When Your Cat is Lost (or Even Just Misplaced)

by Marjorie Dorfman | More from this Blogger

04 Jul 2006 07:30 AM

I sometimes wonder how people handle the terrible calamity of missing children, as when my black male Persian mix, Nero, slipped out of the house and ran away a number of years ago, I was nothing short of a basket case. He somehow escaped before I left on a short trip, which gave him a two day edge over the posse that was tired of chasing Richard Kimble and hell-bent on this cat's return and capture. I was a one-woman posse with a very tired horse and no leads except for the sight of the half-eaten crunchies in his bowl, which was like salt being rubbed into a wound.

I searched everywhere, posted flyers, followed leads with crunchies rattling and flashlights glaring. After ten days, HE decided to come home and jumped in my arms with a huge sigh. I was so happy to see him that I did not even yell at him. He was none the worse for wear although I cannot say the same about my own emotional spirit.

When a cat disappears, one of the first things to do is create a plan of action. Search the property thoroughly. Cats can fit into places we humans can't even imagine, and even though I cannot prove it, I am pretty sure that Nero never left the confines of my condo complex. (I got two calls that he was seen on the property.) Once sure that the cat is nowhere to be found, move on to the next step, one frantic heartbeat at a time.

Submit your pet's details to the National Lost Pet Database (http://www.pets911.com/services/lostandfound/index.php). This will insure that if he or she turns up at any shelter, they will be able to contact you. Just remember what happened to John Dillinger and don't hesitate to put up "wanted posters" attached with a photo of your pet. Focus your posting in the area where your cat was last seen. Offer a reward, but don't state the amount.

And when you find your precious baby, don't be too mad. Just be happy they are home safe and sound.

Have YOU ever lost a pet? Please share your experiences.

Learn more about Marjorie Dorfman

Marjorie Dorfman is a freelance writer and former teacher originally from Brooklyn, New York.

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