My Cat Ran Away Will She Come Back?

My cat ran away will she come back?

My year and half old, female, spayed cat got outside. She's never been outside nor has she ever really had much of a desire to go. I'm assuming that she went into the sun room when my husband let the dog out in the morning before work and didn't realize that she got out and shut the door behind him.

It has been a complete 24 hours and she still has not returned. I have walked the block, the wooded area, called everywhere I could think of, put up signs on poles around our neighbourhood  and jingled her bell ball outside and called her name (day and night). 

I thought maybe she would return home tonight because the commotion would be quieted, but it's 3 AM and she hasn't returned. I am sick. I had an outdoor cat before and he didn't return one day either. So that's why I refused to EVER let Daisy outside.

She doesn't have a collar on because my dog rips it off of her when they play. And she's not micro chipped  well, because she NEVER goes outside. But if she does come back, she'll be micro chipped 20 minutes later.

She is my BABY. What else can I do? And how long do spayed, female cats tend to run away for? I read all over this post about neutered males but nothing about spayed females. She has all of her shots and she is treated with front line so I'm not concerned too much about her getting a disease or getting fleas. I just want her home.

And if she does come home, what should I look for to see if she needs to go to the vet to see if she got into anything she shouldn't of or got harmed out there? I really hope she comes home. I'm worried sick. Thanks! by Chelsey (Florida)

Answer by Kate
Hopefully by the time you read this she would have come back.

Female cats, spayed or not will still be curious about the big world outside, after all it will be full of sights and smells she is unfamiliar with and she will want to explore.

Usually cats who are happy at home will return, well why wouldn't they, they know they get fed there etc. The trouble is there is no telling how long they will be away for. My sister's cat went missing for 9 days and then just turned up gain.

All you can do to keep calling her, leave something outside that is either her bed or something that smells of her or you. Also leave some food out for her. Continue to put posters up and contact any organisations in your area that may pick up stray cats.

I know it is very worrying but hopefully she is just out there having some cat fun exploring and will be home when she has had enough.

When she returns, check her over to make sure she hasn't hurt herself and make sure that she eats and drinks and uses the litter tray as normal. If all is Ok then great, any signs of ill health should be checked by the vet.

I hope she returns soon
Kate

Comments and Replies

Some Facts re Why Cat Hides and What to Do etc. 
by: Anonymous 

Finding a missing cat is difficult because, if the cat is frightened, it will "go to ground" (i.e., hide). It is probably hiding quite close to your home, but this doesn't mean it will feel safe enough to return promptly. Strangely, even if you happen to be standing right next to the cat, it may not come if you call it. But typically a cat won't flee very far. 

Cats that haven't been outside will easily panic, lose awareness of where home is, and get lost, even close by.

Cats that are injured will stay hidden until they feel capable of coming out.

What you need to do then is 

(a) Search hiding places in the neighborhood. Call for the cat; but also actually look in all the possible spots, since the cat likely won't come if you call. Neighbors uncomfortable with having you poke around in their garage/yard may be willing to look for you, and/or keep an eye out for your cat.

(b) Local animal shelters should be checked daily; someone may have dropped your cat off there, or it might have been picked up as a stray. Some shelters only keep pets a couple of days before euthanizing them, so don't delay. Also call local vets and pet stores, and post flyers on their bulletin boards, and around the neighborhood. Someone may have found your cat and think it was abandoned etc. and have been keeping it.

(c) place objects outdoors to give the cat scent clues as to where home is (litter box, bed, your unwashed clothes, whatever).

(d) sit outside and chat with friends/family; the sound of your voice and your scent will also help the cat hone in on where home is.

(e) if you had any visitors or service people when the cat went missing, it's possible the cat got into a vehicle, such as a truck, and ended up being driven somewhere by accident. So check with any such people. Cats are notorious for climbing into trucks etc.

It's true that a tragedy could have occurred; however cats are smart, resilient creatures and in many cases, it's still close to home but simply hiding out for some reason; so the best thing is the careful search and alerting everyone to keep their eyes open.

by: Idalia 

My in door cat goes out in yard . But today he jumped the fence to other yard . He was missing for 9 hrs I was worried because he deaf . But he did come back I'm so happy !! There are also a few stray cats in yard that I feed . Maybe that's what brought him back . He ate use litter box now he's sleeping like a baby.

