The Wayward Cat

About 6-7 months ago I wandered off from my home when my mom left the back door open by mistake. I had been outside before but never alone and I was curious (cats are you know) and wanted to see what the world was like on my own. Were there other cats like me? What other new adventures awaited me? I had not yet used any of my nine lives so I was a little cocky and headstrong.

I wandered here and there losing all track of time and not aware of where I was in relation to my house. My mom had always told me to be careful and to stay away from people that I didn't know, but curiosity (again, I'm a cat) got the best of me.

After a few hours I got hungry and started sniffing around and caught the scent of some powerfully good smelling food. Following my nose and not paying much attention to anything else I found the food and started nibbling. BAM! Something fell down and I couldn't move away. Trapped. Gulp! I could see my house and hoped I'd soon get out and scamper for home.

Then some people came out to set me free; well, not free right away - we went for a ride first. It seemed like a long ride but we finally stopped and they put me out of the car in the woods. Phew, free! But, where was I? Nothing looked or smelled the same. How can I find my house and mom and dad?

I searched and searched for a long, long time. I met some other nice animals and some not so nice ones. I caught some mice and bugs and other not so pleasant things and I lost quite a few pounds (I won't, however, suggest my experience as a way to diet). I was stuck by sticks and thorns and chased by creatures with hunger in their eyes.

Fortunately bad things do come to an end. In my case, after using at least seven of my nine lives and losing six months of living with mom and dad, I was found by a nice lady who took me to a large place with lots of other dogs and cats. They took my picture and almost immediately my mom showed up to take me home. I'm never leaving that house, alone, again, ever.

Why am I telling this story? My mom had told me that there were people around me who will help me if I get lost, and make sure that I get back home. What she didn't tell me is there are also people who would not help, and would even do things to prevent me from getting back home. I found out that even though these people take great risks for their actions, including arrest and prosecution, for some reason they find greater satisfaction in relocating another person's 4-legged companion.

I only ask that if you are a person who finds a wandering cat or dog please don't endanger it any further. Call a local rescue (please visit PGAA's State Rescue listings PGAA's State Rescue listings to find a rescue group near you), or call your local animal control officer. They should be able to take care of the animal and try to locate their 2-legged companions. Life is too short to cause any creature - 2 legged or 4-legged - any additional grief.

Written by Ron Lueth, Pet Guardian Angels of America This work may be shared through the Creative Common License only if attributed to Pet Guardian Angels of America

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.