05/28/2026
LOST CAT?
HERE’S PRACTICAL ADVICE FROM TERRY CARUTHERS, A FORMER CAT RESCUER.
The 1st thing to be aware of and realize is:
Most cats are usually within about a 3-block radius of their escape or where they go missing . . . unless the cat is intact. Then, it will traverse farther afield and hopefully return afterward. So if you live in Colonial Village, your cat is in this area and not roaming somewhere down in West Knoxville.
The 2nd thing to be aware of and realize is:
If you want your cat to be found the only one you can actually depend on is YOU. You can't sit home and post the info on the internet, hoping it will be found. You must be proactive and start looking for it. Yes, you can put out all the notices and reward offers you want, but people forget. So, at the end of the day, you’re going to have to go out and do the leg work, the looking, the door knocking, and making repeated inquiries.
The 3rd thing to know is that:
Both outside and inside/outside cats will be more far more difficult to find. They're comfortable outside and will freely roam within that 3-block radius. And the scary truth of the matter is, Colonial Village has its fair share of predators that have taken cats before, particularly coyotes, bobcats, and some raptors.
The 4th thing to know is that:
If it’s an inside cat, you are going to be far more likely to recover it since that kitty is hiding close by. They are terrified by this unfamiliar environment and will immediately dart into the first hidey-hole or bolt hole they spot and hunker down. And the smaller, the better because they’ll feel safer. Once hidden, they usually won’t budge for 2-3 days, despite how hungry they are. That’s why it’s so important to immediately get out and start looking. Stand at the door and scout about for any place or space that provides immediate coverage—like shrubs, ditches, behind HVAC systems, under decks, open garages, under cars, wheel wells, car motors, wood piles, a child’s playhouse, under furniture or boat covers, etc. Even places you may think are too small.
Set its litter box out, along with your dirty clothing, because these familiar scents may draw the cat back to your house. Go out at dusk with a flashlight and you might be able to catch the glint of its eyes and see where it’s hiding.
Late at night or very early morning, when things are still and quiet is when a scared cat will most likely venture out. Walk the neighborhood at these times, calling the cat's name and utilizing any sound mechanism that the cat has usually responded to in the past. Recordings of a can opener or the pop of the top of a favorite food. Shake a bag of favorite treats, etc.
If this is the cat’s first foray out "into the world" it is probably petrified, and you may need to use a humane trap to catch it. You may be able to borrow one from the shelter, a veterinary clinic, a rescue, a neighbor, or animal control. These may also be purchased locally at farm supply stores. They are also available from Tomahawk at www.livetrap.com. I recommend Model 606, a 26-inch trap, because it has a transfer door. You can order online or at their number: 1-800-272-8727. Delivery to Knoxville is usually 2-3 days.
Monitor the trap because an errant stray, possum, raccoon, or skunk may be tempted by the food.
Saturate the neighborhood with computer-generated flyers that have a recent, clear photo and simple instructions. [Large, clear photo of the animal. Large REWARD lettering. Call ###-###x.] Then prepare to walk the neighborhood, knocking on doors and approaching and talking to residents. Children and teens are great sources because they generally see what adults don't and are more motivated to collect a reward. Follow-up, making more than one trip because people get busy and forget. Also look for neighbors that feed their cats outdoors or may feed neighborhood strays. A hungry cat will target and hang about these areas.
While it is advisable to personally visit the shelters TWICE a day rather than call, most cats do not turn up there. If your cat is microchipped, make sure your contact information stays up to date, because there generally is only a three day hold period before stray cats may be adopted out. And if your cat is NOT microchipped, DO IT.
I share because I've been there. Many years ago, a fellow cat rescuer 'lost' my Tiggy down in Turkey Creek. I overnighted flyers, only to learn 2 days later, he never distributed them. When went to their house, I spotted her under a blue cedar at the foot of their driveway, before I could approach his wife came outside, lost control of their dogs and Tiggy ran away. For two weeks, I drove back and forth to Turkey Creek twice a day to door knock, talk, and leave flyers. Then I encountered a teen who had spotted Tiggy in a neighbor's garage. She walked me over there, but when the neighbor stepped outside, Tiggy dashed away. That evening, I set 3 traps in the vicinity and 1 in the garage. The next morning I was able to bring her home.
