missing cat - flippyshark is flipping out

[flippyshark]

I know there isn't anything anyone here can do, but I have to write something about this because I feel so helpless otherwise. My precious little girl cat Illuminati managed to sneak out sometime last night, probably when I was coming in the door after going out for chinese pickup. I'm not completely sure. I didn't see her go. She's mostly black with tortoise markings, and she is very fast when she wants to be. This is not the first time she's got past me, but it is the first time I didn't notice. And, because she is so quiet, I didn't even think about it until I woke up this morning. Now, I have turned the apartment upside down, and she's not here. I've printed up missing kitty posters and put them on the apartment mail and laundry areas.

There is a tropical storm coming today, and I have no idea if my cat is somewhere safe or not. I'm going to be in terrible shape when the storm hits. Meanwhile, I'm going to go out searching some more.

I've had this little twelve year old cat since she was a tiny kitten. She is unbelievably important to me. If I don't get her back, I know I am doomed to some heavy duty guilt feelings, helplessness and grief. (Worst case scenario, I never see her again, and never know what came of her. I have been through that before with 'nati's brother Templar about six years ago. It wasn't pretty.)

Most of you know how important animal family members are, so you have some idea of the state I'm in. Hopefully, I'll be able to update this thread with good news sometime soon. Meanwhile, I've got to keep it together, and, damn it all, finish a freelance project that has a deadline tomorrow. thank you all for your time. DP

[Betty]

Oh Flippy! I'm so sorry you've lost your little girl kitty. I hope you find her soon.

(I love her name by the way.)

[Snowflake]

Aw Flippy! :(

I wish I were there to help you search. I'm sending out good mojo vibes for finding your kitty.

I hope you both are safe in the storm! Please keep us posted!

[Capt Jack]

put some music or sounds on that you think the cat would recognize. TV, talk loud or what have you. leave that going for awhile so the cat can use it as a recognizable beacon. chances are good that any cat will take cover if rain starts.

I had a cat that got out the same way (well actually the tweaker idiot carpet guy let her out). she came back 3 weeks later....preggers of course, but at least she came back.`

keep hope and I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

[Not Afraid]

OMG! If I could help you search for her, I'd be there in a second. Put some food or treats outside your door. Is there any ways to sequester Tsunami in another room and leave the front door open so she can just come in when she comes back? I KNOW she will come back.

She hasn't been sick at all, has she? That would be the only thing that worries me. Cats like to be alone when sick and I would be afraid she is hiding.

Meanwhile, I'm going to hope and pray that Illuminati is just out for a stroll and will be home soon.

[Betty]

That's a good idea... and leave food out for her too? Or will that bring every cat in town to your door?

[BarTopDancer]

Kitty come home!

:(

[Ghoulish Delight]

Oh no :( I had a moment of panic yesterday, thinking the same thing had happened to our new bunny Lito. I eventually found her in a dark corner under a cabinet, but what an awful sinking feeling. I hope she finds her way home.

[~MS~]

Sending postive come home vibes your way Flip! I wish there were more we could do.

[Not Afraid]

Is there a sound that gets her attention? The shaking of a treat jar, the shaking of a cat food bag? You might want to walk around your neighborhood trying that as well.

[BarTopDancer]

giant extension cord and a can opener?

[Gemini Cricket]

:( Hope you find her or she finds her way home.

[katiesue]

I hope she comes home soon safe and sound.

[mousepod]

When we first moved to San Francisco, the back door popped open and all 4 of our pets got out. After a tearful hour-long search, I found the two dogs (together, thank God) exploring the neighborhood. As far as the cats, it turns out that one hid when the others left - and the other one came back on his own after he was satisfied with doing whatever he felt he had to do. Cats are smart animals, and know where they belong. I hope your baby finds you soon.

[Gn2Dlnd]

Good luck kitty vibes in your direction!

