My indoors-only cat has escaped! - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

jalora · 10-22-2004, 07:25 PM

Last night, I mistakenly left a bedroom window open too wide. My three indoor-only cats busted out the screen and escaped.

We caught Jasper and Spaz immediately. Jasper was under the house, and Spaz was under our neighbors house. Both of them came running to the sound of the can opener.

Unfortunately, the third cat is our problem child, Staggers. He was born deaf and with head tremors, and has never been outside before. He was obviously spooked when he went through the screen and has disappeared. I have scoured every bush and backyard I can get into, to no avail.

He still has his collar on with our name and phone number. I know the odds aren't good, but I'm hoping he somehow finds his way back to our yard or somebody picks him up and calls us.

Anybody go through a similar situation before?

maleficent · 10-22-2004, 07:39 PM

I think raenna74 went thru this a while back, and her kitty came home. Cats have pretty good homing becons... especially if they've lived there for a while... Maybe he's out sowing his wild oats... and will come home when he's hungry or tired.

I hope Staggers comes home to you soon...

JustDisGuy · 10-22-2004, 08:43 PM

Yep, same experience here only our cat's *ahem* deficiencies are only mental... She took off for a day or two, and then came back for food. Don't worry too much. Cats are hard to get rid of once you feed them. <grin>

JumpinJesus · 10-22-2004, 09:28 PM

I once had a neighbor who had around 7 cats. 2 of them always found a way to escape outside and they always came home within a week.

I'm pretty certain you'll find your cat meowing to get in within a couple of days. Let us know what happens.

Bill O'Rights · 10-22-2004, 09:50 PM

Yep. Our indoor only cat got out my daughter's bedroom window. He was missing for 2-1/2 days...then just showed up at the back door, expecting to be fed.

spindles · 10-22-2004, 09:50 PM

Ours are night time only indoors. It is never very difficult to get them inside in the late afternoon (especially as they are often already on the bed

)

Fingers crossed that your little one returns soon.

Grancey · 10-22-2004, 09:56 PM

I've never tried this myself, but I've heard that if you sprinkle the contents of their litter box around your bushes and in the grass that the scent will draw the cat back home. Thinking about you jalora, hope Staggers comes home soon.

bucnasty · 10-22-2004, 10:00 PM

Cats almost always find their way back home

antisuck · 10-22-2004, 10:42 PM

I had a cat jump out a second-story window on 2 different occasions. She always turned up within a couple of hours though, maybe we were lucky there.

We've since attached screens...

Jeff · 10-22-2004, 11:27 PM

Our critter got out once when my buddies and I had been drinking heavily. Somebody left a screen door open and there was about 5 twenty year olds with flashlights going through the cemetary in my backyard and through the yards of the neighbors. Luckily, I found my cat 3 houses down under the neighbor's truck. He came trotting to me when he heard my voice.

pottsynz · 10-23-2004, 04:20 AM

Always had a house with a section so never ket my cats indoors only. Had my cat i raised from a wee kitten th other day get run over and die, that was pretty sad.

Personally I don't like the idea of indoors only cats...cats shoudl be able to run around outside...just my 2cents

Holo · 10-23-2004, 05:35 AM

As a kid we had a cat named Siren (long meow and so orange he was almost red) and he loved getting out altho he was an inside cat. He always came back within 3 days so I wouldn't worry until you give him time to get the outside out of his system. Plus the litter outside trick is a good idea in case he's confused. He'll get tired of being hungry or having to find his own food and come back most likely.

jalora · 10-23-2004, 08:45 AM

Well, its been 36 hours and no sign of him yet. He's in a neighborhood filled with wild cats, so our hopes of him getting spotted and captured are dwindling. I put up LOST CAT posters on all the utility poles. Mostly though, we've just cried a lot. Thanks for your support, folks.

