Anyone up? Do I wake him up?

[Ijustreallywantacat]

Hi mumsnetters.

I have an odd one. So, I was outside in the garden. DP is fast asleep. About an hour ago, I heard an odd noise, like something falling, and a little squeal. Unidentified at the time. Just now, I thought I could hear that something is IN our big umbrella. Its folded down against the wall. I am just too nervy to investigate. I heard for 5 seconds, ran in, poked head round door for another 10 seconds. I have poor hearing so I cant distinguish very easily between sounds.

The only thing is, I'm increasingly thinking it's a cat, but im really not sure. It could be anything. It could even just be the wind! Normally this would be no biggie. But if it's a cat, I would feel cruel leaving it. Its trapped and me and DP wont cross paths until 12am tommorow.

My DP would help me out if I woke him without tok any grumbling, but he has a really solid sleep and I don't want to if this is is silly and it's just the wind. Also, there is the possibility it's a rat. I really have no idea. He is terrified of them. (I am very scared but hes worse!)

Do I:
A) Wake DP up, ask him to help.
B) Leave him to sleep, pull up big girl pants and look in the umbrella.
C) ignore it and deal with it when I wake up.

Am going to have another look round the door now but fairly sure its something. I'm just so scared that it's a rat.

I'd wake DH. I'd probably feel bad but he'd not mind!

Follow up. If I somehow muster gt courage
for B, and it is a rat. Will definitely be waking him up!

Big girl pants.

Don't worry, a rat won't try to hurt you.

A rat will want to get away from you a lot more than you want to get away from them.

It could be a 🦔 instead.

I might be able to just tip it over, if I use the pokey stick.

Use the pokey stick!

I'd go for the poking option to investigate. If there seems there's something there, then wake DP!

And report back!

Another vote for poking!

Option b.

Used the pokey stick. DEFINITELY something in there. There is no squeaking or miaowing, but its looks (from the movement of the fabric) like its sizable. Oh god.

I have got in to a tizzy. Calming down. Will summon up courage to tip over soon. I tried to wake DP gently but no joy. He sleeps like a log.

I think it's at least the size of a car.

A cat, obviously.

But didn't see enough to say for certain. If it's a cat, surely it would make noise?

Given your user name maybe it's a gift from the Universe?

Could it be a fox?

Making a cuppa then I WILL go out there. @WisestIsShe I really hope so!!

Could be anything at this point. Maybe given the lack of noise it's possible.

Make some noises at it like you would call a cat. It might go miaow back.

How big is the umbrella? I can't picture how anything could be trapped in it, wouldn't it just claw its way out?

It's a massive garden umbrella that we've taken down temporarily. Very sturdy and upside down stacked against bags and boxes. It looks like it's sort of wedged itself between the pole in the middle and the wall. I'm going out now.

Oh I see! Good luck

I’d be going nowhere near it. The unknown is always more scary.

Good luck!