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The litter tray

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Missing cat has returned but ....

220 replies

topknob · 22/04/2012 12:46

Charley went missing just under a year ago...searched everywhere, did leaflet drops etc, many sightings but no one could get him. We now have two females, both spayed. I thought I saw Charley last week, just a fleeting glance so wasn't sure. Then yesterday dh clearing out his works van, I was out there too and along comes Charley following one of my females :) I was patient, sat down near them as they laid together under a car then watched them following each other about. He did at one point lay in front of me, but I was worried about scaring him. He came back AGAIN about an hour later..went to follow our female into the house then she turned round and went back out !! So he sat on our front garden for ages...when I called him he would look at me but didn't make any attempt to come up to me or dh (he was Charleys fav :) ) I took lots of photos have compared them to when he was younger and the markings are exactly the same.
What do I do now?? I am eagerly waiting for him to pop up again hopefully should I attempt to approach him? Should I put his old bed out for him?? Any ideas?

OP posts:
JustFabulous · 27/06/2012 14:14

Wow! What amazing progress you have made.

loves that I am not the only one being bossed around by a cat

sharklet · 27/06/2012 14:18

ask your vet about Zylkene. it is a natural product used to keep cats and dogs chilled. lots of places like Battersea use it to help new arrivals. my cat used it to help with trans atlantic move and it was wonderful.

So glad you have brought him back into the fold.

OfficialFlyingSquirrel · 27/06/2012 14:30

I've just sat here and read the whole thread, and am so happy you got your boy back. Here's hoping it just gets better and better !

Jux · 27/06/2012 14:59

It is probably worth getting him microchipped.

So glad you've got him. We found when trying to settle our cats that putting butter on the top side of their paws helped quite a lot. Also if you can, take him home while he's still a bit dozy.

Sparklingbrook · 27/06/2012 15:00

Could they microchip him before you get him to save going back?

RandomMess · 27/06/2012 15:18

Great news, hope it goes well tonight, looking forward to the update!

topknob · 27/06/2012 16:31

Dh has bought him home Smile but he is now shut in the utility bit with the cat flap shut, he is very stressed going to the door and the window Sad and panting. Vet has said that if there is any blood we are to contact them immediately but they haven't put a collar on him, which is a bit silly ! Got to take him back Friday for a check up, they have got some hope of us getting him back in that carrier. Can't let the dog out the back so am going to have to take her out for walks to wee and poo 3) the girl cats will have to stay out for tonight with their food in here then put out at night. Am very stressed at the minute and worried out him Sad.

OP posts:
RandomMess · 27/06/2012 16:35

have you got a feliway diffuser? Cat nip?

Can you go sit with him for a while?

Fluffycloudland77 · 27/06/2012 16:42

Maybe they thought a collar would stress him even more?

Do you have any chicken? mine will forgive anything for chicken.

topknob · 27/06/2012 17:03

I have catnip and tuna, I have chilled a bit now, it was just major stressy at the time as kids came home, dh came in with cat and I have been ill since Sunday and keep getting really hot, sweaty and feeling pants. Am feeling more human again. I will wait til kids are in bed and then go and see him, see if he wants a wander round the house.

OP posts:
topknob · 27/06/2012 22:46

Well, quick update, since he came back Charley has taken up residence on top of the fridge freezer in the utility. Dh went out a few times to chat to him :) but when I went out he jumped down so I fed him and he was happy enough with this. I took the dog out for a walk and she had a couple of wees but a little while ago started panting (needing a poo) so I checked and he was back on top of fridge so I opened the door and let the dog out, Charley didn't move :) Left dog out for a while. Just went back out to let her in, then went back to see him, he jumped back down when I called him, fussed him alot and checked his stitch (all ok atm). Couldn't get back in :) as he wouldn't leave the back door so got dh to pass me the whiskers titibits and left some for him on the floor and he was happy with those. So far so good :o he is so quiet, barely making any noise unless I go out and see him. Tomorrow when the kids are at school I will let him back in the house to eat and see how he goes. He hasn't used the litter tray yet but I am more than willing to clean up a few poos/wees if it means he might possibly stay with us. If he chooses not to at least he is neutered now. I will attempt to take some pictures and upload them later, but for some reason they don't always work.

OP posts:
Jux · 28/06/2012 16:34

That all sounds like it's going swimmingly, albeit, slowly.

Well done.

RandomMess · 28/06/2012 16:56

How's it gone today?

MNP · 28/06/2012 19:07

Fab news TopKnot

I hope it was a restful night for all.

topknob · 29/06/2012 07:25

Hello ! It is going really well actually, he is fine with the dog, one cat being a bit off with him but other cat being great :) He comes in and just wants to be let out, which we can't do yet but he has his check up tonight so we will see what they say then. He is using the litter trays (I put out two for him), he is being fab ! Not angry with us, quite willing to be stroked, dh even picked him up yesterday as he didn't want to go back into the utility :) He is not happy at being kept in though and I really can't wait to be able to let him outside, I think I will open the cat flap when he is allowed and hopefully, he will then realise how to get in and out.

OP posts:
Jux · 29/06/2012 08:09

Ask about microchipping him. It's a good idea for a cat who has a tendency to stray.

(Have you read the Warrior cat series? It's for children, but your Charlie is reminding me hugely of the first book, Into the Wild!)

Fluffycloudland77 · 29/06/2012 08:33

Even if he does decide to be an outdoor cat (winter may change his mind, lord knows how he survived last winter) at least he is neutered now.

I wonder how many swirly coated tabbies there are around your area now?

topknob · 29/06/2012 08:36

Not read those books but will google Smile. I know a lady who microchips for £10 so will give her a call. He is so big though he towers the girl cats !

OP posts:
ThePinkPussycat · 29/06/2012 13:10

Delurking to say well done. I came to this thread late but before he had had the snip. So pleased its working out :)

topknob · 29/06/2012 16:19

Argh Sad the little git has somehow wedged open a window and got out Sad I have spoken to the vets and they aren't bothered as his stitch is ok, I am however as I wanted to be able to let him out not him feel he has to get out iykwim. I hope he comes back for feeding.

OP posts:
RandomMess · 29/06/2012 16:27

Sad hope he's back later Sad

Fluffycloudland77 · 29/06/2012 17:36

He'll come back, it's not you he doesnt like it's being confined isnt it?

One of my females got out the same day as spaying and squeezed under a fence panel, both legs splayed out flat to get under it. She was fine and had always been a bit feral.

Sit tight.

MNP · 30/06/2012 01:05

Hope you see him tomorrow.

Shutting him in again and then going and opening the cat flap for him to see will hopefully get the message across that in doesn't mean not out ever again.

veritythebrave · 30/06/2012 01:48

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

RandomMess · 30/06/2012 13:52

Have you seen him again yet?

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