Expert: Ali - 1/12/2009

Question
QUESTION: I took my old male (not neutered) cat to the vet for an eye op, but he vet let him escape before his operation. He is an old cat (about 8-9 yrs), negelcted by his owners, so I took to feeding him. He was lost approx. 2-3 km from his home site. I am frantic with worry and cannot find him. Do you think he can find his way back home? He has to cross one busy road to get back home.

ANSWER: Angela Jane,

My thoughts are with you and your kitty at this time...I hope that he is able to find his way home safely. I do think that it might be a good plan to go out after the traffic settles late at night and see if you can find him with some bribery in the form of treats. I would also suggest that you speak to a lawyer regarding the vet's negligent treatment of your cat- the cat should never have been allowed to escape in the first place. I can't guarantee you that this kitty will be okay, that would be irresponsible. There is a chance, especially if this kitty has been allowed to be an indoor/outdoor cat that he may find his way home in a day or two. Special treats placed outside in areas surrounding the vet clinic with humane live traps might be helpful as well. If your kitty isn't an indoor/outdoor cat it's quite possible that he hasn't gone too far from where he was originally lost. You will be in my thoughts until this kitty is found....Good luck.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Ali

I thought you would like to know that my old cat Monty, whom I took to the vets on 13 November 2008, but who escaped from them, arrived back at his home at the Golden Horse Casino/Racecourse complex almost a month later on 16 december 2008! I was so thrilled, as I had searched for him all over and I was so afraid he had been hit by a car or attcked in some way. He was full of superficial scratches and he has lost a claw on his front right paw, but i have been spoiling him with best quality Hills food that he loves. I am sohappy to have him back, I think its a miracle, as I thought it was along and dangerous journey. I could not believe my eyes when I saw him!! I just thought you would like to know, as I know you cannot give anyone a gurantee that thier lost pet will return, but at least there is always hope!! He is an old boy, so if he can do it, maybe other pets can find their way home if lost!! I am so thrilled, I cannot decibe it!! I cherish every day I see him now: he still comes for breakfast most days and enjoys lots of rubs and stroking!! I have not told my vets he came because I did not hear a word from them after they lost him- no enquiry of if I had found him, no offer of putting up a 'lost cat" notice in their surgery: nothing. Thank you again, for your kind response and taking the time and trouble to reply at a time when I was in tears after he was lost.

Answer
Angela Jane,

Congratulations on your precious miracle. Not all lost kitty stories end so happily. Glad to hear that you have your buddy back - plus he came back in time to get his presents from Santa Claws! As for the veterinarian that you deal with it may be worth looking for another if you aren't comfortable with the practice where your kitty escaped. Being comfortable with your vet and establishing a trusting relationship is important to the health of your cat. Luckily your kitty is middle aged and fairly healthy which probably contributed to him being able to get home to you. It sounds as though he is relatively unscathed and likely not interested in another outing any time soon. Take good care of him and be sure to catch up on all of the purrs that you missed while he was missing, after all purrs are as good for the cat soul as they are for the human soul. I'm so happy that you have your little guy back.