Kitty Alex missing March 27, 2003 FOUND: 27 days later - Missing Indoor-Only Cats - Discussion Areas - : : Cats in the Bag Forum : : - Message Board - Yuku

RSS
Email

0 Kudo

<< Previous Topic Next Topic >>

Kitty Alex missing March 27, 2003 FOUND: 27 days later

Author	Comment
mizmeowski	Kitty Alex missing March 27, 2003 FOUND: 27 days later	Lead	[-]
Posts: 708 (07/09/03 17:02:38) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Tags : None Read how Francine's mushball kitty Alex, escapes while she is away on a business trip. Unfortunately the weather is wet and cold for days. Finally, when the weather clears a couple weeks later, Alex pops out of hiding several pounds lighter 1/4-1/2 miles away, endears himself to a little boy and his family, who adopt him into their home and soon Alex is sleeping on their bed, snuggled between the husband and wife. Scroll down to post #19 to read how this amazingly friendly and calm yet indoor-only at that time kitty is finally reunited with Francine. Alex's personality is definitely in the Friendly Walkabout category not a bit skittish in fact he is at the complete opposite end of the scale from Sage in terms of timidness and reaction to new things. --------- Hi Pauline! I found your article Lost Indoor-Only or Timid Cats very interesting and helpful! Alex is 15 years old and I've recently moved to a suburban area outside of Boston--Arlington, MA--after living for several years in NYC. Although I've been here since November, Alex has been very interested in going out to explore. Actually, I've taken him out with me as I've done yard work and will keep an eye on him. He'll sit for a while and then will begin to wonder . . . walking and stopping to sniff. When I go after him, he'll trot away and he's wanted to venture off. My plans this spring were to set him up on a leash in the backyard . . . I was out of town on a business trip a few weeks ago and a friend was house sitting. He opened the window to get some fresh air the night before . . . didn't think to put the screen down . . . and realized the next morning that Alex was missing. I'm absolutely heartbroken--as well as my 2 yr old cat Toby . . . Alex is declawed front & back . . . needs medication on a monthly basis to regulate his condition . . . I've made several efforts to find him . . . flyers throughout the neighborhood, flyers in mailboxes, traps (I think he's too smart for a trap--even if he's really hungry), notified animal control, lost pet in newspapers, flyers in town and on news stands, bike trail, etc. I've searched fields, pissed off neighbors looking under their decks at all hours of the night . . . I don't know what to do . . . but I will never stop searching for him--he means to much to me!!! Alex is very friendly and loves people, other cats and dogs (as long as they are not too aggressive--then he's afraid). I don't know if he falls into the category you describe as an in-door only cat and is hiding or has approached someone by now--as we've had snow this past week and hopefully he's in someone's home. Although Alex is an exceptionally smart cat, is there a chance he can't find his way home? I believe he slid under my fence and I realized 5 days after he was missing that he probably couldn't slide back through--so I propped the fence up with logs. He's a big boy and weights 18 lbs. Neighbors had spotted him late at night/early morning 2 days after is was missing . . . prior to receiving all this snow. I haven't tried the "Comfort Zone" spray . . . but was going to when the weather's is nice again . . . Thanks for listening to my story! ~Francine
mizmeowski	Re: Kitty Alex Missing since March 27	#1	[-]
Posts: 708 (07/09/03 17:04:26) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I asked Francine a bunch of questions which she answered below the questions: Hi Francine, I saw the Sherlock Bones poster and see Alex went missing at the end of last month so he has not been gone too long. you've done all the right things: letting people know, searching on foot, and trapping etc. Definitely don't give up because he has to be somewhere. Don't let the bad weather get you down. I know of 2 cats who survived month-long very cold snowy weather. From his behavior, the fact that Alex is not coming home, the fact that he was seen 2 days after seems to support that he is afraid. But the fact that he loves people and other pets doesn't seem to support the fraidy cat theory. Some questions: 1) Was the window left open in the days following his disappearance? Specifically, 2 days after he disappeared, was window still open? Would he have been able to reach the window from outside if it was open, or is the window very high? Yes, the window was left open for several days after. I live on the 1st floor and the window ledge is only 26" to the ground. What I realized several days later was that he probably slid under a gap in the fence of my backyard. Because of the gap and the landscape, it's nearly impossible for him to slide back through. Therefore, I've taken some logs and lifted the fence--propping it up with the logs so he can sneak back under. I've also asked my neighbor to keep the gate open from my yard & her yard. She's been doing this everyday . . . because she puts small dog in the backyard . . . but recently asked if she still needed to do so. I said no--not at the moment--but said I may want her to in the future. The weather is suppose to be rather nice next week--so I thought I'd ask her again when it's nicer and when Alex might be making attempts to find his way back home again. 