Post by Chris - Cats Protection on Mar 19, 2008 21:29:03 GMT
Cats have been known to come back after years of absence. Many cats who go off to search their territory have to make stopovers in order to get fed, sometimes, they decide to stay a while as the food is good and plentiful. This can happen time and time again.
Remember the TV program 'The Littlest Hobo' about the German Shepherd Dog, he stayed a while and moved on, cats can do the same. Some decide life is good in the new place and never return, cats are fickle that way, the are not particularly loyal to their owners, but greatly loyal to their territory.
Personally I had one stay away a month, and two who moved in with people living close by. Luckily for me I found both of them, and although highly insulted.... I let them stay where they were obviously happier.
Molly went missing for three months - you can read all about it in previous posts I've made in the forum in the lost pets section. She was picked up by longbenton cat and dog shelter as a stray.
My cat went missing in april 2008 and just this week I have had someone contact me to say they have him and Ive been to see him and confirmed it is definately my cat, its so weird seeing him after all this time but he is just the same only a little bigger than i remember He has a telltale scar on the top of his head under his fur and I couldnt believe it when i saw him, i know its horrible to say but after 8 months id really given up hope of ever finding him especially as id moved house.
I cant pick him up until saturday as my housing arrangements have change since april but I cant wait to get him home and cosy again, we have 8 months to catch up on!
He went missing when i went on holiday and he had gone to my cousins for 2 weeks, he is very much an outdoor cat and would go away for over a week at a time but because he wasnt used to the area i think it disorientated him.
He wasnt neutered when he disappeared but now he is and the people who currently have him didnt do it so i imagine he has had a temporary home or has been taken in for neutering then released again...not too sure, im just glad to have found him safe and sound.
I think my message is to never give up hope and as long as you advertise your cat is missing, there will be some good natured person out there who, if they find him, will get in touch with you.
I am so happy!
Oh and PS, if i could turn back time i would have neutered and chipped him as soon as he was old enough, ill never make that mistake again.