The Ultimate Guide on How To Get A Cat To Come Home At Night?

When your cat has been missing for an extended period, it’s natural to be concerned. But, after how much time has passed, should you begin searching for them?

Why do cats go missing, and when should you start hunting for them?

Even though cats are territorial, their yard is not their sole boundary. Domestic cats, like wild cats, have extensive territories. The domain of a domestic cat is far larger than your home. Your cat, as well as other cats in your neighbourhood, set the boundaries. Where your cat feeds, relaxes, plays, hunts, and travels divide their area.

Usually, your cat will return home without you knowing about their secret life after their amble. So, what causes cats to abandon their homes? What is the average length of time when a cat goes missing? Is it possible for a cat to go on vacation for a few days and then return? This is a great late-night snack for your cat, whether chicken, shellfish, tuna, or salmon.

When your kitty buddy realises that returning means earning a reward, they will rush back.

What Are The Various Ways To Get A Cat To Come Home At Night?

Tips for getting back home at night

1. Be Active

Check to see whether the cat is inside the home. Cats have a proclivity for crawling inside drawers and sleeping in small areas. Before frightening everyone, double-check.

Call and offer food. Examine its favourite spots, e.g., windows, orchard, garage and beneath the car.

2. Organise A Fresh Search Party

Don’t be alarmed if your cat has just left home. Request that your family and neighbours investigate the region around your home. Cats don’t go very far and are likely to be nearby. Organise yourself. Assign each member of the search party a street or two. Instruct them to be methodical, looking beneath cars and behind dumpsters. Leave the front door unlocked. Allow the fragrance to spread by leaving its favourite blanket or litter box outdoors.

3. Placing Missing Posters

It’s also critical to inform your neighbours and passers-by about your missing cat. Post missing posters and distribute flyers with a photo of your cat, any distinguishing features, and your contact information. Post fliers in letterboxes and put up lost signs on electric polls and your supermarket noticeboard. Don’t forget to inquire about your neighbours.

4. Publication On Websites Dedicated To Lost Pets

Do not be afraid to post a notice on a social media group or a website devoted to lost pets. Animal Search UK, for example, specialises in missing cat cases and works with volunteers to help you find your cat.

Facebook communities like Lost and Found Pets UK are full of animal lovers that can assist you in locating your missing cat.

5. Use Your Normal Voice For Calling

A cat’s ears are excellent, and they will quickly detect your speech. This is why you must begin by repeatedly saying their name and establishing a good association between their name and your presence. They will realise that “home” is where you are if you do this. You may also use their name to identify them while they are outside instantly.

6. Don’t Pursue Your Cat

This is a huge problem that cat owners face. It’s common to expect that you’ll have to hurry outside to track down your cat in the middle of the night. Instead of making it simpler to capture them, they will begin sprinting in the other direction. Because you won’t be able to capture them, this becomes an impossible endeavour for the normal individual.

7. Reward Them For Coming Back

One of the most common blunders made by cat owners is failing to reward a cat’s return. You must be ready to receive them pleasantly as soon as they depart for a night stroll.

A cat must have a good connection with returning in general. They should feel that there is a reward for their actions; this will serve as a powerful motivation. Many cat owners fail to do so.

What Is The Best Way To Entice A Cat To Return Home?

Use canned cat food with a strong odour that your cat can detect from afar so that your cat knows where to get food. Place your cat’s litter box and any bedding with your cat’s fragrance in this area. Put your cat’s litter box outdoors and any bedding with your cat’s scent on it to entice your cat back inside. A cat’s sense of smell is incredible!

When Should I Start Worrying About My Missing Cat?

If your cat goes missing, you should not be concerned. Still, if it has been more than two days, you should consider contacting your local veterinarian and animal control officer that your animal has not returned since they may have been hurt and cannot return home.

What Should I Do If My Cat Disappears?

While it’s typical for your cat to return a little later than usual now and again, there are certain things you should do if your cat has been absent for 12 hours or overnight, especially if this is unusual for them.

1. Don’t Panic

First of all, don’t be too concerned about them. Pet owners are regularly reunited with their missing animals, sometimes days, weeks, or even months after they go missing. Cats have a strong survival sense, and chances are they’re seeking a sign from you.

2. Place Familiar Items On The Table

Some cats only require a little assistance in returning home. Set out familiar things and scents in an attempt to entice your cat back to the safety of your house. The aroma of their favourite cuisine may be particularly appealing. Try putting the following items in close proximity:

• Dishes for food and water
• Cat bed blankets
• Used litter box and unwashed clothes

3. Prepare Your Search Toolkit

As you prepare to look for your lost cat, gather some of the following items:
Kitty treats, Towels, cat carrier flashlight, gloves, night vision camera etc.

• Kitty treats

• Towels

• Cat carrier flashlight

• Gloves

• Night vision camera etc.

4. Contact Helpline

Describe your missing cat to every animal shelter or rescue in your neighbourhood, and enquire if the animal has been turned in. As often as possible, pay a personal visit to each shelter.

5. Vet Help

Please make contact with all of the local veterinarians, as it’s conceivable that a kind stranger has taken your pet in for assistance.

6. GPS Tracking

Is your feline companion microchipped? Confirm that your contact information is up to date by calling the microchip company. If a rescuer scans the cat’s chip, the rescuer will be able to contact you!

7. Make Beautiful Flyers

With your cat’s photo, description, and contact information, make beautiful flyers and distribute them across your town. To increase your chances of success, consider presenting a prize.

8. Make a Pet Report

Whether it’s with the local Animal Control Centre or the Police Department, file an official missing pet complaint with your city/municipality. Their extensive database may rapidly locate your missing cat if a match is found.

Bottom Line On How To Get A Cat To Come Home At Night

To sum it up, never use scolding, screaming, or (heaven forbid) beating on cats or dogs to cause them to form unfavourable associations with one another. Love will make every effort worthwhile, and patience will provide you with a reward.