Lost cat and Foxes

[alfiecat]

Hi everyone, I'd really appreciate any tips on my situation. I have an ex-feral cat that was living happily as a housecat, indoor only. Last Sunday he followed another cat out of the door, got scared and took off. He's totally fearful outside and has only been seen a few times at night on a wildlife camera. He is a funny cat that has very short legs and unable to jump and climb. He doesn't seem to recognise home and has been seen in neighbouring gardens.

I have set traps, the first night he went in one, but unfortunately it triggered too early and he escaped, so may now be trap shy. He was going to a neighbours for food as she feeds foxes, but last night he was chased by a huge dog fox, I don't know if he'll be brave enough to return.

I've asked the neighbour to stop feeding the foxes for the time being, but I'm now worried about my cat and how I can get him back, or at least discourage the foxes, but not my cat? Any ideas gratefully received, we are devastated.

[Ruth B]

I really sympathise with you, it is horrible when they go missing.

I can really only pass on the standard advice. If he was indoor only place his litter tray outside or empty some of it on the garden if you have another cat that needs it, the scent will help draw him home. Try hanging some of your dirty washing on the line, again the scent will carry on the breeze and help him know where home is. I would also suggest getting an outdoor shelter for him and putting some of you clothing in that to give him somewhere he can feel secure, you could also put food there and try calling him to it. If he is as shy as you say then it might be that you have to leave it and watch from a window to see if he comes, I would however not leave it unattended in case the foxes find and and scare him off. I am assuming he isn't microchipped, but if he is then putting a microchip activated cat flap in the shelter will make sure he has access but the foxes couldn't get to it. If he does start coming then slowly move the food into a trap that isn't set to get him used to being fed in one, hopefully you can then get so it can be activated while he is in it.

I can only hope with time he will return and feel safe in your garden then you can move onto getting him back inside where he belongs, even when he does show up, be prepared to take things slowly so as not to spook him into running away again.

I hope others can come up with other ideas to help get him back.

[alfiecat]

Thanks for your reply, he is actually microchipped, we got him done when we first trapped him and had him neutered. He has lived as a housecat for about three years now. We've done the litter etc, but he's just too scared and won't even come into the garden for food, the one time he did he didn't seem to recognise it and bolts if we call or he hears anything. I've set traps in the neighbours garden, so I think that is my only option for now.