Rodney · 10-23-2004, 10:09 AM

You've done all you can do; really, you have. If somebody finds him, they'll know who to call. Here's hoping he still comes home, or that someone finds him. If he likes people and is drawn to them, he will be found. The enemies, of course, are traffic and other animals.

mosha · 10-23-2004, 08:28 PM

Jalora,
I'm really sorry for what you're going through. My cat tries to get out all the time but we will not let it out the door. My fear is that she will make it one time but like the others have said, they often do come back. Just keep praying and when you least exoect it I'm sure you will find a pleasant surprise calling your name at the door

Hurricane1 · 10-24-2004, 07:39 AM

The same thing happened to me a few years ago. Don't lose hope. My little 6.5lber was gone over 5 weeks. She is skittish and would never come to anyone who is "notthemomma" and then sometimes... not even then. ;-)

One Sunday morning, hubs opened the door and she just shot into the house. Well she look emaciated, but I know a cat will never come home if she is on deaths door, so I let her rest and calm down that day. I took her to the vets on Monday morning. She was down to 4lbs!! They put a couple of hydrating sacs into her and did blood tests and she was just fine.

The only thing I can figure ... is there was a vacant house for sale that I think she just got stuck in (garage maybe?) Heck, I don't know.

Just know that cats DO know their way home and if they possibly can, they will

jalora · 11-11-2004, 07:44 AM

HOLY SHIT! STAGGERS CAME HOME!

I was sitting at my computer getting ready to go to work when I heard his distinctive cry (he has no idea what a cat should sound like so he yowls like a dying child) in the backyard. HE WAS RIGHT OUTSIDE THE DOOR!

My wife and I are so happy right now. THREE WEEKS TO THE FUCKING DAY! He has lost quite a bit of weight and I'm sure hes got a good case of worms, but damn, we just can't stop hugging him.

All those tears we shed did their job, I guess.

Thank you all for your support and sympathy.

JumpinJesus · 11-11-2004, 07:52 AM

That's so awsome, jalora. I was actually thinking about this the other day, wondering if your cat ever came home. I'm glad it had a happy ending.

Averett · 11-11-2004, 07:56 AM

That's what cat's do

Disappear for weeks, have their adventrue, then come back to their warm homes.

We had a cat (indoor/outdoor) who would disappear for weeks at a time, she'd always come back

Grancey · 11-11-2004, 08:40 AM

So happy for you jalora. We all are. Cheers to Staggers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy Homecoming......

Grancey · 11-11-2004, 08:44 AM

Really, I was so excited when I saw the thread had been bumped to the top. But then I was also anxious that it could be bad news. What a great day.

Bill O'Rights · 11-11-2004, 09:17 AM

Hooray (and a can of tuna fish) for Staggers!!

See? We told ya he'd come back.

Cats.

Janey · 11-11-2004, 09:37 AM

My escapee was found mashed into the yellow centre-line of the road. A passing motorist stopped and pulled her collar and I was contacted by the veterinarian. It was very sad.

joeyaz · 11-12-2004, 03:50 AM

Congrats jalora Glad to see your friend came back to you I don't know what we'd do if our family friend went on an adventure.

TheBrit · 11-12-2004, 05:23 AM

One of our cats (outdoor whenever they want, we live in the middle of a forest) vanished for about a week once. We were all really worried, but he came back in the end. Happened quite a few times since that, but only for a couple of days usually. Problem is, they refuse to wear a collar, they always find a way out of it. Once I saw them use fucking teamwork to get the collars off each other.

MR_WALLACE · 11-12-2004, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jalora

HOLY SHIT! STAGGERS CAME HOME!

(he has no idea what a cat should sound like so he yowls like a dying child) .

Good he came home but do you actually know what a dying child sounds like ????

ShaniFaye · 11-12-2004, 09:38 AM

Congrats on having the kitty back!!

raeanna74 · 11-13-2004, 09:08 AM

I missed this thread when it came through earlier. I've not been keeping up on her like I used to. As Maleficient said We went through this about 3 months ago. She was gone for 48 hours or so. She came home caked with mud, missing fur on one ear, and soaking wet as it was raining that night, and she was obviously quite hungry.

SOOO glad to hear he's back. You must have given him up for loss by then. Cat's are so amazing. I know the heartache and worry you have. I didn't sleep for those two nights Catrina was gone.

She was so glad to be back though. Just nuzzling and purring so loudly, when she usually only purrs occaisionally and not too loudly. They are the best, cats, aren't they.

oblar · 11-13-2004, 09:56 AM

I guess I am a late joiner to this thread as well. We have two indoor cats as well, and they will occassionally run free, but they generally show right back in the backdoor wanting in from the cold and to be fed.

the one never leaves past our yard (the road freaks him out.. he was abandoned).. 3 weeks is quite a long time though, but I am glad he came back to you

cats are awesome like that. when our cat gets out we spend about 2 hours looking for him then just close the door and let him have his fun and wait until he is back at the backdoor.

