Ever since Jim Carrey—the screwball sleuth in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective—bounded onto the big screen more than a decade ago clad in a bright Hawaiian shirt, dark sunglasses and a Pompadour ‘do, animal lovers have been fascinated with the notion of doggie detectives and feline finders.
Fashion fiascos notwithstanding, pet detectives really do exist and I recently chatted with a genuine gumshoe for an article I’m writing for a national cat magazine. Kathy “Kat” Albrecht, a former police officer turned pet detective gave me a ton of tips on how to find a lost cat (she also tracks dogs as well as a myriad of other animals, but I was investigating missing cats for this particular publication).
Cats can vanish for a variety of reasons, Kat notes: an outdoor-savvy feline may become disoriented and lost after being chased by another animal or she may become trapped or injured and is unable to return home. An indoor-only cat may slip outside unnoticed when a door is left ajar. The scenarios are endless.
Alllllrighty then, let’s talk temperaments: all cats have them and they’re all different. There are the high-strung ‘frady cats, the laid-back couch potatoes, and everything in between. How a cat behaves in his normal territory (the inside of a house is the “territory” for an indoor-only cat), will influence how he behaves when he becomes lost or displaced. The following guidelines will help you determine your cat’s true temperament and give you tips for finding him.
Curious/Clown Cat. These cats are extroverts and tend to get themselves into trouble. They are not easily frightened and will run to the door to greet visitors. When displaced, curious/clown cats may initially hide, but then they will begin to travel. What to do: post florescent posters within a five-block radius of your home, interview neighbors in a door-to-door search, and thoroughly search possible hiding places.
Care-Less Cat. These cats are rather indifferent to people. When a visitor enters the house, they stand back and watch. When displaced, care-less cats will initially hide, but will eventually venture out of their hiding place, return home and meow to be let in. In other instances, they will travel. What to do: Search nearby hiding places, interview neighbors door-to-door and search their yards. If these efforts fail, consider setting a humane trap (a wire cage, which is available for rent from local humane societies or for sale at most home improvement stores). Place your cat’s favorite food inside the trap.
Cautious Cat. Although initially shy, cautious cats generally like people. When a stranger visits, however, they will dart and hide. When displaced, cautious cats will immediately hide in fear. There is a good chance they will return home or meow when their guardian calls them. What to do: Conduct a tightly focused search of your neighbors’ yards and set a baited humane trap.
Catatonic/Xenophobic Cat. Fearful or “xenophobic” cats are afraid of everything that is new or unfamiliar to them. This behavior was imprinted in them from a very early age, either caused by genetics or a traumatic kittenhood experience. Xenophobic cats will hide when a stranger comes into the home and they typically will not re-emerge for several hours after they have left. When displaced, these cats bolt and then hide in silence. They become immobilized with fear and may remain in the same hiding place for several days. What to do: Set a baited humane trap.
I wish I had a clue about finding missing pets when my own cats pulled their disappearing acts over the years. After a couple of heartbreaking experiences, I’m now much more cautious with my current cat: Miss Bella stays indoors 24/7 and wears a pink rhinestone collar and tag at all times. Who says you can’t be safe and fashionable?
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Is Your Cat Missing?
