Should I Still Be Hoping My Missing Cat Will Come Home?

nekomaui said:

 
buffy2011

Thanks for your reply, I really need someone to bounce off ideas with. The feeding place is 50 steps from my front door so 30m? 100feet?    I just saw him an hour ago when I went to retrieve the camera. Then he escaped back to where he has been hiding presumably. Then the dried food was almost untouched as he never really liked it anyway. But on the camera, I got the black white cat eating the 1st round of kibbles. Then at 6 am this morning, Daizu went inside to get the crab snack leftover I put on the step trigger plate. He took it out of the cage to eat it. I really regret that I didn't have the first feeding on camera, so I can't be sure who ate the wet food and crab snack at the back of the cage. 

I have put a few pieces of crab snack at the back of the cage just now and have the camera on. It is going to be very hot during the day like 35 celcius. So he may be hiding till dusk. My neighborhood is pretty safe so the camera should be good. I told my neighbors that I am setting a live trap tonight. So that they know. I wanted to do it tonight, because the tom cat who had been away is back. I heard 2 rounds of fights at 2:30 or so and 3:30 or so. I think I need to get Daizu inside soon. If I see him staying in the trap eating the crab snack during the day, then definitely I feel he is more comfortable eating at the same place and not my house. 

I will try to custom make some protective parts for future. Thanks for the good tips. Ponta and Daizu were quite close, as they grew up together. I really doubt that Daizu would walk right in. He used to run away from me inside the house when I wasn't even thinking about going towards him. Then again, when he wanted to play, or attention, he would sit on the table where I was working at and stay with me, or sit right in front of the TV. I put a towel that they used on the cage but it has been washed. I have another bed sheet that I haven't washed yet, so I will use that tonight.  Or should I wait another night? 

Click to expand...

If he is going in that's what counts but do keep the trap covered, sides and back. The sheet you have if it has his smell on it maybe he will be more comfortable.   Also make sure you are feeding in the back of the trap. You need him to get use to being feed in the back of the trap.  When you set the trap you want him to be all the way to the back, you don't want his foot or tail to get caught. I've had alot of bad situations using traps to catch feral cats. Lots of damage, not to myself thank god but to my house . When you set the trap, I would do it on a day you are off or have time to go back and forth to check the trap. You can't have it trapped in hot or cold weather for long. Maybe try to put the trap somehow that you can see the opening without going right up to the trap to know if it was released. When you get him, take him home and let him calm down before you open or uncover the trap. If you want to  just uncover the front so Ponta maybe can take a look that might me good. After a while open the trap and let him come out when he wants too. But this is a little ahead of ourselves, but lets hope we are saying that in a couple of days. 

Feral cats are pretty smart and will only allow themselves to be trapped once. If you do trap the black and white cat first he'll remember that traps are unpleasant and not venture in one again, so even if you do trap the wrong cat at first it won't be a total disaster.

I don't know what kind of camera you have, but ShadowsRescue has her's rigged up to send an image to her computer every time it is triggered. Could you get your camera to do the same thing? Then you wouldn't have to worry about Daizu or any other cat being in the trap for too long.

buffy2011

Thanks for the advice. I am off from tonight for 2 days. I suppose I can wait till tomorrow night when I feel more confident. He went all the way to the back this morning for his snack. When I set the trap, I will put wet food on top of the snack so he can't get it easily. I think I will film from a different angle to check his tail and the door tonight. The place I set the trap is between two houses, the gap width is less than 60cm, so I couldn't even open a small umbrella standing there. And the door of the trap is facing his den or where he always emerges from. So the back where the bait is is facing the road. He can see through the cage to the road. There is no place for me to check from afar without being seen by him unless I cover the back like you said. I worry that him being cautious, he would want to be able to see through the back. So I plan on waiting near my house and check every 10 min. I think I can do it tommorrow night so I am more confident.

What kind of damage did you have on your house? I plan to take him to the vet the day after he is caught if he can get into his carrier.

Norachan said:

Feral cats are pretty smart and will only allow themselves to be trapped once. If you do trap the black and white cat first he'll remember that traps are unpleasant and not venture in one again, so even if you do trap the wrong cat at first it won't be a total disaster.

I don't know what kind of camera you have, but ShadowsRescue has her's rigged up to send an image to her computer every time it is triggered. Could you get your camera to do the same thing? Then you wouldn't have to worry about Daizu or any other cat being in the trap for too long.

Click to expand...