Missing my older cat with sky blue eyes -by: Anonymous 

I have an outside cat which sleeps in our garage and I came home last and was gone. I have had her for about 11 years she is all white with blue eyes and starting to have hearing problems but this whole time I have had her she has never left my property unless its while I'm away. But she is always here to eat. 2 night in a row I can not find her I have walked all over calling her name I am very worried for her. I don't know why after all this would she leave unless she was sick. Her name is sky just like her blues. I have been praying for her safe return and soon.

Runaway Cats - by: Leon Foonman 

I have a youngish Manx cat, that loves to escape in to the maze of backyards around our house. She's gotten out 3 times since we adopted her, but were able to retrieve her all 3 times.

I think cats are supposed to be territorial, but they do seem to disappear a lot. They are built to be escape artists, too. They climb, can crawl through small spaces and some, like ours, can almost fly.

We used to have an old male tabby who didn't like being outdoors since he grew up in an apartment. When we bought a house with a backyard we had to coax him out explore. He would come out for a few minutes but usually ran back in if anything moved. So if it was windy or rainy or if there was any activity in the yard , he would would run in the house like a big fraidy cat.

They are all different!

Sammy - by: Elizabithmh 

My indoor male cat (neutered)ran outside last night and has been missing 15 hours. He is smart, can sit for treats and is so loving. I pray to GOD that my lil sam sam returns like some of your kitties did.

Cat Returned After 5 Months - by: Naya 

My outside cat Natasha was away from our home for over 5 months. Then 1 day before my baby shower she returned, like nothing happened and has never left again - that was 29 months ago. So keep hope alive. Cat's are also so versatile, they often 'adopt' new families. And they often return after long periods of time has elapsed.

Cat ran away - by: Donna 

My cat Jasper went out and didn't come back for two weeks. Like you i trawled the neighbourhood calling for him but nothing. Then one day he just walked through the cat flap, had a feed then went to sleep as though nothing had happened leaving me skipping around the room with joy

missing cat - by: layla 

my husband tried to sneak the cat to a Thanksgiving party and ween he opened the trunk she ran out it has been 2 days since we've seen her i hope she comes back.

I pray for all of the people's whose cats went missing 
by: nawang tsetan 

I just know how it feels to lose anything you love, except for the extra body weight, that we love to lose, but here i'm going to share a real life thrilled story of mine, my sister went missing since, may 2012 and haven't heard anything from her and from anybody,so, i am wondering is she alive or not? If she's alive, why she didn't call us! not even once. It is killing all of my family, my parents they are still in pain, waiting for her to come home, but she is the one who has not feeling for her parents, if i were her i should have called my parent once, well i don't want to go too deep, my
prays are with each one of you and I hope your cats come back to you and as for sister, i hope she comes back home too " god bless you all" let the "karma " do his job.
Thank you 

My calico cat went missing - by: Jennifer 

My calico cat went missing on Sunday 11/11/12. She has been missing for 3 days now and we are all worried sick. We have looked everywhere and can't find her. I pray my Squak comes back home to us.

Chuckie - by: Anonymous 

My 15 yr old cat got sneaked outside and has not came back its been over 12 hrs im worried something has happened to him.. I miss him so much

Sadie babes - by: Terry 

My Cat Sadie ran away three days ago! She got outside through the garage window screen...........that we didn't realize was ripped open..We are devastated and hoping she will return soon.Our Daughter has special needs and never liked being around animals until I brought Sadie home one day..Her Mama got ran over by a car and the kittens were left alone and orphaned,so Thats why we took her into our home.I have been praying every night for her safe return home:(

I'm so worried and sad :( - by: PAM 

My female cat left 3 days ago and hasn't come home, she would always leave but come back the same day, she got out at night does that have to do with anything? Since is dark...? I really hope she comes back cause i miss her, its so crazy how we get attached to this little Animals.

Bella - by: Anonymous 

It's been nearly 6 months. ):

Bella - by: Anonymous 

My cat Bella suddenly disappeared in November last year. It was very sudden. She still hasn't come back. It's so upsetting. I always pray that she returns. Do any of you know where cats would go? And how would I know if she died? 
She was a desexed female, around 2 years of age. She was healthy and well fed. I'm scared somebody may have taken her. If so, how do I get her back. Please help.