2) Is the sighting 2 days after reliable? Are these neighbors who like cats and pay attention to the difference between a solid gray cat and a striped gray, a 7 lb vs 18 lb? The one neighbor who I believe to be reliable said he spotted him at 11 PM on Friday night--and I've asked him about 5 times since then and he says he's positive. He said he remembered saying to himself--this isn't a cat he's ever seen before in the neighborhood. He said he was really large . . . 3) How did neighbors describe his behavior? What was he doing when they saw him? Did he act scared? He said he just walked across his driveway and stopped to sniff the ground . . . walked . . . stopped . . . sniffed . . . my friend agreed that this sounds like what Alex would do when out with in the yard. His house is across the street from my neighbor & the fence--the side he would be stuck on--where he couldn't get thru back to my yard . . . 4) Are there any predators in the neighborhood? Dogs known to attack? Coyotes? No dogs known to attack . . . I believe a Red Fox was spotted not too far away which is uncommon for this area . . . someone said maybe coyotes . . . but no one has ever spotted one . . . but that doesn't mean they don't exist??? 5) I understand that Alex was not regularly an outside access cat in Arlington. Was he outdoor access at other houses? Basically the question is, is he outside savvy? He's never been outside because I've always lived in a city. He's been dying to get outside and explore since I've moved here. He's wanted to venture off . . . and seemed frecked out by the noice of cars coming . . . he's aways been frightened of cars on the highway . . . bottom line--he's never been outdoors and out of my sight! 6) at the time he went missing, did the catsitter say that Alex was feeling sick or under the weather? What sort of intestinal problem does he have? Could it have been flaring up during your absence? Alex had vomitted the night before he disappeared--which is not uncommon. He got deathly ill 2 years ago after my other cat Charmane passed away. They don't know why he became ill--maybe from the trama & loss--as they were together for 13 years--and we were both morning the loss. His splean was enlarged 5 times it's natural size. I believe his pancrease doesn't quite work the way it's suppose to. He was hospitalized for 2 weeks--on an IV--went from 18 lbs. to 12 lbs. until we finally got it under control. After months of keeping him on high powered anti-biotics that were making him ill, I sought out homeopathic remedies. I found a vet (in NYC) who studies conventional and hompepathy remedies, and we made exceptional progress with the cell salt PULSATILLA 30C by Boiron. Over time, his health improved and he went back to his weight of 18 lbs. In May, it will be 2 years ago that this has happened. I've been feeding Alex 5 cans of cat food a day to keep his weight up--in case it were to flare up again. I give him 1 tablet every month to maintain his condition and keep him in good health. Thankfully, I gave him 1 tablet right before I left for my trip . . . I've heard of animals that run away to die . . . I don't think that's the case. Alex is a very smart cat! In fact, I think Alex was smarter than I. He heard the window open, and I'm sure he said to himself--"that's one dumb guy, of course I'm going to jump out the window . . ." Kindof like the student that knows what he can get away with the substitute teacher . . . Since the cat sitter opened the window at midnight (3/26) my guess is that Alex was out the window within 20 minutes--and my cat sitter was fast asleep!!! The worst part is if it were daylight he would have probably wondered until he came across some people . . . but since he got out in the dark, this gave him an opportunity to wonder . . . by the way, I believe it was raining that night when he got out . . . 7) Currently, today, what are you doing to locate Alex? I've contacted Pet Finders.com--posted on the internet. They are calling every home in a 70 block radius. I have flyers posted from Sherlock Bones. I've put flyers is all mailboxes several blocks away, I've sent flyers to every Vet in a 25 mile radius, I'm calling the local Animal Control offices and shelters once each week. Other than that I'm going to go out again . . . spend the night outside when the weather is nice next week . . . during the day I'll take my other cat Toby who crys out rather loudly as we call for Alex--he misses him too! I contacted a pet psychic a week ago . . . I'm waiting for her to call me back again . . . I'm praying a lot too! After you answer these questions I might be able to give you a better picture of what Alex might be doing. Best to you, Pauline
