Should I put a Litterbox outside for my lost cat?The answer is NOWhy? Instead of attracting your lost cat it can attract predators. Depending on what part of the country you live in, the smell of a dirty litter box can attract foxes, bobcats and coyotes. It can also lure in other neighborhood cats or ferals that may be tempted to lay claim to the territory ifthey see it as a food source. Most indoor cats aren't skilled fighters, or ninjas at evasion like wildlife are. If they...
Should I put a Litterbox outside for my lost cat?
The answer is NO
Why? Instead of attracting your lost cat it can attract predators. Depending on what part of the country you live in, the smell of a dirty litter box can attract foxes, bobcats and coyotes. It can also lure in other neighborhood cats or ferals that may be tempted to lay claim to the territory if
they see it as a food source. Most indoor cats aren't skilled fighters, or ninjas at evasion like wildlife are. If they are approached outside they will likely be scared, or even terrified. If they get into a fight or confrontation they could get hurt. So, we really don't want that.
Now, on the wildlife side, I can tell you in my part of the world we have coyotes. Recently they have
been coming into neighborhoods because construction is edging them out of their habitat but they are also creatures of convenience. When they realize a neighborhood is a ready source of food, it's an easy kill. Now this is horrific for us, and deadly for our pets. A coyote can jump fences like they're nothing; 6 foot, 8 foot, we've even seen where one jumped a 10 foot fence. It's impressive, but really scary. And a coyote can make off with small dogs and cats in just a few seconds. It's a brutal end and one best avoided. So, should your cat accidentally escape please don't put a dirty litter box outside. It can spell disaster for both your cat, and your dogs if they are outside at night. To that end we recommend keeping your pets indoors overnight as much as you can. It's safer for them.
Now, instead of putting out a litter box, experts recommend you put out a piece of clothing or a blanket that has YOUR scent on it. These things won't attract wildlife but they can serve as a beacon for your cat to find it's way back. Studies show that most of the time your cat is close by, but they hide. If you go outside and speak as if you were talking to your cat normally, your cat may hear you and be compelled to return. Don't speak in a panicked or frightened voice, yes I know that's incredibly hard to ask, but remember, if YOU'RE Frightened, your cat may be even more so. So, use calm, even tones, speak normally, and it might help your cat to come on home.
Make sure to reach out to your neighbors and your other resources as well. Cats may be hiding in their garages or sheds, or under a porch or vehicle. Studies also show that most cats will try to return during the night. It's less frightening for them to come out of hiding then. So, if you have a garage, crack it open. If you can set out a blanket or shirt with your smell, do so. Set out super stinky tempting food like sardines, or fried chicken. We've used chicken to lure many a cat home or into a trap before. Warm and stinky food grabs their attention. Try to stay up in case you hear them meowing outside or trying to get in. If you have an outdoor security camera you can train it on the piece of clothing or the food to see if they show up. Now, don't leave the food out overnight, because that can also attract wildlife and scare off your cat. And the best thing to do, don't give up. Lost pets have been known to return weeks or even months after they were lost. It's a process, but don't give up.
Tune into the Furbabies Podcast YouTube Channel at http://FurbabiesPodcast.tv.
Got a question or suggestion for Stephanie and the show? Book a call with Steph at TalkWithStephanieGoodman.com