[/br]
Norachan, mine has that as an option, but i don't have the right sim card so it doesn't work. I don't mind going back and forth. I think i can hear it if I stay about 3 houses away. I just don't want Daizu to see the black and white cat being caught and stay away from the trap all together. I think i will set the trap tomorrow night or morning when the black and white cat isn't around. The pressure for a one shot only chance really makes me feel nervous.

Wow, I was just walking to put food in the cage and saw Daizu on the side of the road. I called to him, he ran to the nearest gap between two houses and perched on the stone half wall. I went back to get his new pack of treat and talked to him as I always would. And I got closer, he meowed and after 10 min. he came to me to snatch the snack from my hand and disappeared!
He meowed quite loudly, like he recognized me. But he ran away. I hope he will get back to the cage to get food, it is still disabled. Is it a step forward? or backward?

Definitely a step forward! He doesn't sound like the kind of cat who would accept treats from strangers, I'm sure he recognises you. It sounds like he is playing with you, like he knows your his mum but he's not ready to come home yet.

Your getting there nekomaui.

Hi Everyone

HE IS BACK! Thanks to the snack!! I didn't have to trap him. He was there again, so I put his blanket down and he came for his favorite snack. I asked him can I touch you, he let me then, I stroked him, he purred and I just scooped him up and ran home. So he ran to the second floor and is hiding behind a curtain, now resting. He has lost so much weight, but definitely remembered everything including Ponta, trying to scrub against him. But Ponta smelled him and hissed because he is stinky. Then he hissed back. Poor Daizu! He has lost soooo much weight, but he is resting now, and I will take him to the hospital first thing tomorrow.

Thank you all so much! I owe every to all of you. I can't express how grateful I am.

This is just the best news!!!  I am so happy for you and Daizu.  You worked so hard and it all payed off.  Celebrate today and take some time to rest and relax as well.  This was so stressful for you. 

WELCOME HOME DAIZU!!!!!

That's fantastic news!



I'm so happy for you.

The boys might need a while to get used to each other again and of course keep them separate until Daizu has been checked over by a vet. He'll probably need to be treated for fleas and worms. I'm really glad to hear that he's home again. This story has made my day.

nekomaui said:

Hi Everyone





HE IS BACK! Thanks to the snack!! I didn't have to trap him. He was there again, so I put his blanket down and he came for his favorite snack. I asked him can I touch you, he let me then, I stroked him, he purred and I just scooped him up and ran home. So he ran to the second floor and is hiding behind a curtain, now resting. He has lost so much weight, but definitely remembered everything including Ponta, trying to scrub against him. But Ponta smelled him and hissed because he is stinky. Then he hissed back. Poor Daizu! He has lost soooo much weight, but he is resting now, and I will take him to the hospital first thing tomorrow.





Thank you all so much! I owe every to all of you. I can't express how grateful I am.

Click to expand...

I was just about ready to answer your reply and I saw that he is back. I am so happy for you and also for him. I know he is happy to be home, he was probably so scared. Now you can get a good nights sleep. You deserve it. I know because I had gone threw this myself but my cat wasn't gone as long as Daizu. It is a real heartache. Keep us updated on how you and him are doing and how Ponta is adapting again to him. Keep him safe. I hope all is well at the vets.

Hi Everyone,

Just an update. The vet said he didn't have worms from his stool test. He got fleas drops and I got it for Ponta too. But I combed him, and didn't see any. He was at least 5 kg before and now only 3kg, he also might have been in fights that he has bald patches on his legs ears and tail. He got a blood test and came back negative for now but the vet said he would need to have another test in 3 months. Behavioral wise, he has been answering to my call and very attached to me. A bit different from before, like he knew I was mom and would help him. Ponta has revived his memory and Daizu has calmed down too, they are ok. I fed him a few times over the night and the day today, and he ate everything. He sleeps close to me too. I can't help but think that I owe this to all of you here. If I didn't get the camera, I would not have identified him, even though I had seen him 3 times before in Weeks 3, 4 and 6.

So really thank you all soo much for this.

Nekomaui I have tears in my eyes after reading your last post. I'm so glad that Daizu is back with you and Ponta. Please give him a hug for me, stories like yours give me hope for all the lost cats out there.

Daizu coming home to you yesterday was a bright spot in my day.  I am so relieved he is well and back with you and Ponta.  It does give lots of hope to those with missing cats. 

