You want us all to come over?My Mom, who was given the task of cat-sitting for a week, is worried sick. My soon to be Sister-In-Law has had this cat for over ten years.
THIS IS NOT A JOKE.
Open a can of tuna.
Electric can opener.
They can't resist it.
Check the tub and shower. Seriesly.
You want us all to come over?Some cats will get up in the lining of the mattres and hide there.
Attic? It may have been picked up and is in the Animal shelter. Do you live in the country?
Roll a ball of yarn around the living room. Bingo! The cat pounces.
Cats can crawl up into very small spaces even into the rafters.
I second the tuna. No cat can resist.
Also, check the box spring of any bed. They will claw the flimsy cloth underneath and crawl up into the box spring.
Buy a mouse.
Seriously, cats can find very small places to hide. Maybe up in the springs of the bed or furniture, may be in the drawers of a cabinet, may be in the top or back of closets.
Best bet, if the can opener and tuna doesn't work, would be to just stop rummaging around and let the house be peaceful and quiet for awhile.
If that doesn't work, buy a dog to keep it away, then it will be sure to come back,...cats are like that.
Do you have a recliner chair? Bacon and Hap have one cat who has been known to climb inside the recliner from underneath.
Yes, check the linings of beds AND sofas.
Cats do so love to hide. The tuna trick sounds good too.
Cats are like telemarketers, whenever you want one, they're never around, but everytime you sit down for dinner they interrupt your routine.
Is the food still being eaten? Is the litter box still being used?
It seems to me if the answer to these two questions is NO, then searching the house may be a big waste of time.
Once one of my cats got under the bed, shredded the fabric that covers the box springs and crawled inside for a long nap (not a dirt nap). You might also check out any sofa-beds or reclining chairs, if you have any. Cats can get into tight spaces. Check inside of washing machines, dryers and also cupboards.
Good luck.
Some might be tempted to use 14Ga shot, but be sure to load with rock salt first. And don't shoot too many holes in the ceiling, ...at least until you hear it scampering around real good. The buy a real good dog, like a Boxer or Black Labrador Retriever. They can help fetch what you hit.
Of course, you might be able to train a good German Shepherd to come out of the house just 'bout time your sister in law arrives. If you haven't found the cat, just find some fake fur 'bout the same color as the cat and wrap it round the Shepherd's neck like a bandana,...then when she finds the cat, no matter what shape its in, she'll be happy.
No problem, we've got tons of ideas to help out round yonder.