mizmeowski	Re: Kitty Alex Missing since March 27	#2	[-]
Posts: 708 (07/09/03 17:05:52) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Almost everything that you tell me indicates Alex is a calm cat. The fact that he didn't freak out when you took him out in the yard, and has been interested in exploring, the fact that he likes people and animals, the fact that he was spotted calmly sniffing, tells me he started this escapade in an adventurous mood and less likely in a complete cover mode. Anything could have happened after he left though, so we can't say for sure. A few things might have set off a complete cover mode: possible illness, fear of cars, fear of aggressive animal. In general, cats don't wander long distances the way dogs do. Since Alex was never outdoors, it would seem he would wander even less. Once he finds a food source, he would most likely stay put unless and until something should deter him or scare him off (dog, cat fight etc). Here's what I recommend: Make a map. Pinpoint areas that would have easy access to food. Look for signs that would indicate he might be eating in a particular area. Pinpoint areas that seem traveled by kitties. Concentrate your search in these areas. Do a door to door search. If the weather has been bad, he's probably in some cubby hole to stay warm and dry. Leave food and water out at your house for Alex. Front and back and in several areas (for example near the fence with the log). If your neighbor across the street will allow it, leave food across the street too. I highly recommend going door to door and talking with your neighbors - I know you have flyered the area, but talking directly to a person will make a longer lasting impression. Since Alex is not familiar with outside landmarks, try to leave your scent outside as much as possible. One person even went so far as to take used litter from the home kitty's box to sprinkle around outside to help her missing kitty find it's way home. (Don't sprinkle the clay kind on cement though (sprinkling on dirt is ok) because it will make the sidewalk slippery.) Has he ever shown interest in girl cats? One person got her male cat back by putting a female who was in heat into a carrier next to a trap. If there is a chance he might be gravely ill, I would begin trapping again. How many days did you trap so far? In fact, because he has been gone two weeks, I would seriously consider relying on trapping heavily to try to locate Alex. If he was going to come home on his own, I think he would have by now. On the other hand, if the weather has been really bad, he may stay holed up until it clears. I know another cat who only ventured home after the storm blew over. Take care, Pauline
mizmeowski	Re: Kitty Alex Missing since March 27	#3	[-]
Posts: 708 (07/09/03 17:06:34) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Pauline, You've given me some good ideas! Although I've spoken to several neighbors throughout the neighborhood, I'll continue to speak to others . . . I'll try the cat litter and will continue the food. Also, I have shredded clothing I'm been dropping throughout the neighborhood. I think I need to step up my efforts again next week when the weather is much nicer. I can't help but think he's in hiding . . . Please by all means feel free to use me as an example . . . especially if other can learn from it. Also, I'll take any advice I can get . . . Thanks again! ~Francine
mizmeowski	False Alarm	#4	[-]
Posts: 708 (07/09/03 17:07:55) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	I received a call this morning from a woman who thought Alex was in her backyard . . . I excused myself from the conference call I was on (I work from home). She was one of the homes who received my flyer last night . . . one of the last places I thought he'd be . . . but I thought it was good to get the word out . . . just in case . . . I was in such a state, I asked her to stay on the phone with me--to direct me to her home as I fumbled with my car keys . . . and I didn't even bother to lock my house. She was telling me on the phone that he jumped over the fence into a neighbors backyard. I made it to her home and she pointed to which neighbor's yard she was referring to . . . she told me I should probably knock on the door and let them know . . . but instead, I opened the gate to see this kitty--who wasn't Alex--leap over the 9 ft. fence. The cat was black, fluffy, & smaller than Alex. The woman felt so bad and kept apologizing--telling me how she's never seen this cat before. I assured her that I appreciate her letting me know . . . and that it was OK that she was wrong. I'd rather check for myself than to have someone conclude that it's not him . . . It's been raining buckets all afternoon . . . & the weather man says it's going to be like this through tomorrow . . . ~Francine ------- Francine, That was nice of the woman to call you. I do remember the false alarms. They can be tiring emotionally and physically, but they also help change gears and get you thinking about the hunt in different ways. Hope the weather dries up soon for you. . .
