Another Feral Missing

I am feeling pretty bummed, one of my ferals went missing between last night and now. I used to have 5 outside, a mother and her 3 babies plus one that joined the crew.

They all have been fixed through TNR. The babies are about 10 months old now. One baby went missing about 4 months ago and now another. So I am down to 3.

I live in Brooklyn NY so the wildlife is minimum but last night there was a possum in my yard. I wish I would have been more agressive with chasing it away but thought the kitties outside would just know not to go around it.

I checked early this morning the surrounding streets to make sure he hadnt been hit by a car. Around 6:30 am when I noticed him not lining up for food. Nothing. He missed breakfast and dinner today. Really hoping he is just on a little adventure and will come home. I hate losing them kind of breaks my heart.

Yes, its dangerous out there.  Evil scoundrels of villains. Some wildlife -  foxes may live in the middle of cities!  Loose dogs. Mean children. Cars as you mentioned. Poisoning folks... But also some spontan adopters.  So a disappearing protegée isnt always a catastrophe.  Sometimes its a true hope too.

I know it is dangerous....wish I could keep them safe. I tried to make my yard enticing to them so they wont leave. I buy them toys and have a shed that has carpet and all their shelters. With the warm weather though they arnt really using the shelter.

I worry about people poisoning for sure. I worked really hard to do neighborhood relations since these cats go in other people's yards. From what I can tell they stay pretty close by. I got the ok from the yards they spend the most time in. I had one neighbor not happy but I bought her a sprayer, which she never used and ended up giving to another neighbor. In the end though she stopped complaining and it all worked out. Who knows though at night they might travel farther then I think. I flyered up and down two blocks including my phone and email if anyone had a problem I was willing to work it out.

I would love to think someone adopted him, but they wont let me touch them so cant imagine someone else being able to.

I know people have had cats from their colonys venture off and show up years later but seems weird the babies would want to leave their family, especially since their fixed ( their all boys ).

Going to just hope for the best and if something did happen, I gave them all the best life I could of. Not sure what more I could of done at this moment.

Well something must of happened for sure. The new missing cat was super close with the one that joined the crew,his name is Ash. I was just working in my yard and Ash rolled over by me and has a sore on his neck under his chin area.

He seems ok acting normal playing and stuff. I was able to get some neosporne on it. Something defianty attacked him in the neck area.

Could it really have been the possum? I didnt realize possums were so agressive. Would it kill and eat a cat?

Im so sad and mad I didnt chase it off. Poor little Spot if thats what happened to him.

It may or may not have been the possum. If the cat tried to play with the possum the cat may have been bitten, however; possums are not usually aggressive. It could have been a raccoon, a stray dog, or a tom cat, but it does sound like there was an incident. Your cat could have run off in fear and be lost, or he could be nursing his wounds and may find his way back. Or you may never know. I know how painful it is to wonder and worry, and I'm sorry you are going through this.

Ughh the not knowing is so stressful.

I was hanging in my yard tonight and the possum showed up again. ..even used the cat flap to the shed, probably looking for food. I was shocked to see it do that. Not good.

The other 3 cats didn't seem terrified by it or even bothered. It was like it wasn't there and they were all hanging out. The possum seemed to be eating bugs on the ground. So maybe it wasnt the culprit. Doesn't seem agressive at all.

That gives me hope, but also makes me worried that tomorrow ill be another one down. Like did they even see it!? Maybe they don't realize the danger they are in.

Someone suggested trapping the possum and releasing it in the park, but that feels extreme for something that was just eating bugs. Plus scary and stressful to do too.

Possums are not threatening in general. I really don't think it was the possum. He's just looking for food.

I imagine it was another animal looking for food, unfortunately. I do hope you get closure. Keep an eye on the newcomer's wound. It's a shame he can't tell you what happened.

Well still no sign of Spot. Pretty heart broken. Sad I went from 5 to 3. All the other ones seem to be doing ok. The last brother seems a little bummed out.