[Not Afraid]

Scoundrel got out and went on an adventure and we didn't even know he was missing! We were sitting out on the front porch when this cute cat came up the walk and meowed at us. It was dark, so we couldn't really see him. After a few seconds, we realized who it was. He was probably gone a few hours, but he came home after he had had enough adventure.

[Kevy Baby]

My heart is breaking for you Flippy. We have a cat that insists on being outside a lot (though he comes home every day). I live in fear of the day he doesn't come home.

Illuminati is a member of your family and I hope the family can be reunited soon.

[Morrigoon]

Flippy: I hope you can find her before the storm so you don't have to weather the storm worrying about her! *hugs*

[wendybeth]

Sending all the positive thoughts and 'found kitty' vibes I can muster, Flippy! I absolutely dread the thought of one of ours getting out, so I can only imagine what you're going through. :(

[Disneyphile]

Flippy, don't worry - just check NA's doorstep. ;)

In all seriousness though, I'm sending good vibes your way and I hope she comes home.

About 10 years ago, I once lost our solid black kitty, Maleficent, for whole 3 days just after I moved. Turns out that she was still inside the apartment, and I never could figure out where she was hiding that whole time, because all boxes were unpacked, and the closets and cabinets were blocked with stuff from those boxes. Hopefully, Nati is just in a good hiding place somewhere, taking a long catnap.

Hugs to you.

[BarTopDancer]

When I was a kid our neighbors moved about 45 minutes away. Their cat got out a few days later.

A few weeks later their cat showed up in our yard (he used to sleep in our sun).

[Tom]

My best wishes and hopes going your way, Flippy.

[Snowflake]

I keep, obsessively checking this thread for good news.

Illuminati, go home! Please!

[flippyshark]

The best news I can report for now is that Tropical Storm Faye has been a total non-event where I live - a strong breeze and lots of drizzle, but no huge storm yet, and it's already 3 in the afternoon. So, weather-wise, nothing 'nati can't survive. I've been out walking around a lot, peeking under cars and behind bushes. The maintenance man here said he saw what he called a black cat with little white spots (not quite, her patches are golden) this morning creeping around the pool. I hope that was her. I have skulked around the pool, and will keep doing so. In another hour, I have to go perform at the mystery dinner theater. I'm not going to be in a jolly mood. But, maybe, oh please oh please, she'll be waiting when I get back.

everyone's kind words have meant a lot to me. Thank you all.

[blueerica]

Oy, I know the feeling, but can't imagine your state right now. :( Positive vibes heading your way in the search for your kitty.

[madmonkeygirl]

Flippy oh no. Jovi got out let's see not too long ago really. I was in a state of Panic. She came from the outdoors. Situation similar to yours where we came home from food shopping and somehow she managed to dart out the door as we went to go inside. After an hour and a half of hysterically looking for her putting up lost cat signs etc one of my friends on the fan club board suggested i go out with a cat treat jar and shake it and call her name. So i did that and she was hiding under our house. Thank god she when she ran out the front porch darted to the right and i thought she went to the street behind us but darted under our house. I kept calling her name and shaking the treat jar and i heard "Meow" "Meow" faintly and then i turn and see her coming from underneath the house. I just stood there down on my knees waiting to see if she'd come over to me she did and i picked her up and took her inside. She knows now but if she ever gets out again (I don't trust her she knows outdoors). But that i won't panic again. Now the other two cats well Steven is so scared he'd go hide til we find him but would probablly come when called. Jonny he'd be gone lol but he'd be the one to survive out there lol...

Good luck Flippy and i'm sending positive vibes when you come home that she'll be there. Go explore the pool area (probablly wanted a drink) and take a few treats or a jar and shake it and call her name...

[Alex]

Nothing I can offer but don't despair or give up too quickly.

Make sure you distribute missing cat information to your local vets. If someone does take her in they may take her in for a checkup. Also your local pet supply stores (someone may go in suddenly needing pet food). Of course, keep a daily check of your local animal shelter.