10-22-2004, 07:25 PM	#1 (permalink)
jalora Tilted Location: California	My indoors-only cat has escaped! Last night, I mistakenly left a bedroom window open too wide. My three indoor-only cats busted out the screen and escaped. We caught Jasper and Spaz immediately. Jasper was under the house, and Spaz was under our neighbors house. Both of them came running to the sound of the can opener. Unfortunately, the third cat is our problem child, Staggers. He was born deaf and with head tremors, and has never been outside before. He was obviously spooked when he went through the screen and has disappeared. I have scoured every bush and backyard I can get into, to no avail. He still has his collar on with our name and phone number. I know the odds aren't good, but I'm hoping he somehow finds his way back to our yard or somebody picks him up and calls us. Anybody go through a similar situation before? __________________ Like my diamonds? The Devil himself gave them to me...

10-22-2004, 07:39 PM	#2 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	I think raenna74 went thru this a while back, and her kitty came home. Cats have pretty good homing becons... especially if they've lived there for a while... Maybe he's out sowing his wild oats... and will come home when he's hungry or tired. I hope Staggers comes home to you soon... __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.

10-22-2004, 08:43 PM	#3 (permalink)
JustDisGuy Insane Location: Saskatchewan	Yep, same experience here only our cat's ahem deficiencies are only mental... She took off for a day or two, and then came back for food. Don't worry too much. Cats are hard to get rid of once you feed them. <grin> __________________ "Act as if the future of the universe depends on what you do, while laughing at yourself for thinking that your actions make any difference."

10-22-2004, 09:28 PM	#4 (permalink)
JumpinJesus Junkie Location: Chicago	I once had a neighbor who had around 7 cats. 2 of them always found a way to escape outside and they always came home within a week. I'm pretty certain you'll find your cat meowing to get in within a couple of days. Let us know what happens. __________________ "I can normally tell how intelligent a man is by how stupid he thinks I am" - Cormac McCarthy, All The Pretty Horses

10-22-2004, 09:50 PM	#5 (permalink)
Bill O'Rights will always be an Alyson Hanniganite Location: In the dust of the archives	Yep. Our indoor only cat got out my daughter's bedroom window. He was missing for 2-1/2 days...then just showed up at the back door, expecting to be fed. __________________ "I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires." - Susan B. Anthony "Hedonism with rules isn't hedonism at all, it's the Republican party." - JumpinJesus It is indisputable that true beauty lies within...but a nice rack sure doesn't hurt.

10-22-2004, 09:50 PM	#6 (permalink)
spindles Mine is an evil laugh Location: Sydney, Australia	Ours are night time only indoors. It is never very difficult to get them inside in the late afternoon (especially as they are often already on the bed ) Fingers crossed that your little one returns soon. __________________ who hid my keyboard's PANIC button?

10-22-2004, 09:56 PM	#7 (permalink)
Grancey Life's short, gotta hurry... Location: land of pit vipers	I've never tried this myself, but I've heard that if you sprinkle the contents of their litter box around your bushes and in the grass that the scent will draw the cat back home. Thinking about you jalora, hope Staggers comes home soon. __________________ Quiet, mild-mannered souls might just turn out to be roaring lions of two-fisted cool.

10-22-2004, 10:00 PM	#8 (permalink)
bucnasty Upright	Cats almost always find their way back home

10-22-2004, 10:42 PM	#9 (permalink)
antisuck Tilted Location: Tacoma, WA, USA, Earth	I had a cat jump out a second-story window on 2 different occasions. She always turned up within a couple of hours though, maybe we were lucky there. We've since attached screens...