mizmeowski	No Luck Yet	#5	[-]
Posts: 708 (07/09/03 17:08:34) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Pauline- I was up at 5 AM walking through my neighborhood calling for "Alex" . . . walked farther out beyond a field and big hill . . . still no sign. I do believe in everything you've told me regarding trapping and timid cats that hide. Yet my intuition is telling me something different. I don't know if I can explain it . . . but he doesn't feel close by. When I walk through the neighborhood, he doesn't feel near . . . or maybe someone has him in their home . . . I don't know! But my early morning walks feel more like my penance rather than another attempt to spot him. He's a really large cat and those I pass along the way have not seen him. He's too big to miss . . . and doesn't move that quickly. Can it be possible that he's vanished??? Is he dead??? The first few days of his disappearance, my intuition told me that he was alive and well . . . and I believed it in my heart & soul . . . and I felt a great deal of reassurance when a neighbor spotted him one night. Although I still feel that he's alive, I wonder and worry for his health. I can't help but feel that he's not anywhere I'm looking. I feel that I'm missed my prime time of finding him which I believe was the 1st week--before we had all that weather. If I find him, I will be shocked to find out he's been 4 - 5 houses away . . . and in hiding . . . all this time. If he's still alive, my guess (and hope) is that he must be in someone's home. My search continues . . . ~Francine -------- Francine, I think everyone who has been missing a pet several weeks goes through the same feelings that you do. . .the sense that they vanished into thin air, the sense that they are sick or worse, the sense that they are not where you look for them. I do know that cats cannot vanish. They can be taken into a home or transported elsewhere. . .but they have to be somewhere. With the number of flyers you have distributed, it would take a hard hearted person to keep a cat captive in their home. While Alex is much much more bold and friendly than Sage and would not normally be a candidate for the fraidy cat nomination, if he were to become ill the first week, he may go into the complete cover mode. If you think he may be ill, trapping may be the best option. Have you gone door-to-door within a 10 house radius and actually talked with your neighbors? One question that can find clues is "Have you seen any new cats in the neighborhood?" because most people don't assume a new cat is a missing cat just new. Pauline
mizmeowski	Alex is home - as of today April 23, 2003!!!	#6	[-]
Posts: 708 (07/09/03 17:09:41) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Pauline, I finally received the phone call I've been waiting for that Alex has been found! He was about 1/4 - 1/2 mile away from my home. He approached a little boy on April 13 and they fed him. Two days later he came back and they basically "adopted" him--letting him in and out of their home--and caring for him. He's doing well . . . although he's lost quite a bit of weight (from 18 lbs. down to less than 12 lbs.)!!! Thank you for your advice! Thanks also to 2 pet communicator I worked with. Obviously, no one can give you an exact street address, yet they gave me clues which I believe pointed me in the right direction. I am so very happy!!! I'm glad too that I can move on with my life! Thanks again! ~Francine
mizmeowski	Re: Alex is home - as of today April 23, 2003!!!	#7	[-]
Posts: 708 (07/09/03 17:11:12) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Francine, Just today!!??? Congratulations!!!! I'm so happy for you (and Alex too)!! Did the family say how Alex behaved? Calm and sweet as usual? How did the family find out he was someone else's pet? Take him to the vet for a check up. Sometimes the prodigal cat has a little trouble initially being accepted by home kitty, but that works itself out. Thank you for letting me know the wonderful news! Happy snugglies with Alex. . Pauline
mizmeowski	RE: Alex is home - as of today April 23, 2003!!!	#8	[-]