So happy Nekomaui...I am so happy Your babies are back with you....hope Norachan's George too returns soon. God Bless ALL.

nekomaui said:

Hi Everyone,


Just an update. The vet said he didn't have worms from his stool test. He got fleas drops and I got it for Ponta too. But I combed him, and didn't see any. He was at least 5 kg before and now only 3kg, he also might have been in fights that he has bald patches on his legs ears and tail. He got a blood test and came back negative for now but the vet said he would need to have another test in 3 months. Behavioral wise, he has been answering to my call and very attached to me. A bit different from before, like he knew I was mom and would help him. Ponta has revived his memory and Daizu has calmed down too, they are ok. I fed him a few times over the night and the day today, and he ate everything. He sleeps close to me too. I can't help but think that I owe this to all of you here. If I didn't get the camera, I would not have identified him, even though I had seen him 3 times before in Weeks 3, 4 and 6.


So really thank you all soo much for this.

Click to expand...

It is just so nice to hear of another safe return, and the fact that you never gave up looking for him. He was probably so scared, and maybe after seeing you out and about he knew he was going to be saved. So glad everything is well with Daizu, Ponta and you. I'm sure Ponta was wondering where he was also. I'm sure Daizu was so glad to be home and feeling safe. Good Luck to all of you. This just gives everyone else out there hope in finding there loved one.

Norachan said:

Nekomaui I have tears in my eyes after reading your last post. I'm so glad that Daizu is back with you and Ponta. Please give him a hug for me, stories like yours give me hope for all the lost cats out there.

Click to expand...

Trying to do some major catch up in this thread. I agree and have happy tears too. :touch: There is always hope to be reunited once again and I pray for all of the lost kitties to find their way back. For happy endings like Daizu's and Nekomaui's.

Im thrilled to read of Daiko and the other successes, but am heartbroken over Henry, George and the 2nd patches and bob tail girl. I hope that George will come home even though its been some time. I found this thread as others have, spent a couple nights reading through, crying and empathizing. 

I too am looking for my baby. Its been just over a month. We were moving into our new house and as I was bringing her carrier in it popped open and she ran off into the woods. It was the day before july 4th and I know the fireworks didnt help her skittishness. No positive sightings since the day I lost her. The guilt, worry and absence is unbearable. We have her almost two year old kittens. its so strange and just not the same without her. Family and friends have all been negative suggesting we give up because we've been baiting the live traps nightly, tossing dry food around, sprinkling litter from the kittens and vacuum dust. Searching as my back allows and posted fliers as well as posters hoping maybe someone has seen her. Also we have a trail cam at the old house thinking maybe she might make the 10 mile trek back there. I just had to commiserate with you as this is the worst feeling ever and I'm so sorry for those of you unlucky enough to be separated from your fluffy children. My only comfort is that she adopted us by showing up under our previous house as a kitten. Our dog let her out as he houdinid out of the side of a window ac and she came home 5 days later with her stow aways. So knowing she has had previous experience of going at it alone I have great hope that she is still alive and not suffering. I wish I could afford search and rescue dogs cause that maybe able to lead me to her.

Any who. its been a month and I know its far to early to throw in the towel but had to share my story with you all. Ill keep your wee ones in my prayers, miracles happen. The not knowing is absolutely the worst part but until we find a body I know there is still hope. Blessed be

ps. I had to share a picture of my little Kali that was taken the week before

Also Norachan,

I too bonded with my baby and had premonitions and dreams about losing her months before I did. I used to lay and hold her pink feet and tell her everything and how much I love her.  The parallels between us were so strangely similar. My heart goes out to you. Thanks so much for taking care of so many babies. You are an inspiration

Oh my word forgive my spelling errors and name inaccuracy, Iv been crying for a month straight including while I was typing

So sorry to hear she has gotten away from you. I know how you are feeling, its a heartache. Does she come to you when you call her? Was she familiar with your new home at all? She is in a whole new territory and probably scared. Call any vet around, humane society, animal control and let them know you lost her. Maybe they will keep an eye out if they get any cats or calls. Just a thought, not sure how they are about this stuff. I would start combing the woods that she went into, she might be right under your feet but afraid to come out. Also will your friends at your old house be willing to keep an eye out for her? Animals do go back to where they were from,and sometimes it take a while but they show up. Was she good with the dog? Maybe put the dog on a leash and take it into the woods. How about setting another camera around where you are living now. Just throwing some thoughts out there for you. Don't give up. To me the people that are telling you to give up are not animal lovers or (maybe) don't want to see you suffering. I have these same kind of people around me too. My animals mean the world to me, we are here to keep them safe, feed them, provide for them, keep them healthy, we are there voice, they depend on us. Keep posting maybe this will help you out.