I have known her since she was young. Oftentimes, cats follow their curiosity. Therefore dont be surprised if your outdoor cat roams away from home on the hunt for some irresistible prey. If you are reading this because your own cat up and vanished, our thoughts are with you. Some people wonder whether cats run away to die, or even if they know they are dying. 1. Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ. One interesting fact is that when cats run away, they are usually only within a 1 mile radius of home. An indoor cat might find a dark closet or cabinet to hide in when this happens. Credit: Dusadeephan Phajee. I have noticed that cat leaves home for even weeks at a time if they are not neuter, for they are on the hunt for a queen (female cat) in heat. Check with the new tenants if you moved. Cats are naturally driven by three things primarily: If your cat has disappeared, or perhaps your cat frequently disappears and returns 23 days later, one of the above-mentioned topics might be the reason your cat is missing. Cats could also run away from home because there is something is wrong. Get discounts and tips for pet parents! Allowing your cat to go where they want and return when they want limits the amount of freedom you provide them. Cats are popular pets that love their owners unconditionally when treated properly, but why do cats run away from home? Find out where theyve been and discover their favorite spots. It depends on why they ran away to begin with, but the good news is that many cats are equipped with two impressive abilities: An experiment in 1954 by German researchers revealed some interesting findings. I hope he or she turns up. Another common reason why wandering cats may go missing for a longer period of time is if they are accidently picked up by a moving vehicle. The majority of the cats exited the maze closest to their home location. Good to know: While theyre trying to discover new places, be they distracted or just curious, many cats get stuck in various narrow places, such as fences, tubs, etc. Get all our tips for finding a lost cat, including a free lost pet poster download here: How to Find a Lost Cat and Stop Them From Going Missing Again. This trait, associated with territoriality, may add another reason for the cat to flee from you as the owner. If a tom cat's pet lives in territory that is 'owned' by another tom, he has two options: win the territory or move. They may be searching for an escape route, such as a window or ledge from which they may jump. It's also very possible that an Animal Control officer or Humane Society group picked up your cat. If your cat frequently gets out and they are reproductively active, get used to their absences. But it can be difficult to find your stolen cat if you have no way to track them in real time unfortunately microchips wont help with that but a GPS cat tracker can. When your cat is scared, one of its strongest impulses is to flee from whatever is frightening them, regardless of where they go to. So if you have a stressful household, for example with dogs or children running around, dont be surprised if your pregnant feline is nowhere to be found. They placed cats in a large maze. Even if your old home is quite a long distance away, you should ask the new residents and your old neighbors to be on the lookout and check the area frequently. When your cat is ill, she may have weak moments and hide away. Please come home. Understanding the reason why your cat runs away can help you to find a good solution to protect your cats safety and your peace of mind. Too weak to come home, they will find a safe place to hide while they regain their strength to come back home. Regardless of whether your cat is successful in their initial hunt, theyll likely find something else that they need to kill, and then something else, and so on. Pregnant cats nearing their time of birth also may run away from home in order to find a perfect spot to birth her kittens. Instead, they seek out the quietest, safest nearby spot they can find. Expectant cats will seek out a quiet, secluded, secure location to give birth, and if you have a hectic household (such as one with small children or dogs running around), they may feel that your delivery room isnt up to snuff. What should I do? Speak with the animal control officials in your area. A catio, or cat patio, is an outdoor enclosure for a cat attached to the house, usually via open window. Be sure to associate their name with good behavior. A noticeable 29% of homing incidences occurred when an owner moved, and a cat returned to their old home (this includes cats that were adopted). Your Cat Is Looking For A Mate Hunting out a potential mate might lead your cat onto pastures new, motivating him to leave home. It turns out, our feline friends may be experts at finding their way back home. Your cat could bolt out the door the second that you open it, chew through screens, or spend hours casing the joint in hopes of finding a weakness in your perimeter. You might think that would solve your running-away problem, but many cats also make a break for it once its time to give birth. Cat Nail Biting: What to Do If Your Cat Chews & Pulls His Claws, Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? Take your cat out more. Here are some basic tips to help you further in your cause. If you tend to let your cat go outdoors, try keeping them indoors at your new location for a month or more before allowing them to venture out. . It turned out that most of the cats exited the maze in the area closest to their home location. If they dont find a suitable mate in the nearby area, they are liable to go out even further to find a cat partner. A spayed or neutered cat is less likely to run away. To help ease your cats stress in the face of big changes, check out these related articles: Neglect and abandonment are two other potential reasons why your cat may not come home. Babies will need a lot more of your attention, attention your cat was likely the greater recipient of. Outside cats might have a moment like this while they are out and about. If you suspect that your cat was scared into fleeing or hiding, a GPS cat tracker is one of the most surefire ways to locate them and bring them home immediately. Stay hopeful and certainly don't be hard on yourself as mentioned . I really missed him. Cats have sharp detection senses and may wander off when they find the scent of another cat in heat. We are searching for an orange tabby in the neighborhoodwe miss him so much. However thats not always the case. In the best-case scenario, your cat will wander off until they feel better, at which point, theyll come back home. Speaking of cats in heat, if your cat successfully fulfills their mating instinct, you may have a pregnant cat on your hands. Sandra Greaney from Ireland on June 13, 2020: Years ago one of our cats went missing for few days. Hepper.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. If they are too weak to get food or walk home again, they may be in danger of passing away in this spot. Called her many times.and I've made her litter trails around my house and placed food outside. The scent glands of most felines are used to distinguish their area from their own. If your male cat is unneutered, he may roam far from home looking for a mate. So if your feline is missing it may be a good idea to ask yourself if anyone you know may have done something to intentionally get rid of the cat. To safeguard your cat from a busy neighborhood or a noisy setting, always establish a cool and tranquil atmosphere for them. Give her lots of her favorite scratches, toys, and treats during this trying time. When magnets were attached to the cats, their homing abilities were disruptedthus reinforcing the study's findings. I also have taken her out on her leash here and there but it's been very hot and there's been lots of construction, etc. After spotting on my phone that she had left her virtual fence I noticed that she was moving quickly and along roads. If your house is a constant whirlwind of activity, though, they may decide that the only way to find a peaceful spot is to vacate the premises. Why do male cats run away from home? Have your cat's microchip information available. William L. Johnson on September 06, 2020: I was looking after a friends cat tonight and it was not around their house. Was he neutered? Featured Image: iStock.com/miodrag ignjatovic. We rescued a kitten of the street and was Iiving with us in our apartment for 8 years and grew up with our 7 years old daughter and she is so attached to him. If your cat tends to wander off and youve ruled out the aforementioned possibilities, you may have to just make peace with the fact that you have a free spirit on your hands. So if you do have a lost cat, make sure you call your local animal control services to see if anyone has picked up your feline. Thats especially true if your neighborhood is full of outdoor cats. However, chances are also very good that your cat may travel back to your old home, particularly if they lived there for a long time. My current cat would be so happy outdoors, but I live in an area with lots of dogs and car traffic (alsoshe gets along really well with my dog but I would worry she could approach an unfamiliar dog and get into trouble). You think you are giving your cat all he could need or want, why did he run away from you? Stress could be due to having a dog or rambunctious child in the house, changes such as moving or renovations, or getting bullied by one of your other cats. Discover why your cat keeps running away and what you can do about it in this post. Make fliers and posters with images of your pet and distribute them across your neighborhood. These may include cougars, mountain lions, wolves, coyotes, snakes, eagles, hawks and owls, depending on where you live. Whether its due to a demanding job, a new baby, or something else entirely, if you dont give your kitty as much time and affection as they need, they could go searching for it elsewhere. Why Do Male Cats Run Away? For a cat guardian, this is an emotional and upsetting experience. I'm realllllly hoping to invest in or buy a nice outdoor cat patio for her to spend time on (like a chicken coop). If you have outdoor cats, be sure to provide them with a warm place to stay in winter. Here, we look at 11 common reasons that cats run away, so you can hopefully keep yours safe and close at all times. Know what to do. Indoor-only cats that escape often go into defense mode, especially if they are timid. Coined by Dr. Joseph Rhine of Duke University, this phenomenon refers to an animal's ability to locate their owner when they have moved away. A catio allows your cat to go outside when she pleases but keeps her from running off. Cats arent always known for their loyalty to their owners. If your kitty sees these other cats encroaching on their territory (and worse, marking it), they may feel the need to get out there and show those cats whos boss. Disruption in the household If there are new animals or people in the house, major house repairs, big changes (from a cats point of view), or an unstable environment, some cats will decide to look for calmer territory. Did you recently bring home a new bundle of joy? When your cat runs away from home, it can be heartbreaking. Some cats even disappear for two to three days at a time. With the Tractive App, I found her in a shopping centre car park in the back of the fish van. I have just shifted to a new place and it's been only 4 days. Quincy Miller. An experiment that was done in 1954 placed cats in a very large maze to see if they could exit the maze and head home. I feel guilty not getting her out because I found her outdoors as a kitten. They may also want to claim your neighbors yard, or the sunny spot with all those birds down the street. Cats are capable of some pretty amazing return-home feats, but its best to not rely on this alone if your cat is missing. Reproduction Did your cat ever have surgery to remove its reproductive parts? Quincy never intended to be a cat person. She seemed to be adjusted to a new place since 1-2 days. See what Consumer Reports says aboutTractive. Called her several