Ash's sore on his neck ia healing and looks good. Im watching it closely.

Not knowing what happed to Spot is so hard. I came to terms when the first kitty went missing after some time, but now two makes me totally sad. Hope they both turn up one day.

I'm so sorry. I know how hard it is. I am glad to hear the other cat's wound is healing though.

Hopefully you will get closure, one way or another (hopefully in a happy way!).

I agree that the chances the opossum killed or seriously injured your guys is doubtful. It's a lot more likely for an injury to be caused by a dog or sparring territorial cat. Do you pick the cat food up at night? That would reduce the draw for the opossum.

Obviously Ash isn't feral (since he lets you actually put Neosporine on a wound -wow!)---what a gorgeous kitty! Are the two that disappeared "people friendly"? If so - someone taking them in is definitely a possibility!

Have you called local rescues/shelters/vets? A well-meaning person could have taken Spot in to a one of those places - particularly if he appeared injured in any way. I'd highly recommend personally taking a copy of your flyer to as many shelters/vets in your area as possible. Just making a phone call to ask if they've had a kitty brought in fitting his description isn't necessarily enough (although definitely better than nothing!!!!). I've worked the front desk at several shelters & know how hard it is on a busy day to remember every kitty in the shelter -so bringing in a visual (& actually looking around in the case of a shelter) is a big help. Plus most shelters (& vets) will post "lost cat" flyers -- some will even post to their websites/Facebook pages. And since the people frequenting those places are people who are generally very "cat aware" and will actually keep their eyes peeled for Spot. And if nothing comes of those --go back in a few days and check again (& ask nicely to leave your flier up longer). Be sure to tell the places when you go in that you'll call & let them know if Spot is found so they'll know to remove your flyer.

Keep us posted. We've had ferals go "missing" for weeks...even months...to have them return as if nothing had ever happened (sure wish we could read their minds!). We even had one feral that we hand-fed who seemed extremely attached to us go missing for a long period of time last spring. And we went crazy searching -- begging neighbors to open sheds--etc. she reappeared on our back steps eventually like absolutely nothing ever happened!!! It panicked us so much we actually brought her in-despite swearing we were at our "cat limit." (Best thing we ever did -she's an amazing, wonderfully loving kitty!). So don't give up yet! And know that it is as possible that she's been taken in - or even taken up with another colony--as that something bad has happened. Keep the faith!!!!!

Thanks so much for your support. This site is so helpful glad to have the advice of so many like minded people! I have been feeling better about it. Trying to be positive.

Kittychick, I do pick up the food after feeding, there are endless stray cats in my hood and even though I want to help them all, I told myself no more. So the possum isnt coming for my food.

Ash and me have for sure built a trust level. He is actually the friendliest and he came to me when he was about a year old. I was so scared of him at first bc when I trapped him he was super agressive and scary. I dont really pet him bc he swats but he does rub on my legs. I got the neosporne on with a few qtips taped together and have just been swiping it on. It is healing good.

All my kitties were fixed through Neighborhood cats TNR. In New York they send out emails of the ear tipped cats brought into the shelters. I have been on top of those and been searching databases. It is possible someone could of grabbed him if he was hurt. If he found a home I would be so happy. I have not reaxhed out to the local vets yet, but is might be a good idea. I did flyer my block and the block over up and down about 5 months ago to let the neighbors know what I was doing. It included pictures of my cats and of course my contact in case they were having issiues with them. I am pretty close with my neighbors and have the word out with them on the missing kitties.

Its good to hear that they sometimes dissappear and then come back. My neighbor a block over who is also involved in TNR said one of hers showed up 2 years later. He was missing an eye but he came back! It definitely gives me hope.

Will continue to think positive and will update if I get any word.

Definitely flyer at vets -and check other rescue organizations too. Obviously New York has tons. Seriously don't give up hope! It's very possible someone took him in or he fell in with another caretaker for a bit. Will think happy thoughts for you & let us know if you hear anything or he comes home!