Our cat got out a couple years ago and was gone for a week before a neighbor noticed saw her not 50 feet from our apartment. We have no idea where she was hanging out and she never stopped by for the food left out at all times (or to come in the door that wasn't closed that entire week).

Is she wearing a collar? One thing we learned was that even though ours is an indoor cat we should keep her collared anyway. It is an easy visual sign for anybody that she's not just a stray/feral cat. And her tag says simply something like "I'm an indoor cat, please take me home"

Anyway, while the not knowing really does suck, don't give up hope for a longer than will seem decent.

[Prudence]

Oh no! I remember my sense of panic when Boris escaped for the night. I hope that your kitty is just hiding somewhere close by and will keep my fingers crossed that she is waiting for you tonight.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Oh! Flippy! I was away from my computer all day, I didn't see this until now. I have all kinds of good cat-lover energy coming in your direction. I'm so glad the tropic storm hasn't been problematic, and I will keep thinking positive thoughts that it won't be and Illuminati will find her way back to you swiftly.

[Alex]

I wouldn't worry about the weather too much. The week ours was missing was mostly wet and she was found and returned in the middle of a shower:

And she was completely dry. Cats are good at hiding, which is the problem.

[lashbear]

Hugs. Cats have a way of coming back, and I hope she comes back soon to be smothered in love.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Hugs. Cats have a way of coming backThey thought he was a goner, but the cat came back, he just couldn't stay awaaay.

Damnit, where's that earworm thread.

[alphabassettgrrl]

**hugs** flippy. I'd be flipping out, too. Good vibes for kitty coming home soon.

[Morrigoon]

They thought he was a goner, but the cat came back, he just couldn't stay awaaay.

Damnit, where's that earworm thread.

Damn you.

[BarTopDancer]

Damn you GD, and damn you Scaeagles. It's no secret you hate cats, but it's really cruel to take someones kitty.

Kitty, GO HOME! please? :(

[Betty]

Just checking in to see if nati came home yet? I keep thinking about you guys and checking this thread for good news...

[Snowflake]

Just checking in to see if nati came home yet? I keep thinking about you guys and checking this thread for good news...

Ditto.

[blueerica]

Yeah, checking in, also...

I once had a cat slip out the door during a tornado when I was a kid in Michigan. He made it through fine, but I was screaming and crying so hard during that time. I can't believe I'd put that memory so far away...

*sigh*

[LashStoat]

Dear Flippy,

I'm sure Illuminati (what a cool name) will come home soon. Until then,

Love and hugs,

The Stoat XXX.

[Not Afraid]

'Nati come home. Tsunami misses you (and so does your daddy).

[Ghoulish Delight]

I think 'Nati just needs to add a bit of chaos to the universe. She'll be back. Hail Eris. All hail Discordia.

[flippyshark]

Possible good sign - the food I left out got eaten.

It's still awfully wet here, so I hope she's found a dry place to hunker down and will pop back when the sun comes out.

[Snowflake]

Possible good sign - the food I left out got eaten.

It's still awfully wet here, so I hope she's found a dry place to hunker down and will pop back when the sun comes out.

Hope so! Will she respond to a bag of treats being shaken? That is what got my kitties back inside when they escaped in Virginia (workmen and the landlord left the door open). My kitties were frightened in the large bushy trees that flanked the front door.

[Tenigma]

Possible good sign - the food I left out got eaten.

It's still awfully wet here, so I hope she's found a dry place to hunker down and will pop back when the sun comes out.
Oooo that's a good sign!!

Alex mentioned that our cat ran away for a week, but his post did not mention how distraught I was. I couldn't sleep. I kept tossing and turning and having bad dreams, and I'd wake up in the middle of the night and start crying. It was terrible.

Pixel snuck out when a couple of Jehovah's Witnesses came to the door. I opened the door just enough for her to sneak out at night in the dark and I didn't notice until I was ready for bed... and I couldn't find her anywhere. Alex was pulling an all-nighter at work and wasn't there.

