Why Do Cats Dissapear?????

[A_Muse4u]

I have had cats for many years, some for months, others for weeks.  Just recently, though, my cat hasn't come back since 06/27.  I would just like to know what are some of the reasons why a cat that has always come home, hasn't?  Thanks.  

[A_Muse4u]

Janet:  DH & I went to a shelter, yesterday, & thank God she wasn't there.  There was 1 cat, in the infermery, but she was skinny, sick, and thank God it wasn't Graybe.  We searched in the adoption area, also, and she wasn't there.  None of the cats lOOk/lOOked like my cat(s).  I saw the cat on your profile.  There was a cat exactly like that pic, but the cat had been adopted and waiting for the owner to pick it up.  Is that Daisy's pic?  

Savas*:  Thx for the input.  I thought about all of the reasons good/bad, and she still hasn't come home and no one has notified me, either.  She could be in an nunfamiliar territory.  I hope not.  I hope/pray someone is taking care of her and won't let her out.  She loves to be outdoors.  I even thought of snakes, scorpions, hawks/owls, coyotes, wolves, dogs, oh my!  

Yes, I know what you mean about certain individuals and what they do to some animals.  Ugh!  I hope Graybe's not stuck somewhere.  I've hiked a little, but I was on bed-rest up until 06/28.  That's the day she never came back.  The last time I saw her was on 06/27 @7p.m.

Graybe is/was a curious cat.  She also had a bad lft leg and couldn't jump too high, too fast.  She is/was also not a veRy thin cat, nor quite a fat cat either.  The odd thing is, that this blk, male cat that used to come around every wk., hasn't been around for 2 wks, either.  I wonder if he took her home and the owners kept her.  The blk cat lOOked, to me, to be scraggly like an alley-cat, though.  You wouldn't think it had an owner, but it could've.  (?)

I've neveR kept any animals indoors for too long.  They love to be outside and so do I.  O;-)

[Savas]

There are a number of reasons an outdoor cat will disappear.

One of the main reasons is a cat will get scared and flee from some supposed danger into a new, unfamiliar territory. Then they aren't able to find their way back home.

But I think you can envision some of the worst/ best scenarios if you try. The world is a dangerous place, and while some people will do right by a "stray", there are many people and animals who intend thm harm.

Frankly, the real danger is incidental harm. I once found a kitten stuck in adrain pipe with just it's rear end sticking out. If I had not extricated it, it would have likely died from it. cats explore and exploring comes with certain risks.

The only safe way to keep a cat around is to keep 'em inside.

[HelpinUtah]

I think each shelter is different and there are many that are "no kill" shelters.  I'm praying for her and for you!  Please keep us updated, okay?  I know how scary and worrisome it is to lose a "furr baby."  Lot of hugs, Janet

[A_Muse4u]

I'm happy to read that your cat came bck hm when you were 14.  :))))

No, no kittens.  Her & her sister were spayed on 01/13.  I'm praying someone took her in and she's not hurt, but happy, fed, hydrated, & playing happily.  :...(

She loved catching mice, lizards, birds, etc.  I hope someone is loving her & taking care of her too.  I haven't seen any road kills, thank God!  I"ve searched high & low.  I have notices out everywhere,

I called shelters, they didn't/haven't returned my calls.  I'm going to look around at shelters today or tomorrow.  Don't they just keep cats in shelters for 1 wk b4 they put them down?

I pray she didn't get picked up or dropped off at 'any' animal shelter.  I don't really like those places.  I know they're trying to help, but I get an awful feeling about those places.  

Thx for the much appreciated advice.    

[HelpinUtah]

There are so many variables with an outdoor cat.  We had outdoor cats when I was young and there were a couple who never came home.  

When I was 14, one of my indoor cats got out accidentally once (he was a beautiful Burmese cat) and he didn't come home and I was so worried.  I went knocking on doors and found a little old lady had brought him in and she wouldn't give him back to me.  I cried and went home to talk to my mother.  A few minutes later he showed up at my doorstep crying.  I was elated!  

So, there are many reasons for them not coming home.  If it's a she, she could have had kittens and is off taking care of them somewhere.  Someone could have taken her/him in.  

We also once had a cat who loves to stay in our backyard and catch mice - well he left the yard one day and never returned.  I always hoped someone took him in to love him, but he could also have been hit by a car (so sorry to say that).

Have you called your local animal shelter?  Sometimes they will get picked up too.

Good luck!

Hugs,
Janet