10-22-2004, 11:27 PM	#10 (permalink)
Jeff And we'll all float on ok... Location: Iowa City	Our critter got out once when my buddies and I had been drinking heavily. Somebody left a screen door open and there was about 5 twenty year olds with flashlights going through the cemetary in my backyard and through the yards of the neighbors. Luckily, I found my cat 3 houses down under the neighbor's truck. He came trotting to me when he heard my voice. __________________ For those who believe in God, most of the big questions are answered. But for those of us who can't readily accept the God formula, the big answers don't remain stone-written. We adjust to new conditions and discoveries. We are pliable. Love need not be a command or faith a dictum. I am my own God. We are here to unlearn the teachings of the church, state, and our educational system. We are here to drink beer. We are here to kill war. We are here to laugh at the odds and live our lives so well that Death will tremble to take us. --Charles Bukowski

10-23-2004, 04:20 AM	#11 (permalink)
pottsynz Crazy	Always had a house with a section so never ket my cats indoors only. Had my cat i raised from a wee kitten th other day get run over and die, that was pretty sad. Personally I don't like the idea of indoors only cats...cats shoudl be able to run around outside...just my 2cents

10-23-2004, 05:35 AM	#12 (permalink)
Holo A Real American	As a kid we had a cat named Siren (long meow and so orange he was almost red) and he loved getting out altho he was an inside cat. He always came back within 3 days so I wouldn't worry until you give him time to get the outside out of his system. Plus the litter outside trick is a good idea in case he's confused. He'll get tired of being hungry or having to find his own food and come back most likely. __________________ I happen to like the words "fuck", "cock", "pussy", "tits", "cunt", "twat", "shit" and even "bitch". As long as I am not using them to describe you, don't go telling me whether or not I can/should use them...that is, if you want me to continue refraining from using them to describe you. ~Prince

10-23-2004, 08:45 AM	#13 (permalink)
jalora Tilted Location: California	Well, its been 36 hours and no sign of him yet. He's in a neighborhood filled with wild cats, so our hopes of him getting spotted and captured are dwindling. I put up LOST CAT posters on all the utility poles. Mostly though, we've just cried a lot. Thanks for your support, folks. __________________ Like my diamonds? The Devil himself gave them to me...

10-23-2004, 10:09 AM	#14 (permalink)
Rodney Observant Ruminant Location: Rich Wannabe Hippie Town	You've done all you can do; really, you have. If somebody finds him, they'll know who to call. Here's hoping he still comes home, or that someone finds him. If he likes people and is drawn to them, he will be found. The enemies, of course, are traffic and other animals.

10-23-2004, 08:28 PM	#15 (permalink)
mosha Crazy Location: Htown, NJ	Jalora, I'm really sorry for what you're going through. My cat tries to get out all the time but we will not let it out the door. My fear is that she will make it one time but like the others have said, they often do come back. Just keep praying and when you least exoect it I'm sure you will find a pleasant surprise calling your name at the door

10-24-2004, 07:39 AM	#16 (permalink)
Hurricane1 Upright	The same thing happened to me a few years ago. Don't lose hope. My little 6.5lber was gone over 5 weeks. She is skittish and would never come to anyone who is "notthemomma" and then sometimes... not even then. ;-) One Sunday morning, hubs opened the door and she just shot into the house. Well she look emaciated, but I know a cat will never come home if she is on deaths door, so I let her rest and calm down that day. I took her to the vets on Monday morning. She was down to 4lbs!! They put a couple of hydrating sacs into her and did blood tests and she was just fine. The only thing I can figure ... is there was a vacant house for sale that I think she just got stuck in (garage maybe?) Heck, I don't know. Just know that cats DO know their way home and if they possibly can, they will

11-11-2004, 07:44 AM	#17 (permalink)
jalora Tilted Location: California	HOLY SHIT! STAGGERS CAME HOME! I was sitting at my computer getting ready to go to work when I heard his distinctive cry (he has no idea what a cat should sound like so he yowls like a dying child) in the backyard. HE WAS RIGHT OUTSIDE THE DOOR! My wife and I are so happy right now. THREE WEEKS TO THE FUCKING DAY! He has lost quite a bit of weight and I'm sure hes got a good case of worms, but damn, we just can't stop hugging him. All those tears we shed did their job, I guess. Thank you all for your support and sympathy. __________________ Like my diamonds? The Devil himself gave them to me...