We posted signs everywhere, left signs and info at all the pet stores and the nearby vets, like Alex said. We went around the neighborhood saying her name out loud. It was a terrible time.

Worse, Pixel wasn't wearing a collar. I'd had an argument with Alex about it; I told him it was important for her to wear one at all times, while he thought it was unnecessary for an indoor cat. After she ran away and we got her back, guess what--she is never without a collar. On the collar we have an ID tag and on it, one of the lines says "INDOOR CAT" so in case people grab her, they will see she is not supposed to be outside.

Cats are quite resourceful and as long as they aren't declawed they can fend for themselves. They will find little safe spots to hide in and stay dry, and they will be OK if they find some water to drink.

Mostly, make sure you make your rounds of the entire neighborhood. We not only posted flyers, but we printed lots of flyers and left them on every apartment door in the complex in our area... and the woman who found Pixel said she'd read our flyer!! So it works!

[Betty]

Any news on the kitty front?

[flippyshark]

SHE'S BACK!!!

She's back she's back she's back she's back she's back she's back she's back!!!

I am one happy and relieved flippyshark, folks! Illuminati came prowling back about half an hour ago, stood by the back patio door and gave her loudest moaningest cry. She was soaking wet but uninjured, and now, she's sitting here just inches away grooming. (I gave her a good toweling, along with treats, fresh water and tears of joy.) I'll be watching her closely to make sure she's not ill.

Oh, and she is SO grounded!

[alphabassettgrrl]

Oooohhhhh hurray!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think all of us rejoice with you!

[mousepod]

YAAAAAAAAAAY!

[BarTopDancer]

YAY KITTY!

[lashbear]

SHE'S BACK!!!

She's back she's back she's back she's back she's back she's back she's back!!!!
Soooo, like, is she back yet ? :D

Big Hugs to Nati, and you deserve to relax with a Walium & Wodka darrlink. :cheers:

Oh, and get her a GPS microchip.

[katiesue]

Yay - hurrah!!

[Stan4dSteph]

Hooray!

[Cadaverous Pallor]

:D :D :D

[LSPoorEeyorick]

Oh, I'm SO GLAD for you. And for her! I heave a sigh of relief!

[Gemini Cricket]

Wow! That's awesome.
:)


Uh, how do you ground a cat?
:D

[lashbear]

Uh, how do you ground a cat?
:D
Silly, that's the green wire.

[Strangler Lewis]

Glad to hear the cat came back.
The very next day.
Thought she was a goner, but she wouldn't stay away.

Good news.

[CoasterMatt]

AWESOME!!! :cheers:

[wendybeth]

Wow! That's awesome.
:)


Uh, how do you ground a cat?
:D


Take away her X-Box 360. That'll learn her.

(Hugely relieved and thrilled for you, Flippy!!!!!!!!!!!!)

[Snowflake]

YAY!!!! What fantastic relief!

I'm with Lashbear on this one, microchip her! Tango has one!

YAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY! So happy for you D!

[Deebs]

Take away her X-Box 360. That'll learn her.


Nah, ban her from the Wii. Loss of Wii privileges is far worse. :D

Yay, Nati's back!

(Bad kitty. Bad! Don't you ever run away again!)

[Tenigma]

SHE'S BACK!!!

Yay!!!!!!

[Not Afraid]

Thank GOD! I'm so relieved!

[Tom]

Awesome news! I will now participate in the collective sigh of relief.

[LashStoat]

Dear Flippy,

This is great news - and please follow Bear's advice and get her microchipped (God...another verbalised noun!!!).

Hugs,

The Stoat.

[~MS~]

This is the best way to start a morning!!!! I'm so glad she's home!

[blueerica]

Sigh of relief, indeed! Hoorray!!

And tsk, tsk Illuminati!

:D

[Kevy Baby]

I am so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so happy!!!

[cirquelover]

I'm so glad to hear she came home!

[Betty]

Oh goody goody. I was really getting worried there when we hadn't heard any news in awhile.

Sweet kitty nati don't you ever ever do that again!