Posts: 708 (07/09/03 17:11:55) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Pauline Alex walked up to their 4 year old little boy in their backyard on Sunday, April 13th. They said he was EXTREMELY FRIENDLY and they offered him some food. Obviously, Alex didn't turn it down. A few days later, they noticed a fox near the golf course--which is near where they live. They agreed if the saw Alex again, they would take him in. Sure enough he showed up 2 days later for more food and they let him in their home--from the 16th on . . . Ironically, this man is a vet (although not employed at the time). They took him to another vet (one not listed in the yellow pages or I would have sent a flyer). They gave him shots and took some blood work (no results yet). He's now 12 lbs. vs. his usual weight of 18 lbs. Alex was welcomed into their home by this man, his wife & little boy--expect their other cat wasn't so happy about it. This man is concerned with the bond Alex has formed with his little boy . . . and he's been sleeping between he and his wife for the past 3 nights--that's Alex--a big mushball!!! It was my flyer in his mailbox--1 of hundreds of homes I hit--that prompted his call. Their plans were to keep him--although they mentioned they were going to put an article in the newspaper. I had one in their town paper for the past 2 weeks--being the only lost cat article in the newspaper . . . I'm not sure why the didn't see it. But they really liked Alex and mentioned in so many words that they almost liked Alex more than their own cat--they way they were telling me how the little boy has been paling around with Alex and has grown attached. We're making arrangements to stay in touch so they can come over and see Alex--and meet Toby too--who's also very friendly!!! I'm really blessed to have such nice cats that really love people!!! ~Francine
mizmeowski	Re: Alex is home - as of today April 23, 2003!!!	#9	[-]
Posts: 708 (07/09/03 17:12:48) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	and he's been sleeping between he and his wife for the past 3 nights--that's Alex--a big mushball!!! :+ What a sweetie!! What a great story. Do you remember what the weather was like around the 13th? Since Alex lost weight the presumption is he lost it in the first half of the month. I wonder if bad weather kept him from approaching other people? All in all, a very happy ending I'm so glad you have your family all back together. Pauline
mizmeowski	Re: Alex is home - as of today April 23, 2003!!!	#10	[-]
Posts: 708 (07/09/03 17:13:40) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Thanks Pauline! Yes, I believe the weather was a factor--on April 13th it was a really nice day! I have to face the fact that Alex really wants to be outdoors. I took him outside this afternoon and we were out for about 45 minutes. I kept Toby on a harness & leash . . . but when I put Toby in the house, Alex knew I'd be going after him and he ran half way around the house faster than I've seen him run!!! I spent another 20 minutes outside with him and then took him in. He spent the next hour at my sliding glass doors, pawing at the screens to go outside. I'm going out to a pet store tomorrow to get a harness & leash for Alex. Also, I'd like to set him up so that he can be on the leash and I can continue to do yard work. I would never leave them alone on the leash for fear of getting tangled or something . . . but I hope this surpresses his desire to be outside by frequent trips outside when the weather is nice. My concern is that if he gets out again, he won't come back because he knows he has more freedom to roam on his own . . . The people who had Alex for 10 days let him come & go as he pleased . . . I don't know why they did this if the saw a fox and knew he's declawed! I hope a can create a balance that works for us both . . . ~Francine
mizmeowski	Re: Alex is home - as of today April 23, 2003!!!	#11	[-]
Posts: 708 (07/09/03 17:14:30) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Hi Francine, I saw your post on Buzz's thread so I thought I'd copy our emails here so people can read yours and Alex's happy ending Be really careful with Alex. I think I told you that Scoonie (chapter one of story on my website) escaped 2 times. He was gone for a month each time, and each time was in very cold snowy weather. If you let Alex out, please keep him on the leash and harness. Foxes normally never let themselves be seen (at least on the West coast) and if foxes are hanging out in your neighborhood, that's definitely something to be wary about as you said. Maybe there is a way you can make a cat proof enclosure for him and Toby? There are a lot of nice designs in cat magazines. I'd just hate to see Alex get out on another adventure. What a funny cat! He certainly has a lot of personality! Pauline
