[shlanon]

I left my kitties at my parents house for a few days while I went back to Austin. Today, somehow the back door came open because it wasn't latched totally and the wind blew it open. They found the door like this and Stormy outside with my parent's outdoor cats. They brought her in, but we can't find Justin. I got back about an hour after they noticed he was missing and I spent two hours outside calling for him but have not found him. He is a black cat so that makes it even harder.
I'm getting up in the morning and trying to find him, contacting neighbors, whatever else I can think of.
I'm just so afraid that I will never find him. He doesn't know the area, there are dogs, cats, wild animals out there. All I can hope is that he knows to come back to the house.
I keep thinking about how I wished I had taken him with me to Austin, or if I had come home earlier today like I had planned on doing. I may never see him again and I didn't even get to say goodbye.
He may as well have just stayed in his cage like he was before I got him, at least then he would have been safe. Now he's out somewhere, scared, and I can't find him.
You guys please say a prayer for Justin and give me any advice you may have. I feel like my heart has been wrenched out...I was supposed to take care of this cat and I failed. I feel so horrible.

 

[Ioana]

Holw old is Justin and how long has he been missing? I strongly hope he is only taking advantage of the liberty of wondering around. Cats are so smart so I am sure he can find his way back. Justin will be in my thoughts. May you two be reunited as soon as possible!

 

[Padunk]

Whatever happens, do not blame yourself. You were trying to make things less stressful for him by not putting him through the ordeal of travelling. Nothing that happened was your fault.

Like Ioana said, he's smart, he should find his way back. I lost Punky once at the family summer home. The situation was the same in that she wasn't familiar with the area. I looked everywhere, then spent about 12 hours on the front porch waiting for her. I couldn't go inside or do anything until I knew she was okay.

She eventually came back as if nothing happened. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Justin will return in the same manner.

 

[faile]

he'll get hungry sooner or later, then he'll come looking for you!

 

[Kimmyboo]

Cats are sneaky little buggers! He is probably out there gallavanting and enjoying his sneaky time. I'm sure he will come back home as if he didn't do anything wrong. Cats have a mind of their own. They are like kids and like to test you. I'm sure he'll come back for some food. I will keep my fingers crossed for Justin's return. Keep us posted!

 

[shlanon]

My prayer was answered...Justin is safe and sound back in the house! My dad came down and saw him sitting on the front porch but he ran away when my dad opened the door. We left two doors open a little after that and he was back in somehow within 15 minutes! He looks no worse for wear, just hungry.
I can't even say how relieved I am. If nothing else, I learned how much he means to me (and Stormy, who was crying for him) after only a few months with him.
I believe God led him safely back to me. And now...time to finally get some deep sleep!

 

[DanaMichelle]

Congratulations!

Congratulations on getting Justin back! Keep in mind that if this ever happens again it is best to contact your local shelter right away. Legally most shelters will have to hold a dog for a stay period (usually 2-3 days) before they adopt the dog out or euthanize the animal. Unfortunately there are no such laws for cats. The ideal situation is to have an ID on your cat (collar with nametag) and a picture that you can bring to your local humane society/aspca right away. Some shelters can get more than 100 cats a day, and with only a verbal description to go on, your cat could easily be overlooked. Also some shelters will rent out humane traps that you can setup throughout your community in an attempt to catch your cat. Don't blame yourself, anyone can loose the most beloved of pets. Luckily cats are fairly self-sufficient and can make it on their own outside for a couple of days- even if they are declawed.

 

[tio]

Congratulations, Shlanon.


My old cat used to travel kilometers from home for a week and then come back to have early breakfast at 3 pm. Unfortunately, such lucky things don't always happen. In Vietnam where cat flesh is still a kind of food regardless of government forbiddance, if a cat is missing, his (or her) owners have to go around to find their pet as soon as possible or accept the fact that their poor cat would become a dish in a mediocre restaurant. Dogs have the same destiny. So every pet you keep is chained!

 

[Ioana]

That is such great news ..yay Justin..how nice that all of you are reunited @@@

ps Tio - it must be a real scare to live like that - now I understand even better that the chain is actually a sort of protection for your kitty. I have a strong feeling that one day situations like that will change ..how could it not with so many animal advocates around!

 

[Padunk]

I can imagine the sigh of relief when you were able to hold him again

 

[Jeanie]

Thank goodness! Losing a pet is everyone's nightmare!

If a cat gets out, it's wise to put a sweaty piece of clothing on the porch, sit outside at night (the middle of the night is best) when it's very quiet and call softly. Often the missing cat is near the house, but frightened. Their sense of smell is excellent, however. If that doesn't work, add a humane trap with smelly cat food inside to the plan.

Of course, No. 1 is to inform all the authorities, call the neighbors, and speak to the children in the neigborhood. They're outside more than their parents. Then you would add posters with pictures, etc.

I'm so happy for you!

 

[kitkat]

What a relief that he came back. Cats are very smart animals and I'm glad he made it back in good health. :lol: