will my cat come back home ?

There is sometimes a tendency to believe that cats know how to find their way back, but this belief is not only false, but also dangerous. There is no evidence or scientific study that shows that cats have an innate ability to find their way home, and unfortunately, this leads to the disappearance of many domestic cats every day.

In addition, a runaway cat is exposed to many risks in the street, such as fights between cats, car accidents, diseases, parasites, etc. For this reason, it is essential to take the appropriate preventive measures to prevent the cat from escaping.

In this article from The Pretty Pets, not only will we answer the question "Does a cat always come home", but we will also show you how to prevent your feline from escaping and what to do to find him if you have lost him and he does not come home. Take note of the following tips, they are a must!

1-Why do cats run away?

First of all, we have to consider that cats are very intelligent and sensitive animals, with privileged instincts. Every new stimulus they perceive captures their attention and arouses their curiosity. Secondly, although they appreciate the comfort of their home, the street also offers them entertainment, such as possible prey, females in heat, new smells and sounds, etc. This is why some cats try to escape, to exercise their hunting skills, to meet a female in heat or simply to discover more closely the stimuli they perceive from the house, for example.

In general, a cat that runs away has a greater tendency and predisposition to escape if it has not been spayed or neutered. This is why sterilization is recommended not only as a method of reproduction control, but also to prevent many diseases, fights between cats and accidents to which your cat may be exposed when it escapes. In fact, one study indicates that spaying and neutering can reduce or eliminate runaways related to sexual behavior in 90% of cases [1].

In addition, it is also important to take into account the character of each cat. Some cats are naturally more affectionate, shy or calm, adapting more easily to the household routine. But others are more energetic, curious or adventurous, and may show a greater predisposition to run away.

Can a cat leave for several days and come back? Does a cat always come home? Unfortunately, we cannot give you an exact answer to these questions, as no one can predict that a cat will return home every time it escapes. Although cats possess great intelligence and highly developed senses that allow them to identify their environment and orient themselves in different occasions, there is no real guarantee that they will always be able to find their way back when they get lost in the streets. It is therefore very important to prevent our kittens from escaping, so that they do not get lost and do not endanger their health.

2- Does a cat know how to get home?

On the other hand, it is also true that some cats are used to taking short walks outside their home, while staying in the neighborhood. However, even in these cases, it is important to take preventive measures to ensure their well-being, such as spaying or neutering, practicing proper preventive medicine, placing an identification chip and always rewarding them for coming home.

How long does it take for a cat to come home?

When a cat disappears, when to worry? Faced with disorientation, the behavior of a lost cat can be variable. Some try to follow the trail they left behind with urine or pheromone tagging, while others may travel miles to find their home. If your cat is missing or does not come home after a few hours, you will need to be patient, but when a cat has not been home for more than 18-24 hours, it is time to take action, as it may be lost.

3- What should I do if my cat has escaped?

My cat is missing, what should I do? How do I get a cat back that has left ? This is a situation that none of us would want to imagine, let alone live. However, it is important to be prepared to know how to react if your cat escapes. If your cat is accustomed to going outside, there is a greater chance that it will come back on its own.

There are a few tips for finding a lost cat that you can follow, such as starting to make flyers or posters (with your contact information and your cat's characteristics) to alert local residents who may have seen it. You can distribute them at veterinary clinics, supermarkets, local stores and in the surrounding area. And if this is allowed in your neighbourhood or city, it may also be helpful to post some signs on street lamps and nearby streets. On the other hand, local newspapers allow you to place this type of ad in the "classifieds" section.

Furthermore, taking advantage of the fact that we live in the "digital age", it is also important to share your flyers with your contacts in social networks and/or in your nearest instant messaging groups. If you have the possibility to offer a small financial or symbolic reward, it may mean that more people are willing to help you find your cat. Finally, don't forget to call animal shelters. Then, it's time to get out and find your cat. Start by taking a walk in the streets near your home, in parks and squares in your neighbourhood.

Does a cat always come home? - What should I do if my cat has escaped?

4-How do I prevent my cat from running away ?

Although it is not always possible to control a cat's impulses and needs, we can reduce the risk of running away by following a few tips to prevent a cat from running away. Follow the guidelines below to prevent your cat from getting lost again :

 

Provide a positive environment: Like everyone else, cats want to return to places where they feel happy, comfortable and loved. So, if we want our cat to stay at home, the first thing to do is to offer him a positive, safe and peaceful environment. Each cat should have its own resting environment, always well separated from its litter box, and a feeding area where food and water are available. In addition, the enrichment of its environment will be crucial for the cat to be able to exercise and have fun at home (remember that a bored cat may try to escape just for fun and to exercise its instincts).

Give him lots of love and proper care: a cat's home will never be complete without the love and care of his guardians. Don't forget to set aside a special time to play with your cat and share good times with him. Taking care of your cat also means providing him with a complete and balanced diet, a positive and nourishing environment, a good education, socialization and adequate preventive medicine.

Provide appropriate preventive medicine: Each cat must receive appropriate preventive medicine to maintain its good health and stable behavior. Therefore, do not forget to visit the veterinarian every 6 months, to respect his vaccination schedule and to deworm him periodically. In addition, if your cat runs away at some point, having good preventive medicine means that your cat is less likely to catch many diseases.

Sterilization / castration: In principle, we must remind you that sterilization and castration are two different procedures. Although they are both effective as a means of controlling reproduction to avoid unwanted litters and to combat overcrowding, castration is the only effective measure to eliminate or decrease behaviors related to sexual desire or running away. It is also essential to consult your veterinarian before deciding to have your cat spayed or neutered. He will be able to advise you on the best procedure to follow for your pet and on the best time to have your cat spayed or neutered.

Teach your cat to come back home by rewarding him: if your cat is used to walking outside the house, in addition to taking the above preventive measures, it will also be important to teach him to come back home using positive reinforcement. This way, every time your cat comes home early, you will be able to offer him a treat, a homemade meal, a new toy or simply play with him for a while. Don't forget to compliment him for his attitude, to encourage him positively and to pet him generously.