times but she ran away from.there.and the place is not accessible. Cats like to keep the peace and status quo. So, I asked for help in fb gp and found a young couple who are willing to take care and adopt the cat family. Last my cat went missing for three months, discontinued his insurance to stop buying his food and gave it away and then all of a sudden there he was back in my garage and he still here. Therefore you should keep an extra close eye on your cat if they fall into one of those breeds. ExcitedCats is reader-supported. This can be especially dangerous if the thing that scared them is also capable of chasing them. I have a strong connection with a stray female cat for almost a year. However, these characteristics may get cats into many difficulties, such as going missing and being . Likewise, keeping them inside will keep them from hunting smaller animals, exploring their neighborhood, or adopting a second family. If your cat gets scared off by something, their natural fear response may send them into fight, flight, or freeze mode. As mentioned above, outdoor cats are more susceptible to sickness and injury than indoor cats. My 7 months. If those urges carry them far enough away from the neighborhood that theyre familiar with, they could struggle to find their way back home again. Get your cat a collar. Something went wrong. The Spruce / Julie Bang Does your cat's behavior confuse and frustrate you, making you think you are the only one with such a crazy cat? This is especially important, because your cat may face certain dangers when theyve gone missing out of your sight. If your cat is still within 300 feet of your house, there are a variety of cat tracking gadgets available that can alert you to their whereabouts. Here are some factors which can help your feline friend return home on their own: These are three good reasons to remain hopeful that you will be reunited with your kitty again, even if they go missing. If you have an outdoor cat and its been a while since youve seen them, they may not have run off at all they may be stuck somewhere. Afraid that a tracking collar will create trouble to your curious feline? Cats are extremely territorial creatures. Male cats, especially, are prone to roaming in search of a mate. Because of this, theres a myth that cats will wander off to die, preferring to spend their last moments alone. 2. Outside, they might follow their curiosity farther away than you would like. So lets talk about the top 10 answers to the question: why do cats run away as well as cover what you can do to prevent your cat from running away the next time. Spaying and neutering is one of the primary reasons for cats to go wandering particularly males, and this can lead to cats getting into dangerous situations and of course, we certainly don't need to add to the surplus pet population that puts even more of a burden on already crowded shelters. Changing your cats routine on a regular basis might make them unhappy and despondent, causing them to flee. Male cats can be especially stubborn and if necessary, they'll travel as far away as needed in order to find a mate. In this article, we covered the 10 main reasons why cats run away. This signifies that your cat is a well-adjusted, healthy, and energetic kitty. Which broke my heart and my daughter is missing him so. We hope your cat returns to you soon! The percentage was much lower for indoor cats at 7%. Helo everyon good newsmy cat is back, my cat has been missing for a few days now, about 4 days since last seen, he is 1 years old and usually comes back at night or hungry, but I havent seen him come home AT ALL, I even stayed up 24h just to see him! While cats have a very good sense of direction, it doesn't mean that your cat will necessarily always return home. Because theres more activity going on outside in the summer, the summer months might see your cat running away from home more often than other times of the year. I had recently moved home and thought he might have gone back there so I backtracked every day and searched for him, I left messages with missing and found cat agencies and the council who remove cats that have been run over and I put notices with promises of a reward. The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Flight: your cat will run for the hills. New family members can make the complex noisy or attack or pursue your cat, causing your male cat to run but come home from time to time if one of them is out. One of the most common causes for indoor cats to flee their homes is stress, and they may or may not return. Cats can run away for a number of reasons. If your cat is fully vaccinated, microchipped, and has a decent collar, you can allow for a day or so before ramping up your search. I am so worry abt her. When a male cat reaches sexual maturity, he will start to feel a strong urge to mate. At least know that cats generally are good at surviving. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. In the first time, they found her within a day near their house but this time, they said they couldn't find her anywhere even near their house. When their house gets cloudy or too noisy, or when the neighborhood becomes unsettling, indoor cats flee. Cats can also run from home if they feel bored. Cats run away when they want to give birth, 6. Laynie H (author) from Bend, Oregon on October 08, 2019: Hi Desislava. Unfortunately, dognapping is on the rise and our feline friends may be affected by pet theft too. Louise Elcross from Preston on May 11, 2020: One of my cats went missing years ago. Get alerts if they roam too far home. Keep him happy and healthy at home by giving him the proper care. Why Does My Cat Sleep With Me And Not My Husband, 9 Hints On How To Know If a Stray Cat Likes You, Why Do Cats Bite (13 Reasons & Helpful Tips), How to Tell if Your Cat is Part Bengal or Purebred: 14 Ways to Confirm, How Much Do Bengal Kittens Cost [Price Guide for F1, F2, F3, F4], How Big Do Siamese Cats Get: Height, Weight, Size & More, Why Do Cats Shed So Much (8 Potential Reasons Explained), When Do Siamese Cats Stop Growing (7 Factors Explained). Cats