You’ve got a crisis on your hands because there’s been an pet escape and you are having a hard time finding your lost small pet. The scenario is unnerving at least. Most people panic, but that doesn’t help anyone.
The first thing to do if your small pet escapes from his home is to keep calm. Animals have an innate ability to sense when we are feeling tense or worried. Their natural instinct puts them in the same mode. If that happens, he will be less responsive to you and your attempts to catch him. Imagine what it feels like to be small and lost in a big world with big and unfamiliar things all around you and then there’s your person all big and upset.
Once you notice that your pet is missing, seal off the room in which you are. Close the door and put a towel or blanket under the door, bunched up, to seal off the opening under the door. Try to make the room as quiet as you are able and listen for any small feet scratching or running in the room. As we have all witnessed when watching our pets, they are masters at finding great hiding places. Many times, simply looking for your pet won’t be enough; you’ll have to use your other senses. Other things to look for are droppings. Where small pets are, their droppings will be as well.
If you know the pet is in that room, make sure to keep it sealed off. That way, as long as he is in that room, you know he is safe. If you are still unable to catch him, get his cage and put it on the ground. Make sure you have fresh food and water, especially foods he loves, in the cage. If the opening to his cage is high or will be difficult for him to enter, provide him with steps made from something sturdy, like books. Lead him up the steps with food or tiny pieces of his favorite treats. He will follow the trail. He will also recognize the familiar smell of his home. He will instinctively want to go in. Once he is hungry, thirsty or tired enough, he will go in.
Another thing to consider when your small pet is lost is if you can keep him safe while he wanders the house. If you have dogs or cats, you may want to put them in a crate for everyone’s mutual satisfaction. Dogs or cats who may never exhibit any hostility to your small animal may react badly to his being out of the normal element. Without intending to hurt the smaller animal, they may do so, leaving you with one sick or dead pet and another who won’t understand what he did wrong.
If you are not sure of where in your house your pet is, begin by sealing off the rooms you are sure he has not wandered into. You’ll be able to use process of elimination to figure out where he is. Remember that he will be hungry and will want a familiar type of food. You can use his cage, as mentioned above, and you can set up several deep buckets rigged with steps and food to encourage him to go in. Once he is, escaping will be hard for him.
Whatever the situation when you’re searching, finding your lost small pet doesn’t have to be as hard as you think. Stay calm and be creative.