11-11-2004, 07:52 AM	#18 (permalink)
JumpinJesus Junkie Location: Chicago	That's so awsome, jalora. I was actually thinking about this the other day, wondering if your cat ever came home. I'm glad it had a happy ending. __________________ "I can normally tell how intelligent a man is by how stupid he thinks I am" - Cormac McCarthy, All The Pretty Horses

11-11-2004, 07:56 AM	#19 (permalink)
Averett Is In Love Location: I'm workin' on it	That's what cat's do Disappear for weeks, have their adventrue, then come back to their warm homes. We had a cat (indoor/outdoor) who would disappear for weeks at a time, she'd always come back __________________ Absence is to love what wind is to fire. It extinguishes the small, it enkindles the great.

11-11-2004, 08:40 AM	#20 (permalink)
Grancey Life's short, gotta hurry... Location: land of pit vipers	So happy for you jalora. We all are. Cheers to Staggers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy Homecoming...... __________________ Quiet, mild-mannered souls might just turn out to be roaring lions of two-fisted cool.

11-11-2004, 08:44 AM	#21 (permalink)
Grancey Life's short, gotta hurry... Location: land of pit vipers	Really, I was so excited when I saw the thread had been bumped to the top. But then I was also anxious that it could be bad news. What a great day. __________________ Quiet, mild-mannered souls might just turn out to be roaring lions of two-fisted cool.

11-11-2004, 09:17 AM	#22 (permalink)
Bill O'Rights will always be an Alyson Hanniganite Location: In the dust of the archives	Hooray (and a can of tuna fish) for Staggers!! See? We told ya he'd come back. Cats. __________________ "I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do because I notice it always coincides with their own desires." - Susan B. Anthony "Hedonism with rules isn't hedonism at all, it's the Republican party." - JumpinJesus It is indisputable that true beauty lies within...but a nice rack sure doesn't hurt.

11-11-2004, 09:37 AM	#23 (permalink)
Janey Junkie Location: Toronto	My escapee was found mashed into the yellow centre-line of the road. A passing motorist stopped and pulled her collar and I was contacted by the veterinarian. It was very sad.

11-12-2004, 03:50 AM	#24 (permalink)
joeyaz Tilted Location: Az	Congrats jalora Glad to see your friend came back to you I don't know what we'd do if our family friend went on an adventure.

11-12-2004, 05:23 AM	#25 (permalink)
TheBrit Psycho	One of our cats (outdoor whenever they want, we live in the middle of a forest) vanished for about a week once. We were all really worried, but he came back in the end. Happened quite a few times since that, but only for a couple of days usually. Problem is, they refuse to wear a collar, they always find a way out of it. Once I saw them use fucking teamwork to get the collars off each other.

11-12-2004, 09:38 AM	#27 (permalink)
ShaniFaye Submit to me, you know you want to Location: Lilburn, Ga	Congrats on having the kitty back!! __________________ *I want the diabetic plan that comes with rollover carbs. I dont like the unused one expiring at midnite!!*

11-13-2004, 09:08 AM	#28 (permalink)
raeanna74 I'm not a blonde! I'm knot! I'm knot! I'm knot! Location: Upper Michigan	I missed this thread when it came through earlier. I've not been keeping up on her like I used to. As Maleficient said We went through this about 3 months ago. She was gone for 48 hours or so. She came home caked with mud, missing fur on one ear, and soaking wet as it was raining that night, and she was obviously quite hungry. SOOO glad to hear he's back. You must have given him up for loss by then. Cat's are so amazing. I know the heartache and worry you have. I didn't sleep for those two nights Catrina was gone. She was so glad to be back though. Just nuzzling and purring so loudly, when she usually only purrs occaisionally and not too loudly. They are the best, cats, aren't they. __________________ "Always learn the rules so that you can break them properly." Dalai Lama My Karma just ran over your Dogma.

11-13-2004, 09:56 AM	#29 (permalink)
oblar Über-Rookie Location: No longer, D.C	I guess I am a late joiner to this thread as well. We have two indoor cats as well, and they will occassionally run free, but they generally show right back in the backdoor wanting in from the cold and to be fed. the one never leaves past our yard (the road freaks him out.. he was abandoned).. 3 weeks is quite a long time though, but I am glad he came back to you cats are awesome like that. when our cat gets out we spend about 2 hours looking for him then just close the door and let him have his fun and wait until he is back at the backdoor.