Tar Baby vanishes

doomsdave

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​This is the last picture I took of Tar Baby, aka the Lap Hog, before she disappeared last Tuesday evening/Wednesday morning. As indicated, she loved to sit on your lap, and have you pet her, and she was so silky soft. I miss her.

She had developed a taste for going outside, and running away to avoid capture. In a coyote-filled area, that turned out to be a fatal attraction for her, and a meal for a coyote. I don't have any doubt as to what happened; there's coyote droppings all over the place, but I never see the coytes. She likely didn't, either.

RIP, Tar Baby. I'll get  past it. I've still got four other cats that need love. And there's space for another.
 

di and bob

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DoomsDave, I'm so very sorry for the loss of your sweet little girl, I know how much it hurts to lose them from our lives. She died on her own terms, I know how hard it is to try to persuade the unpersuadable to stay inside where it is safe, I have one too that is absolutely miserable indoors. The bond you have formed will be a part of you forever, use it to send your love and comfort and she will do the same.

You gave her a good life, one full of love and companionship, for that she will always be grateful. Give her remaining family a kiss from me, they are hurting too. The legacy of love she left you all will surround you, and the precious memories you have built up over the years are priceless and will let you remember that sweet baby in happier times for the rest of your life. Take care, I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers and pray that her journey to the Rainbow Bridge is swift.   RIP dear Tar Baby, you will never be forgotten in this world, you will occupy a space in a loving heart forever more. You are secure in the knowledge that you were well loved, may you slumber on the warm laps of angels who welcome you to the Bridge. Sleep tight, sweet angel! 
 

solomonar

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I would be not so sure about your cat became a meal for coyotes. Certainly, coyotes are redutable predators, but they still cant climb. At least are not so acrobatic as a domestic cat.

Some said planting a tree or a cat climbing post in the backyard may help cats escape coyotes:

http://gizmodo.com/how-to-keep-your-pets-safe-from-coyotes-1586728445

To the moment of clear proof, I would keep the benefit of doubt. The cat could be captured by a kid, catch in a strange complex of  woods/logs - to mention only few alternatives.

Why not looking around? Imagine the cat is trapped and couldnt move...For instance on top of a tree.

I know a case when two children were trapped in a forgotten basement at home and died from dehydration while a bunch of people was searching the bush nearby....

Assumption is just another way of saying "I do not know".
 
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doomsdave

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I would be not so sure about your cat became a meal for coyotes. Certainly, coyotes are redutable predators, but they still cant climb. At least are not so acrobatic as a domestic cat.

Some said planting a tree or a cat climbing post in the backyard may help cats escape coyotes:

http://gizmodo.com/how-to-keep-your-pets-safe-from-coyotes-1586728445

To the moment of clear proof, I would keep the benefit of doubt. The cat could be captured by a kid, catch in a strange complex of  woods/logs - to mention only few alternatives.

Why not looking around? Imagine the cat is trapped and couldnt move...For instance on top of a tree.

I know a case when two children were trapped in a forgotten basement at home and died from dehydration while a bunch of people was searching the bush nearby....

Assumption is just another way of saying "I do not know".
Oh, but I looked, along with a friend. We formed this "pussy posse" to try to find her. We scanned the palms, which I seriously doubt a cat could get trapped in.

I looked for signs, like a severed tail. I asked neighbors.

No sign. Alas. Except coyote poop all over the place.

Of course, I still don't actually know. Some things, you just don't know, but you can surmise from the circumstances. (Maybe call her "370" instead?)

​If she does miraculously appear, that noise you hear will be my shriek of delight (and hers while I squeeze her in greeting).

Thanks to all for your condolences.
 
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doomsdave

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I'm delighted to eat my words in that post mourning the loss of Tar Baby.

She was found under my house after 12 days! Hungry but apparently okay.

 
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doomsdave

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She was under the house for twelve days!

But okay!

A cancer scare is much better than a colostomy.
 

di and bob

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What wonderful news! After twelve days I would have thought the same as you, it is a miracle! I pray now that you can convince her to stay in for now on!!!
 
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doomsdave

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Thanks to all for your support! It's nice to have a good surprise for a change.

So far, she appears to have lost her taste for running off. She's not sitting by the door any more.

She must have slipped downstairs when we weren't watching.

She also stayed hidden when my friend and I went looking for her, including downstairs where we eventually found her.

My basement bedroom is connected to the crawlspace under the rest of the house, and I think that's where she was much of the time. Perhaps she caught a mouse or two. I can't believe she's okay after that long,  with nothing at all to eat or drink.

She's now a bigger Lap Hawg than ever.

I'm going to eat my words this evening, Kung pao style, with extra pepper and white rice.
 
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destinyz12

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Excellent news! Maybe take her to the vet as a precaution if possible? Since she did potentially go 12 days with no food or water.  But maybe she got lucky as you said- and caught some mice.  Btw, is it possible that a Coyote did chase her and she escaped under the house and then was too afraid to come back out afterwards?
 

solomonar

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The fact you find in the basement does not mean the cat was always there. Although, yes, could be possible if there is more on the basement that you know. But it is impossible for a cat to survive without water and food for 12 days and I doubt she managed to catch mice and find water. It is known that cats who are abandoned in the wild cannot survive (or at list I would not bet 1:1000). Where the cat has been? Who knows... 

On the other hand, assuming coyotes are there (proof?), protection measures are required (google it), as a matter of urgency. If the cat escaped coyote attack, it does not men the cat will escape next time.

I am very happy for you! You are an wonderful person and cat and yourself deserves each other. Head up!
 
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doomsdave

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Excellent news! Maybe take her to the vet as a precaution if possible? Since she did potentially go 12 days with no food or water.  But maybe she got lucky as you said- and caught some mice.  Btw, is it possible that a Coyote did chase her and she escaped under the house and then was too afraid to come back out afterwards?
​You and Solomonar really have me wondering!

I just can't imagine how she got down the basement except through the inside door.

She's home safe for now at least.
 
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