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Cats/Runaway Tabby

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Expert: - 6/28/2009


Question
We found Otis, a short haired orange tabby cat, about 5 and a half years ago and it was very obvious he was a 'dumped' cat that someone no longer wanted.  He was dirty, flea and worm infested.  We took him to the vet, he suggested he was only about a year old, we had him cleaned up and he has been the best pet ever.  We keep him indoors always but on occassion he beats us out the door.  Usually he comes back within an hour or two and never strays far.  He has gotten out overnight just a couple of times when I would call and he wouldn't come and I would fall asleep but always came running to the door as soon as I opened it in the morning.  This terrified me because our house is backed up to woods and Otis is front declawed.  Last night, he got out and I tried to get him in about 9 p.m. before the sun went down and he ran from me because he wanted to stay out.  I called him again at 10:20 p.m. and he still didn't come and I fell asleep.  I woke up around 4:45 a.m., called and he didn't come.  I really started to panic at 9:30 this morning and it's now after 10 p.m., he's been gone over 24 hours and no sign of him.  I have checked the SPCA they didn't pick him up, I've posted fliers, my husband has walked the woods, I have driven around and called to him and nothing.  The neighbor says not to worry that her cats can be gone 2-3 days at a time but he is not normally an outdoor cat and he has never done this.  Is there anything else that I can try?  He is my favorite cat ever and I won't be able to sleep or eat until I find him.  Thanks.

Answer
Hi April,

I am attaching a link to an answer from a former expert here. She was the best at giving advice for getting lost cats back. http://en.allexperts.com/q/Cats-1606/cat-ran-1.htm
I would also research some of her other answers. Follow her advice and Otis should be home soon. Then try your best and keep him in. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.

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