Felix - Lost!

Hi everyone!

Last fall I gave a home to a beautiful Maine Coon whom I named 'Felix'. He ran up to me one day and plunged into some cat food I had put out for a stray I was feeding. The next morning I saw he was in the little insulated cat house I had on the veranda. He had obviously been living in the wild for some time, as his back was badly matted.

To make a long story short, I had his back shaved, had him vaccinated and neutered about a month ago. He got along with my other senior cats, but seemed very inhibited by them. He is timid, but extremely affectionate.

One of my neighbours, Doug (in a wheelchair) fell in love with him and I consented to let him have Felix, as I knew he would be happy there plus Doug had a young cat about his age.

He had been with Doug just this last week and was happily playing with the other cat. Unfortunately, Doug let him out with his other cat (which I had advised him not to do for at least a couple of weeks) - the result being Felix did not turn up this morning. Doug phoned me early this morning, quite upset, and figured he might have come back. (I am about a quarter of a mile away).

I am doubtful that he will, as he is so timid, and when here, he would always stay very close to the house - if and when he went out.

We are checking with neighbours, but I know Felix will hide in the daytime. (I am also annoyed because Doug removed his collar and tag which would have identified him to my vet. I said nothing of this to Doug, because what would be the point now?)

Thank you so much for listening to all this. I am sure there is not much that can be done at present except hope that he will find his way either back to Doug's house - or to mine. As we are rural, there are woods and fields at the back of our houses, so there should be plenty of places for him to hide.

Any helpful hints, though, would be very much appreciated.

Sincerely,

Christine

Oh no I am so sorry. There is much that can be done. Make up a flyer with Felix's picture and distribute it to shelters and vets, so if he is brought in, he will be recognized. Distribute the flyers to neighbors and ask them to check their out buildings, sheds garages, under porches, trash barrels.

Since Felix was already living on his own, he has a good chance of making it, and may very well come back to you as his smell is probably still all over your yard.

All paws crossed this scary time is of short duration.

PS tell your friend to put some used litter out in his yard and by his door, so Felix can smell his way home.

Oh, I am so sorry and will be praying for Felix's safe return. If he was on his own outside before you found him, he will know how to survive. Since he found you first, there is a good chance he will try to find you again. Do you still have the insulated house outside? He will pick up the scent.

Just keep checking for him and please keep us posted.

I hope Felix comes back to your house. Doug doesn't need him.

Thank you so much, Otto, Blueyedgirl and KRZ for the encouragement! I am hoping that once it gets dark, he might show up either at Doug's place or here. He has been around here for five months, so he has his smell in the yard.

Jean, my next door neighbour has hens, ducks, a pet Canada goose, cats and dogs - a real sanctuary, so Felix can probably hear them (especially the goose) from quite a distance. Keeping fingers crossed. Also thanks for the idea of the litter - hadn't thought of that!

Will certainly keep you posted!

Christine

i pray for a safe return

Yes, sit out on the stoop or whatever, at evening time. Talk out loud quietly, or read out loud, just get your voice out there for him to hear.

If you see him, resist the urge to jump up and celebrate. Stay very calm and just talk him over to you.

All paws crossed here, still

Oh no!..

Originally Posted by -_aj_-

i pray for a safe return

Click to expand...

Same feelings here!... ....... .....

Hello all!

WONDERFUL NEWS!!!!

About a half hour ago I received a call from Doug. It was just getting dusk and he looked out of the window and there was 'Felix' sitting there! He couldn't believe it!

I was sure, knowing how Felix doesn't like being out in the daytime, that he would find some place to 'lay low' during the day and then return (one place or the other) when it was dark.

Doug figures that he must have hidden behind some lumber that was propped up against the front of the house. Anyway, the main thing is that he is 'safe and sound' and he had sense enough not to stray too far away.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, for being such a great bunch of friends and caring people! I really appreciate it so much and it is so nice to be able to report a 'happy ending' !

Christine

Oh, that is such good news! I am relieved. Will Doug be able to keep Felix in the house from now on?

Hi KRZ!

I certainly hope so! I told him on the phone that Felix doesn't like to be outside for more than a few minutes at a time (after having to live outside for who knows how long!). Also, as he is new to Doug's house, he should make sure Felix knows his territory. Think Doug will listen now, as he also was very upset when Felix did not appear this morning.
I know he adores cats (he does beautiful oil paintings of cats) so here's hoping it will work out.

Christine

YAY!! So happy Felix made it home!

Never underestimate the intelligence of a cat. They know where home is. Unless something hinders them, they will come home.