Can Cats Get Out Of Storm Drains

Have you ever noticed meowing coming from somewhere outside, but you couldn’t figure out where? Next time you hear it check the nearest storm drain. You may find a frightened and stuck cat or kitten there. If you do stumble across a cat, you may wonder if it can get itself out and how it got there. Can cats get out of storm drains? 

It depends, but typically they can not get themselves out. Therefore, if you see a cat or kitten in a storm drain, offer your help. There are plenty of ways to get it out, including putting food out to confirm whether it can get itself out or using a ramp to aid it comes up. If you try to no avail, call your local animal rescue to retrieve the cat safely. 

So now that you know where to look when you hear meowing that is seemingly coming from nowhere and now that you know that although a cat can get into a storm drain on its own does not mean it can get out of the storm drain on its own. Do everything you can to help, and if you can not get it out, call an animal rescue service. You likely have questions regarding how to get them out and the different methods or why they hide there. Continue reading for the answers to the questions. 

Can cats get stuck in storm drains?

Yes, cats can get stuck in storm drains. It is normal for a cat to take shelter in a storm drain to get out of poor weather conditions or get away from traffic. However, most cats that enter storm drains have trouble getting out if they can get out independently. If you hear meowing coming from storm drains, do your best in aiding to remove the cat from the storm drain. If you can not remove the cat yourself, call your local animal rescue to remove the cat promptly.

Can cats get out of sewers themselves?

No, in most cases, when a cat has fallen into the sewer, it can not get itself out without the help of someone. If you see or hear a cat trapped in the sewer or storm drains, do your best to remove it. In some cases, you alone will not be able to, and in this case, you should contact your local animal rescue so they can safely remove the cat and bring it to a shelter.

How do I get my cat out of the storm drain?

There are several different ways to remove a cat from a storm drain. If your cat is not already stuck, you can try to place wet food out or shake a box of their favorite treats. However, most cats that go into storm drains end up getting stuck. Alternatively, you can insert a sturdy board long enough to reach the cat to be used as a ramp so you can walk up the board and out of the storm drain. If all of your efforts fail, you can contact your local animal rescue, as they will have the proper tools and equipment to remove your cat safely.

How do I keep my cat out of the storm drain?

The only effective way to keep your cat out of the sewer is to keep them indoors. If your cat insists on being outdoors, you could also combat their storm drain obsession by providing them with hiding spots and toys outdoors so they don’t feel the need to venture to the storm drain. 

Why do cats go in storm drains?

Cats venture into storm drains for a variety of reasons. It can be because your cat is curious if it and wants to check it out. It could also be that the weather isn’t good, and your cat wants a place to hide from it. Another reason your cat is fascinated with storm drains is that there may be another cat there or the scent from a previous cat. Cats are social creatures, and if a cat finds another cat that it likes, they can become inseparable. So even if the cat isn’t currently there, their scent may still linger in that spot.

Where do stray cats hide from the rain?

Cats have a variety of spots they’ll hide to get away from weather conditions and loud traffic areas. Cats are not fond of water and will go anywhere to avoid the rain, including storm drains. They’ll also hide under cars or on and under porches. Cats do this when they feel like they can’t make it home before the weather gets worse and stray cats do this because they do not have a home. If you notice a stray, you should call your local shelters to see if they have room and bring your cat to them.

Do cats come home when it rains?

Whether or not a cat comes home during a rainstorm depends on how far they’ve wandered before the rain began. If your cat feels as though it is too far from your home when the rain has started, it will find the closest dry spot to ensure they aren’t in the rain when the storm worsens. Locations can include under porches, cars, storm drains, and any other place that can quickly shelter them from the weather. However, do not worry. Your cat will return after the storm has subsided.

Conclusion

Whether or not a cat can remove itself from a storm drain depends on how far into the drain it is. Cats go into them for several reasons, the most common being to stay dry in poor weather conditions. Other times, it is by mistake, and they’ve fallen into the drain. Regardless they likely will not be able to remove themselves from the drain alone, so if you see or hear a cat in a storm drain, provide assistance or call the nearest animal rescue.