New member of the family yesterday!

I am definitely an animal lover. When I got married, it was a difficult situation to begin with, and I had to move in with my in-laws. As it turns out, my father-in-law hates cats and does not allow any animals inside. I was crushed. I couldn't take my Mocha with me?! I'd had her for 3 years at that point. On my birthday I decided I wanted my baby girl. I called my mother and asked if I could go and get her. She didn't mind so my husband and I went and picked her up. I had to leave for extended periods of time for work, each time returning the period of time it took for her to come home was longer and longer, until eventually she stopped coming at all. That was roughly 3 months ago.

I was at work last night and since my husband can not drive at night, my mother-in-law drives and he rides along to pick me up. We stopped at Dollar General for a soda and there she was. My mother-in-law and husband had gone inside but I bent down slowly to one knee and clucked. Surprisingly, she came right to me. I assume it is a female as I haven't looked; that would be slightly rude and she doesn't like being held. I was sitting there petting and talking to her when my mother-in-law and husband came out. I was getting in the car and she said "Well, what have you got to lose?," implying I should take her home. I nodded, looked to my husband and asked "Can I put her in your car?" He nodded and that was it.

She did very well and didn't meow not once but she did lick my hand, purr and rub on me, so I took that as a good sign. She survived a night outside with a pesky dog barking at her nearly constantly. I can't wait to get home to see her.

From what I understand about your post, you brought your 3 year old cat from your mother's house to live at your in-law's house as an outside cat because father-in-law doesn't want animals in the house.

Did you keep her contained in some way for her to get accustomed to a new place? She would need to be in a crate, a garage, a shed, anything for a few weeks until she gets used to the area.

Do you have anywhere to keep her? She will likely leave again as this is not what she is used to.

Is the area there safe? A busy street, dogs, other cats that might run her off?

Will the father-in-law consider you keeping her in your room? It might be hard, but it might be better for her to go back home with your mom where she knows home. At least she will be safe.

My three year old cat, Mocha, is gone. I have no idea where she is or when she left. When I first brought her to the in-law's house, she did fine: I was there, she didn't seem too upset. She was used to dogs yapping at her and chasing her, like Doobie did. I think she was upset because I left, and I feel awful, but I had to. The new cat, Kit-Cat, is doing fine with the dog as well, she runs and hides, but that is usual with most dog-cat relationships.

Hi there,

I am sorry to hear that Mocha's transition to the new place didn't go well. Did you have any luck putting out Lost posters? Perhaps someone took in your cat and you can find her again.

It's wonderful that you and your husband took in this kitty from the store parking lot. Have you taken him/her to the vet? In my opinion, before you assume it was a stray, I would put up Found ads for this cat, because it sounds very friendly and could be a lost pet. If this cat has an owner, it would be great if you could re-unite them, just as it would be great if you are re-united with your lost Mocha.

Also, is the new cat also going to be an inside/outside cat like Mocha was (I assume Mocha was inside/outside)? Others would have feedback on this, but ID & micro-chip is very important.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by MrsG

My three year old cat, Mocha, is gone. I have no idea where she is or when she left.

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I'm sorry I misunderstood. I thought the cat you found was your Mocha that went missing 3 months ago.

The new cat could be someone's lost pet. The local shelters get calls from people trying to find their lost pets. You could check with them.

Is the new cat inside? She will need to be confined for awhile to get used to the area. If she is outside only, she may likely leave like Mocha did. Cats will sometimes leave in an effort to get back to the place they knew as home.

If no owners are found and you are keeping her, the best is a visit to the vet to make sure she is healthy and required vaccinations are given.

So sorry about your Mocha. Best of luck to you.