Benny, The Prankster - by: Cricket 

My cat Ben (a 20 lb Maine Coon) has been an indoor cat for 4 years now after being abandoned and living outside before I adopted him. Many sites say how "friendly indoor cats will not come to you when called when they run off." How wrong they are. Ben is a gentle giant, and loves everyone. Last night when ordering pizza, Sir Benny decided he was going to bolt out the front door, past my legs and the pizza girl, down the stairs. The pizza girl dropped the food and joined in running down the stairs to help me catch him. Ben had run into the bushes, happy as a clam and prancing (his old territory) with that crazed wild kitty look in his eyes. Afraid of the pizza girl for some reason, every time he'd start to come to me and see her, he'd run away. Luckily, we were able to catch him a few minutes later. It really depends on the personality of the cat. If they are scared and introverted, it is best that you do not chase after them and try to scare them. With cats like Ben, very friendly and extroverted, I knew I could get away with it. Don't give up on your kitties, it is scary even if they are away for a few minutes.

Missing family member - by: Anonymous 

My beloved cat has always been a bit of an escape artist. He is in an indoor cat but managed to sneak out while I was walking the dog. He has been gone 12 hours and I am a nervous wreck. In the past he has just stayed around the house but this time he has disappeared. I have combed the neighborhood shaking treats and calling his name with no luck. Please keep my kitty in your thoughts.

My cat DID return - by: Heather 

My indoor cat got out 3 1/2 days ago. Today, I stayed home from work because I was so worried about her. I wanted to be here if she came home. I left the garage door a little bit open and put food and water out. This morning, at 10 a.m., I went to the garage and she was there, completely casual, just strutting around. Try not to worry too much if your indoor cat got out. It's most likely that s/he will return. Even indoor cats are very drawn to the adventures of the outdoors.

Missing Intelligent Friends - by: Anonymous 

To all you cat lovers out there, I must say that are dear little feline friends are more intelligent than we give them credit for. Everytime I leave home for work maybe a week or more or less my purrfectly house happy cat leaves. I don't know how she knows the difference between me going to the stores or going away for a length of time. She just takes off. But till date I have always found her in the neighborhood after much searching. 
Take care and remember that they can look after themselves and love their freedom.

My Miracle - by: Danielle 

My kitten, Miracle, got out Friday morning (July 1st) came back, and took off again. I made flyers, and every morning I check the live trap-no sign of her. 

Miracle Magdalene Rose, if you are reading this, please come home. You have toes to lick, furniture to sleep on and people that love you!

MY CAT RAN OFF, WILL SHE COME BACK? 

My cat Mizi got out through the kitchen window, and has been missing almost 19 hours. She has never been outside and I live near the expressway which is makes me very worried. My two boys have been up and down my apartment complex calling her. We are planning on going out of town the next day and now I dont want to leave until I find her. She is fixed and has a microchip, but her id tag has our old phone number that we kept forgetting to get changed. Please pray my little Mizi comes home, I know she's scared and doesn't know what's going on.

My Cece - by: Ayana 

My brothers cat Cece had gotten out at least 3 days ago, We have tried ever thing calling her and putting food outside and everything. She did come back but she ran away when i tried to get her.I feel bad for my little brother he only 11 years old. I pray that she comes back because my little brother is heart broken..,:( 

Palin our cat - by: Julie and Scott 

I Know how you feel my tom has gone missing this morning he is a indoor cat and we are so worried his brother and sister miss him as well. But from what i have read he will return when he is hungry so we keep looking for him and hope he come back soon xx

Missing Kitty - by: Anonymous 

My cat just got out through the bathroom window last night, she has not come back, i hear that there is a cat party every night in the next section of the complex, its sunday, its work tomorrow, and i will be half dead at work, but i will be up tonight snooping like aace ventura looking for my dear lil Maya.... wish me luck!

Cats going missing - by: Anonymous 

most cats do come back, i heard they hv a 20 km radius that they can find you, it can be weeks. but just have to keep waiting.

