Trying to unravel mystery of who owns visiting cat
In honor of National Respect Your Cat Day today, I want you to know that I saved your cat. A few months ago, I met you walking your dog. We spoke of a cat that roams the neighborhood. When I told you I wanted to take her to be scanned for a chip, you said she was your cat and not to worry, she was spayed. I had no idea where you lived and I failed to ask.
This past month, your cat appeared on my back porch. At first, I thought your cat enjoyed visiting my two cats on her daily roaming. Lately, she has been on our doorstep morning, noon and night. Did she lose her way home? I didn’t think cats got lost. I noticed her longhaired fur was starting to mat and her white fur was getting dirty. She seemed thinner, too.
Did you move? Did you pass away? I am growing worried about your kitty.
I put a bowl of food out and she immediately ate it all. I began feeding her when I fed my own pets. The nights are still cold, so I made a bed for her underneath the canopy. She is never very trusting of me. When she hears me unlocking the door, she dashes away but not very far. Slowly, when I would crack the door, my cat, Lance, would meow for her to come near so they could smell one another. They have become friends this past month. Lance cries at the back door when she is there, and even when she is not. I wonder if Lance cries to go outside or because he wants his friend to come inside to be warm and safe like he is.
Sadly, I lost a cat to rat poison a few years ago. I had allowed her to go outside, and she always found her way back except the one morning when she was crying at the fence at the new neighbor’s house. Late for work, I told her she was going to have to stay outside for the day. That evening, I found her on my doorstep, dead. I made a promise to myself that if I ever adopted another cat, he or she would be an indoor cat. I now have two indoor cats, Lance and Billy.
I walked my neighborhood, hoping to meet up with you again, hoping to ask you about your cat. I have not seen you lately walking your dog. I am concerned you are no longer in the neighborhood. In the meantime, I will continue to feed your cat and worry about her health and her safety. Did you even realize your cat was lost, hungry and cold? Where are the signs saying you have lost your cat?
The other day, I put my cats and my dogs in a room and left my back door open. It was snowing, and the house was warm. I brought in the food bowl and sat it a few feet from the door. It didn’t take your cat long to slowly creep inside and start eating. When I moved toward the door, she quickly scurried out. She had trusted me, and I felt like I let her down.
I will continue to take care of your cat, and I will keep my back door open when I am able to. I am hopeful I will soon earn her trust again. I will then take her to be scanned for a chip, and I am optimistic if you allowed your cat outdoors, she will have one.
In the meantime, if I can get a good photo of her, I will post flyers around the neighborhood. Please call me. Even if you feel like you can no longer care for her, I will continue to do so. I will not judge you, and your cat will become my cat.
Lance (Lancelot) and Billy (William) will love their new sister Gwen (Guinevere). She will be an indoor-only cat, and soon all three of them will be microchipped and vaccinated. You never know when they will run out the door unexpectedly. No longer will Gwen have to beg for her next meal and hide from predators. All three will live happily together, knowing that they will be fed every day and sleep safely and warm every night. After all, isn’t keeping your cat healthy and safe part of respecting your cat?
Tracks
The Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society: Raj is a playful 3-year-old dog who is a bundle of energy and loves zooming around a yard and being chased. Raj also likes belly rubs and cuddling.
Eminem is a 1-year-old large mixedbreed dog who has been adjusting well at the shelter. He is very friendly and loves treats.
Call 505-983-4309, ext. 1610, for more information.
Española Humane: Two-year-old Persian is is a beautiful longhaired Siamese cat who weighs 10 pounds and is a socialite and conversationalist. He has always been very welcoming to cuddles and affection, even from strangers, and petting Persian is almost hypnotizing with how soft his fur is.
Daphne is 2-year-old, 53-pound dog who finished eight weeks of training in the shelter’s Paws in the Pen program at the Penitentiary of New Mexico. Daphne has expressive eyes and a smiley face. She has bloomed with her training, is friendly with everyone and she loves to play with other dogs. Daphne is potty trained, walks on a leash and is crate trained. To ensure a successful adoption, the shelter is providing four free training sessions.
Apply for Daphne at espanolahumane. org or call 505-7538662 to schedule a meet and greet. The shelter is open to walk-in adopters from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Dew Paws
Rescue: Goldie has had her litter and is ready to be adopted. Goldie, a dog, weighs 45 pounds and gets along well with other dogs. Call 505-412-9096 or email infodewpaws@gmail.com.
Felines & Friends: Handsome, white Soren has experience with large dogs. Not only does the cat tolerate them, he loves them.
He also enjoys hanging out with his sister, Snowy, and other foster family cats.
Eleven-month-old Soren would love to share his days with a family with other animals.
Ten-month-old Peaches has settled in at Petco. She is a white and calico cat with soft fur. She is quietly playful, happy to be held and purrs as she is chasing wand toys. Peaches previously lived with cats, dogs and children but has decided she doesn’t really like male cats. These cats and more are at Petco. Cats are microchipped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated and tested for FeLV and FIV. Most have been socialized in foster homes. Learn more and apply to adopt at FandFnm.org.
The Horse Shelter: Spartan is a 16-year-old sorrel thoroughbred gelding who stands 16.2 hands high. He has a kind eye and loads easily in a trailer. Spartan has been working with volunteers and learning to be more patient with leading and standing to be groomed. He is friendly and enjoys being groomed. He has a good energy and enjoys a good run around his paddock. He tends to be laid back with most other horses and is good picking up his feet and standing for a farrier. Spartan is available as a nonriding horse. Visit thehorseshelter. org or call 505-5774041 for more information.