I Need Tips on how to capture a cat who ran away?

Question

my beloved cat ran away when we were trying to move him into my new house, We Looked everywhere for him and after about 3 hours of looking that night we seen him but he ran 10 houses down and jumped into a bush, We searched the bush ad he went into the backyard of the house so we couldn't get him, We rented cat traps that you put food in and when the cat goes in it closes them in, so far we caught 4 cats but still no sassy, We posted flyers and after a week of him still missing we almost gave up hope until just yesterday somone called and he was in their backyard, I was so happy and knew that he'd run if he seen me so we tried to get him to go for the food in the trap but I think he knows what it is and he ran for it again,hes still in the neighborhood and is hiding and I don't know what else to do to get him back home, I'm so depressed and want him back more then anything, he's very special to me, Does anyone know what else I should do If I see him again to make sure he won't run away

Answer 1

I do a lot of trapping of stray cat. Here are some tips that might help you get the cat. The first thing to do is ask the neighbor not to leave any food out if they see him, he is more likely to go into the trap if he is really hungry. When trapping a cat you need to use a food with a strong scent. Try tuna (human kind) Place it at the back of the trap and put a few small pieces leading into the trap. If that doesn't get him try sardines (the ones in oil are the stinkiest) and do the same as the tuna. A sure fire thing that I have had the best luck with is KFC Chicken...remove some from the bone and place in trap, place about 6" in front of the trap, another about 6" into the trap. You need to cover the trap with a towel and leave the area for about 2 hours. You may have to do this for a few days, when he gets hungry enough he Will head into the trap and you Will have him. Take him home in the trap and release him when you have him in his new home. I had a cat get out of the carrier when I took her to the vet. I chased her around the neighbor for an hour. Later that night we asked a lady to set up the trap in her yard, well at 2 am Miss Peaches went into the trap and the next morning I brought her back home. I hope this help.

Answer 2

Call animal control or your local shelter, they might be able to give you a hand, they have the necessary equiptment and training to track him and catch him without hurting him, if they refuse try to get one of those long sticks with a strap like the ones they use, you might be able to convince the animal shelter to rent you one, wrap the strap around his neck, he will move and turn and twist, don't be nice , be firm or he will run away again. Have his carrier ready.

Ask the people wherever he is hiding to have water and food available for him until you get ready to catch him.

I completely understand your pain, I lost 2 precious cats that way, I never saw them again, that's why I made a lot of homework when I moved with my new cat. As a precaution you should always teach your cats to come to you and make sure to ring a bell whenever you are going to feed them their favorite food, this never fails, no matter how scared the cat feels he will come to the bell when you ring it, keep the bell in your first aid kit so you won't lose it they will recognize only the sound of that specific bell so be careful, and only ring the bell when the cat is going to get the absolute best favorite meal of his kitty life.

Answer 3

Your cat is probably upset and very shaken up about the move. He is probably really confused. I'd say stick with the traps. Really if your cat wont come to you then more than likely he is very unhappy. If you do manage to catch him give him alot of attention to make sure that he is happy with you!

Answer 4

Because she moved into a new house! Geez...

I'd say your cat is trying to get back to your old house, where it was comfortable, as now he's probably stressed in his new environment... I'm not sure exactly what you can do except wait, and maybe post flyers up, I don't think theres much more you can do... good luck

Answer 5

We caught a dumpster kitty from a local gas station. Started off with cat food, that didn't work. Then we tried tuna. On the 3rd trip in the gas staion the ladies tell us they feed her sardines every night. We put a can in and kitty went right in.

Answer 6

try shaking some cat food in his bowl or if you give him wet food try the sound of a can opener, hope it work's out

Answer 7

Put her litterbox outside, along with other items that smell strongly of her and your family.

Answer 8

why is your cat running away my cat never did that he was glad to see me