mizmeowski	Re: Alex is home - as of today April 23, 2003!!!	#12	[-]
Posts: 708 (07/09/03 17:15:17) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Pauline, Thanks! Yes, I've been trying to give Alex time outside . . . and he can't get enough of it!!! After an hour or so when I'm ready to go inside he has run away from me a couple times. I agree with you--I won't let him out now without a harness and leash. I'm having tags with names & phone #s made up for Alex & Toby, and I'm planning to have them microchipped by the vet next week. Alex has been angry with me that I won't let him out since the people who had him let him come & go as he pleased. It hurts my feelings to think he want to leave . . . I told Toby that we need Alex more than he needs us . . . On nice days, I'm bringing Alex & Toby out on their leashes so that God forbid if Alex gets out again, he'll know the neighborhood and if Toby gets out, hopefully he'll become more comfortable being outside--and won't be as frightened with the outdoor noises. I guess I'm really lucky to have my family complete again! ~Francine
mizmeowski	Re: Alex adjusting to the indoors . . .	#13	[-]
Posts: 708 (07/09/03 17:22:05) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Blocking Invite Ignore User's Posts	Don't take it personally that Alex wants to go out. . .I'm sure he loves you just as much as before. When you start taking Toby and Alex out, you might want to carry them over the threshold rather than let them walk out the door on their own. That way they associate "outside" with your carrying them not them scooting out the door. It may prevent door dashing adventures in the future, particularly for Toby who is more skittish. I do know what you mean about hoping Toby will familiarize himself so that he won't have such a fear reaction if he does go out. Every cat is different. He may be more skittish when you compare him to a super mellow cat like Alex, but waaaay more calm than Sage who is on the opposite end of the spectrum. He may indeed enjoy learning about the outside, but if Toby is nervous and shaking outside, I wouldn't even bother taking him out. It's just not worth the risk of him getting familiar with the outdoors, do a door dash one day, then find himself frightened to death and go into hiding. I noticed that Sage was much more bold in door dashing in a house that I would take her out on a leash, so I just stopped. Sending Alex and Toby nose kisses and head bonks >.< ---------- With Alex, I really don't think it'll make a difference . . . his desire to get out is the same. However, I agree with Toby, and I have been carrying Toby in my arms until we get outside and then I'll put him down (of course, on his leash). Toby is starting to enjoy being outside . . . as long as Alex is with him. I think he's not as nervous because Alex is so comfortable with the great outdoors! Yes, it sounds like Toby is not as skittish as Sage about being outside . . . I was talking to Hilary today and she told me about this website Anaflora.com that has essence oils of nature . . . that I can apply to Alex--on his coat near the back of his ears--that will give him the scent of the great outdoors . . . and therefore is suppose to supress his desire to go out. I'll let you know how it works--I guess it works for some cats and not for others. Hilary also said that cats liked a tiered water fall--like those table top units with the water spilling over stones in a dish. She also recommended a bird feeder outside my window that Alex & Toby can watch the birds. I don't know if I'll get to the bird feeder this year, but I'll let you know how the other things work . . . ~Francine ----------- Francine, Thank you so much for supporting other people on the board here I see your posts and wonder how the heck Alex and Toby are doing?? I hope you'll give us an update. . .is Alex cruising the neighborhood getting free meals from little children? Has he gained back his weight? Did you get the fountain and bird feeder? Hope all is well with you over there! Pauline catsinthebag.org --------- Hi Pauline! Thanks so much for asking!!! Alex and Toby are doing just great!!! Alex is gaining back his weight