Cats always come home - by: Marianela 

Hi, I have a cat and she ran away about a month an a half ago. Then she came back after two weeks crying, hungry and looking for attention. Believe me, I was upset and worry that she might get hurt but she was fine. Two days later she ran away again. Now she comes to eat and leaves again. I say 99 percent of times, cats will always come home. 

Hope u find your cat! Best wishes!

My Cat Came Back! - by: Anonymous 

My cat, Gigi, went missing while I was on vacation. My brother came to Texas (where I live) to house sit and let my precious kitty out by accident. I have 1 other cat and a dog so he didn't realize Gigi was missing. When I arrived back from my vacation, I knew something was wrong because she didn't come out to greet me. I totally freaked out. Called neighbors, posted signs, etc. no luck. It was the first week of August and the hottest days on record. Gigi was an indoor cat; never been outdoors on her own. I live in a wooded area with lots of wild life so I imagined the worst. I cried for days just thinking of how scared she must be. Over a month later, we find her sitting by the mailbox. She was frail and obviously frightened but she survived. So never give up on your little,furry friend.

You could be surprised! - by: Jaimie 

My cat, Cedar, got out of the house on December 3rd, 2008...we had just moved into a new house in an unfamiliar area over 100 miles away from our old home. We put up signs, posted missing cat ads on craigslist...went door to door...looking for our beloved cat! We went to the local pound on a daily basis for weeks! To make a really long and heartbreaking story short...I received a phone call today from a little girl, asking me if I was looking for my cat!!! today is 2/12/09 (tomorrow is my birthday) and i am holding my beloved kitty, who is just barely alive..skin and bones, frostbite on her ears - who just had a bit of food, some water and a nice warm bath...after a little blow dry..and ear cleaning..she's purring on my lap..bundled up..having the best sleep of her last 3 months! Don't give up hope...you just may be surprised! My cat was found over 10 miles away! the weather has been below zero at times and over 70 degrees on other days! she traveled thru farmland that is frequented by coyotes and gigantic hawks! i am so grateful!! keep up your hope.

I found Snoopy - by: connie 

I found my Snoopy dead frozen under a pile of snow he was so close to home.He went missing 
jan 6 and I just foound him yesterday i saw his little ear sticking out of the snow I walked by there every day calling his name but at the coldtemps im sure he died right away.Im just sick over this we so all loved him so much.What a horible accident.I want toturn back the hands of time. he dug hiself unfer an evergreen tree about 12 inchs maybe to try towarm up?At least i found him now I can stop looking for him day and night 
in loving memory of 
snoopy it will take me forever to get over him being gone and the guilt I feel for his freezing to death.God help me. 

Answer by Kate
Oh Connie
I am so sorry. What can i say. But you must not blame yourself. you did everything you could by going out and looking for him as often as you did. i think you must be right though, he probably died soon after getting out otherwise there would be no reason for him to try and return home. cats are smart and if they are cold and can get in the warm they will. he must have passed away fairly quickly.
My thoughts are with you, but you must not blame yourself. Any cat would be lucky to have such a caring owner as you. It was just a terrible accident. look after yourself. 
Kate

My Snoopy got afraid and ran away - by: Connie 

His name is Snoopy silver gray 9 years old neutered and front declaw, he never goes out side I just had come home from having stomach sergury and couldnt get the door shut after letting outr dog out, Snoopy went out but wanted back in but I was to weak to get it open again so I put on my boots and coat and went arount the back to the porch to get him and I scared him off into the night and it was -25 below o He went missing Jan 6th 2009 so cold Im afraid he may have froze to death ,alltho we also have an outside cat and he lives ok in the winter, but Snoopy has never seen winter.Could he still be alive and find his way home? /I call him all the time and leave food smelly fish food too and he hasnt returned yet, if cats get lost are they good at finding there way home why doesnt he come when i call him?thanks for hearing me out. i miss him so mudh and his indoor wife Ruby crys for him just like i do he was so special.

Cats do return home - by: Laurie 

My 2 year old Calico cat Bella got outside and was gone for 3 months before returning home. I had decided she was not going to return, and had gotten another cat. She seems happy to be home, but not happy to have to share me.....hope your cat returns to you...

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