Why Mobile Home Parks Are Different
Mobile home parks offer cats dozens of hiding spots per block: under skirting, between homes, in utility areas, and under decks. The good news is that cats rarely leave the park — they find a hiding spot and stay put.
Step 1: Search Your Lot Thoroughly
Start at your own home:
- Under the home — through skirting access panels.
- Under decks and porches.
- In the utility shed or storage area.
- In the carport or garage.
- Behind the home — in bushes or stored items.
- In the AC unit area — cats like the warmth.
Step 2: Search the Immediate Neighbours
Knock on every door within 5 lots:
- Ask permission to check under their home (through skirting).
- Check their decks, porches, and sheds.
- Ask them to check their carport and garage.
- Leave a flyer with a photo and your number.
Step 3: Check Park Common Areas
- Laundry room — cats hide behind and under machines.
- Clubhouse or office — check under the building.
- Mailroom area — dark and quiet.
- Park entrances — cats sometimes hide near gates.
- Trash and recycling areas — food sources.
- Park perimeter — check under perimeter fencing.
Step 4: Use Scent Lures
Place scent lures at multiple locations:
- Your litter box outside your door.
- Worn clothing under neighbouring homes (with permission).
- Food lures in humane traps at 3-4 locations.
Step 5: Set Up Humane Traps
Mobile home parks are ideal for trapping:
- Set traps in quiet, shaded areas under homes.
- Use tuna in oil as bait.
- Check every 2-3 hours.
- Cover traps with towels to provide security.
Step 6: Notify Park Management
Give the park manager a photo and ask them to:
- Alert maintenance staff to be on the lookout.
- Check security cameras from when your cat escaped.
- Allow you to post flyers in common areas.
- Check the park perimeter during their rounds.
Step 7: Distribute Flyers
Post flyers (use our free generator) at:
- The park office and laundry room.
- Every mailbox cluster.
- The park entrance.
- On neighbours' doors (with permission).
Step 8: Post Online
- Post your lost cat alert on Cat Reunite.
- Post in the park's Facebook group (if one exists).
- Post in local neighbourhood Facebook groups.
- Notify local lost-pet groups.
Common Mobile Home Park Hiding Spots
- Under the home (through skirting) — the #1 spot.
- Between homes in narrow gaps.
- Under decks and porches.
- In utility sheds and storage areas.
- Under cars in carports.
- In the AC unit area.
- In the laundry room.
- In the trash/recycling area.
- Under perimeter fencing.
Mobile Home Park-Specific Risks
- Skirting access — cats can squeeze through small gaps in skirting.
- Other cats — territorial cats may chase your cat further.
- Dogs — neighbours' dogs may bark at hiding cats.
- Traffic — park roads can still be dangerous.
- Weather — under-home areas can be cold or wet.
FAQ
How long do cats hide in mobile home parks?
Most cats hide for 24-72 hours. They find a dark spot under a home or deck and stay put. Don't give up — keep searching and refreshing food.
Can my cat get under the skirting?
Yes — cats can squeeze through small gaps in skirting. Check under homes through access panels. Ask neighbours for permission to check under their homes.
Should I leave food outside?
Yes — but place it in a humane trap so you can recover your cat. Other animals (raccoons, possums) may eat food left outside openly.
Will my cat leave the park?
Usually no — mobile home parks have plenty of hiding spots. Your cat is likely still within the park. Focus your search there.
Take Action Now
Post your alert now and use our poster generator. Read our complete search guide.