and he has fully recovered from his "great adventure". I never got around to getting the bird feeder or fountain . . . instead I bring Alex & Toby outside everyday. I'm lucky since I work from my home office . . . and I set them up outside with harnesses & on leashes--so I can glance outside every 5 minutes or so that make sure they're OK. I always carry Toby outside so he knows he shouldn't be going out when the door opens. For Alex, it doesn't matter since he'll go outside regardless! I can't keep Alex inside--after being on his own. As for Toby, I wanted him to be more comfortable being outside--God forbid he ever escapes, I don't want him to be traumatized by the experience. Well, now Toby sits in the window every morning--crying at the squirrels . . . and he crys to me until I set him up outside on his leash. He absolutely loves it outside!!! For the past 3 weeks, I've been taking care of Alex's step sister--Bouchie. The nice family who found Alex asked me to watch Bouchie while their on vacation. I brought Alex over there a few times . . . he seemed happy to be back there . . . but Bouchie wasn't very happy to see Alex. I wish I could do more to help others. This was an experience that has certainly changed my life. My heart goes out to those still searching . . . don't give up--it's never too late to find your kitty regardless of what others might say!!! ~Francine -------- Alex now has extended family??! That is too too cute!! And what a darling name Bouchie. . .heehee. She sounds very poofy and fluffy. I'm so glad Toby is happy to be out with his brother. I thought of taking Sage out when she returned, but she's so much on the completely timid side of the scale it would really be inviting danger. For the not so timid and more adventurous furbabies, it sounds like it is working out really well for everyone. If you ever get any clues as to what Alex did for 3 weeks before he endeared himself to Family #2, please let me know so I can add that piece of info to my arsenal of strange and weird kitty facts. Yes indeedy. . . this is certainly a weird and strange trip. Thanks again for supporting others I'm always happy to see you posting Pauline --------- That is so neat you have Alex and Toby on a leash and harness. Are you at all afraid they will break free from it? Alex has a step family! That is cute! The search for a missing kitty sure expands our world. I feel as though I know my larger neighborhood so much better after all the flyering and talking to people who reported a sighting. Glad to hear all is well with you, Alex, and Toby! Kim ---------- Yes, I'm always worried they'll break free. Toby actually wiggled out of his harness once or twice--that little skinny runt!!! Therefore, I make sure it's on tight enough. I am CONSTANTLY looking outside every few minutes to make sure they aren't tangled up . . . or Toby hasn't jumped off the deck and is tangling . . . I try to sit outside as much as possible with them. And I can usually do so during my conference calls . . . so I'm right there with them and they'll stay close by. Just the other day, Toby jumped onto my roof!!!! Granted my tiny house is maybe 7 - 8 feet high. He jumped on the deck railing and then jumped onto the roof--that litter bugger!!! Toby loves to jump . . . and I've seen him jump as high as 4+ feet!!! And he loves to flip in the air--what a riot!!! I keep saying if he keeps it up, I'm calling David Letterman so we can be apart of the "Stupid Pet Tricks" . . . I've since changed his location . . . but haven't come up with a solution as to how I can keep him outside without being with him . . . ~Francine -------- Francine, have you heard of the special cat fencing that fits any existing fence? It is so cool. I installed it in my backyard and that was 3 months ago and cats cannot get out. I have to have all the trees cut and part of a fence built, but the fencing works so great. here is the link: www.catfencein.com oh, it is holding all 13 of my cats, including 6 feral cats - so it does work. it saved my cat's lives (we've got a guy who traps cats on my street and dumps them outside the city, so this fence had better work or their lives are in definate peril. we put it up onto our existing 6 foot chain link fence about 4 months ago. the cats love their little haven outside. -MoniQue -------

<< Previous Topic Next Topic >>

Quick Reply