How to Attract a Lost Cat in a Forest

Many times a cat will chase animals or look for food in a nearby wooded area and become lost for several hours, days or even weeks. Cats may run away for several reasons, such as a recent move or in an attempt to find a mate. In many homes a pet cat is considered a member of the family, which can make it scary and upsetting when the cat vanishes. There are several strategies that a person can implement when searching for a lost pet, including the use of food, treats, and noises to attract the cat toward home.

Things You'll Need

  • Cat toy
  • Cat treats
  • Recently worn piece of clothing
  • Cat's bed
  • Cat's litter box
  • Wet cat food
  • Humane traps
  • Canned tuna
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Instructions

    • 1

      Walk around the perimeter of the forest calling the cat's name loudly. The cat will respond to its name, especially if it is called in a familiar voice. Perform this procedure during the early morning hours when it is quiet outside so the cat will hear you more easily.

    • 2

      Squeak or rattle the cat's favorite toy while you walk around or through the forest. Make sure that you do not wander too far into the forest and get lost yourself. Ask friends or family members to accompany you into the wooded area with rattles and toys of their own.

    • 3

      Shake a box of the cat's favorite treats while you are in or near the forest. Many cats become familiar with the rattling sounds of treats and will come running.

    • 4

      Place items outside of your home with a familiar scent to the cat. These could include recently worn pieces of clothing, the cat's bed, the litter box or a can of the cat's favorite wet cat food. The scents will lure the cat back to your home if the wooded area is on or adjacent to your property.

    • 5

      Place two to three humane traps around the perimeter of the wooded area. Bait the traps with strong smelling food that the cat will find attractive, such as canned tuna. The hungry cat will be attracted to the food and will become safely enclosed in the trap.