Abby, our feral matriarch is missing...

Well...it's been about six days since I have seen Abby, the matriarch of our feral colony. She's the one we've been trying to catch forever and never been able to accomplish it. She is the one of the most intelligent cats that I have ever known. I know that she hangs out in another neighbor's yard, but I believe that new neighbors are there now and what if they have done something to her? I am so upset... I didn't realize I was so attached to her and used to seeing her every day. What do I do? Call the shelters? Or just let it be?
And to top it all off today is the one year anniversary that I had to put my precious Butterscotch to sleep. And I still miss her terribly...She was such a good friend. When I had a heart operation, she sat on my stomach and didnt' leave except to eat and use the litterbox. It is such a sad day! I am so upset as I write this.
Please send prayers for Abby that she is alright and on her way back or that maybe somebody else if taking care of her. Maybe she found someone that feeds her filet mignon. I just don't want her to suffer in any way, we aren't exactly a cat friendly neighborhood...it's the not knowing what has happened that is killing me.
JIL05

It is spring and about the time that cats go into heat for the 2nd time of the year. Does she typically wander off to get pregnant? Some cats will do that.

You could contact your shelters in the area. The bigger places typically will euthanize feral cats upon entry, but unless someone else caught her and brought her in, she is most likely not there. Big shelters don't typically spend money on trapping and killing feral cats. If she is with a rescue group, it may be a local group is doing TNR in your neighborhood. Go to www.petfinder.com to see if there are small rescue groups in your area and call to see if they are doing any TNR right now. Perhaps someone else caught her when you couldn't.

I'll send positive vibes your way about sweet Abby. I had the allusive feral matriarch that took 5 years to TNR and finally crossed last year at age 11. I understand your love of this cat.

Contact the shelters just in case. I wish Abby well. She is fortunate to have someone love her and watch out for her and her family. Maybe you could go knock on the new neighbors door and "welcome them to the neighborhood". It won't hurt to learn if they are catlovers who are feeding Miss Abby!

Condolences on the loss of Butterscotch last year. He sounds very special.

Thank you so much for your understanding Beckiboo & Momofmany.
It is possible that Abby is in heat but she has never disappeared this long before. I do find it inconceivable that anyone could have caught her, as I have been trying for so long with no luck! Of course that makes me worry more...What if she is trapped somewhere, or worse, what if she was harmed? The new neighbors have not been home so I have not been able to even try to talk to them. I have walked past their house a couple of times, but nothing.

I am also beginning to worry about another cat from our colony-Pretty Girl. She is Abby's daughter and very close to Abby. Now I haven't seen her in a few days. She is spayed, and has her ear notched, so hopefully if anyone sees her and knows about TNR, they will leave her alone. I am hoping and praying that someone else is feeding them and that they have fresh water, especially since we are now in a heat wave.

When I went out this morning to say hello to the colony and feed them, it just wasn't the same without Abby.
I know I sound like a fool..... it's just that Abby was the first cat that I fed and took care of outside and it just seems like she's been around forever. A few of our indoor cats are her children.

Thank you for letting me vent. It really makes me feel better.
JIL05

Please try not to worry about your baby. My Matriach disappeared for three months, and then brought her new babies back to my house, because she trusted me. Hang in there.

Originally Posted by KittenKiya

Please try not to worry about your baby. My Matriach disappeared for three months, and then brought her new babies back to my house, because she trusted me. Hang in there.

Click to expand...

My matriarch (pre-spay) used to do the same. I hope she has just wandered off and will be back to you soon. Sending more positive vibes your way!!