may encounter predators and become prey themselves to these larger animals, so keep your cat indoors if you have dangerous natural predators of cats in your area. Maybe they have tastier treats, or more interesting toys than you do at home. A male cat can run away with a female cat into the woods, where it will eventually become a wild cat if not hunted down and retrieved. Why do cats run away? Poor or ineffective socialization and training might lead an indoor cat to flee; ensure that your cat is socialized with all possible fear sources. That's understandable. Publicize your business in local publications. If youve moved homes, make sure to keep your cat indoors for several weeks to give your cat time to adjust to the new home and area. If, however, you cant do anything about (in the case of a new person/pet or renovations), it is helpful to keep up the same routine, adjust gradually, giving him the same love and creating a safe space inside for him to hide away. So if your cat is naturally indoor-outdoor, there's a good possibility that he or she has found something that has caught his or her attention or got caught up in the following: 5 people reported that their cat traveled a long distance to find home: 80 miles in 3 months, 52 miles in 2.5 years, 38 miles in 6 months, 30 miles in 10 days, and 20 miles in 21 daysaccording to the Lost Pet Research project. Laynie H Mar 25, 2023 3:29 PM EDT Why did my cat leave home? This includes your house, yard, neighboring streets, and maybe your entire neighborhood. Luckily, cats have several ways of finding their way back home if all is fine and they dont get stuck, trapped, or injured. It can be around the garden or a few blocks on the street and back home. Their very sharp senses will detect potential mating partners in the neighborhood and there is no fence high enough to stand in the way of your feline then. Sickness is another natural cause of cats fleeing. Also, if theyre never allowed outdoors, then the outside world will be big and scary to them, so theyll be less likely to sprint out the door when youre bringing in the groceries. Photo by Anders Nord on Unsplash Why Do Cats Disappear and Go Missing? Cats that havent been spayed or neutered may wander away from home to mate. Vet-Approved Facts, Dog Stung byScorpion? According to Lostpetresearch.com, 67% of outdoor-access cats and 25% of outdoor-only cats demonstrated homing behavior. ago who was an outdoor/indoor cat. The top 8 reasons cats run away. A quivering cat tail is just one of a series of ways in which your cat communicates with you. If a male cat is not properly managed, he might go a considerable distance in search of a female cat, keeping him away from his owner. This also helps control the stray cat population. When your backyard doesnt provide sufficient game for your cat, she could be wandering off to find that exciting prey. The U.S. Attorney's Office accuses Samuel Bateman and 10 others of causing sexual harm to nine girls at the time the alleged offenses took place. Even though cats are independent creatures, they can be successfully trained to respond to cues like hearing their name or the ring of a bell. Asked a lot of peopleand wherever they would say they saw , I used to out food there. Moving the furniture around, welcoming a new pet or family member, home renovations or even just loud noises; these things and more can cause stress and anxiety in your kitty and may cause them to seek refuge elsewhere. A lonely cat is one thats not above hitting the road at the first opportunity. Some people won't be too welcoming of a nosy cat sniffing around their home but, of course, others are going to find your moggy . Felines like the Siamese need frequent exercise to constantly stimulate their senses. You can help your cat stay happy and healthy by exercising patience, understanding, and providing fresh toys or a scratching post. Yes, your cute cat wants nothing more than to slip the surly bonds of the prison you keep them in, if only just to enjoy a few carefree murders. Talk to your neighbors (35 houses down). But of course, there are certain safety measures we can take to protect our outdoor feline friends. They often do: whether they're missing for only hours or days at a time, most cat parents can confirm this type of behaviour in their felines. How long do cats go missing for? This is because cats who aren't spayed or neutered will have the uncontrollable urge to go out and find a mate. Be sure to take precautions as well. Since graduation, she has worked in many fields Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. Should I Worry? Mating. Monitor your cat's movements 4. They often do: whether theyre missing for only hours or days at a time, most cat parents can confirm this type of behaviour in their felines. The downside is that the bigger the cats territory, the more likely they are to come into contact with other cats, which can put them at risk of fighting and getting injured in a cat fight. Cats leave home for many reasons, but they rarely run away. In many instances, cats simply get distracted and wander off or manage to find some trouble. Cats run away from home due to changes in daily routine, 14. This will help you locate your cat via mobile phone app, or you will get notified by a local animal shelter if your cat was located by them. By reading these possible reasons why and how to prevent it, we hope you are more clued in to why your cat ran away. For any cat, new family members can be stressful, especially if the cat has not been properly socialized with other humans or dogs. Most likely they will return. You can train your cat to come to you when you call their name by giving them a tasty treat every time you call them, then gradually reducing the times. hi we want to move away from where my cat grew up is it ok to do that? There's just too many bad things that can happen to them outdoors. Villy Fernandes I hope you find your cat soon. When a male cat reaches a particular age, he develops a sexual desire that must be regulated; otherwise, your male cat may flee his house and never return.