors. Consider using deterrents like motion-activated sprays or noise devices near exit points. Additionally, providing plenty of mental and physical stimulation indoors can help reduce the likelihood of your cat wanting to venture outside.
What should I do if my cat doesn’t return home after being outside for an extended period?
If your cat doesn’t return home after being outside for an extended period, it’s important to take action. Start by checking with your neighbors and local shelters to see if anyone has spotted your cat. Post flyers in your neighborhood with a clear photo and contact information. You can also consider using social media and online platforms to spread the word. Finally, contact local animal control and veterinary offices to report your missing pet.
Read more about cats missing for weeks.
Conclusion
Remember, accidents happen, and even the most cautious cat can slip out the door. If your feline friend dashes outside, stay calm and act quickly. With a plan in place and the right tools at hand, you can increase the chances of safely bringing your adventurous kitty back home.
