My cat ate something bad and now he’s refusing to eat and puking everywhere. When trying to get him into the carrier, he escaped and broke through the fake wall in my bedroom (old attic) and is now hiding between the floorboards and ceiling. It’s not a safe spot for him, but I can’t lure him out with food and he hasn’t gone to the bathroom yet today so I’m worried. I waited a few hours to try and get him out on his own but he wasn’t still hissing.
Canned cat food or sardines usually will do the trick. Put it in a bathroom and don’t act suspicious. However, you need to be able to shut the door as soon as the cat is in the bathroom and eating.
Food may not work, but you might try nutritional yeast. My elderly cat will happily starve himself sick when he feels like it, but nutritional yeast from Walmart makes his nose perk up from a mile away. Cats can go from sick to dying extremely fast when they’re not eating or using the bathroom. If you can’t lure him out today, you may need to look into what any local emergency service can do to help, or start tearing apart the ceiling yourself. Call fire department, police, animal control, SPCA, anyone who is willing to listen. Definitely try popping by Walmart for the yeast first because idk what your home looks like but it sounds like getting him out by force safely is going to require some impromptu home renovation. Also try not to show him that you’re stressed. Speak to him in an elevated and chipper voice, pretend to go about your business, try to keep your heart rate under control. When my boy knows he’s going to the vet, the only thing that keeps him from booking it is psychological warfare.
I use catnip to lure my cat out. Treats too buy calling out who wants nip nips has her running every time.
Is he still hissing? Can you hear him moving around, meowing etc? If not given the state he’s in, I’m going to suggest getting in there however you can safely for you and him. Assuming he’s not stuck or taken a turn for the worse, simply ignore him, sounds counterintuitive but it works for my 3. No talking to him or calling him or hanging around where he is. Put fresh food out where you usually feed him and then do whatever you usually do after you put food out. Once he comes out, shut the door on whatever solid room he’s in. Then get the cage and go in. Hold the cage open low to the ground when you open the door as an escape deterrent. He may have gone to the toilet where he is. I hope he’s out soon and the vet gives him the all clear.
With his symptoms you need to get into that space and make him come out, don’t bother with a lure. He’s hiding because he’s very sick.
Ben said:
With his symptoms you need to get into that space and make him come out, don’t bother with a lure. He’s hiding because he’s very sick.
It’s physically impossible to get into that space, idk what to do.
@Thayer
Cut the wall open.
I’d try contacting an emergency vet immediately. It sounds serious, and they can help you figure out the safest next steps.
Ah the classic hide n seek before vet time. Cats are ninjas at this game. What works for me is usually treats or the sound of their food bag. Got to use those sneaky tactics right back at them. Worst case? Chill near where they’re hiding, they sometimes come out just to see what you’re up to. Patience is key with these sneaky fluffballs.
Cut him out.