Our house is now full of the furniture and belongings from two houses!
The bad news is that Daisy has disappeared.
She was last seen four days ago, skipping about on the grass, chasing leaves. We went to the village late morning and one hour later when we got back there was no sign of her.
For the two weeks she spent with us the weather was glorious and then it became pretty foul just as she vanished. Friends reassure us that she will be sheltering safely somewhere and would soon come back. As we are surrounded by fields of huge clods of ploughed earth and the nearest neighbours are a long way away, it’s hard to see how a small kitten could be anywhere safe, and we have searched every inch of our property over and over again. We wonder if she could have been taken by one of the hawks that circle endlessly over the fields that surround us.
In any case we have stopped hoping for the best as it’s just too upsetting to keep thinking about it. I have had cats before that have gone missing and it always ended badly.
We all miss her, including Lulu who spends a lot of time each day looking for her. They had become good friends.
Bon weekend!
Oh dear. I'm sorry to hear she has disappeared. By hawks I assume you mean buzzards? I guess it is possible one took her, but I would have thought unlikely. Very sad, and difficult when it is unlikely you will find out what happened to her for sure.
ReplyDeleteSusan, part of me needs to know what happened, but another part doesn't want to hear it if it's unpleasant.
DeleteNot knowing is the hard part.
Just a thought. Nick said there was an agriculteur on a tractor. Could it be he thought she was lost kitten and took her home?
ReplyDeleteSo sorry,it is more upsetting when you have no answers, she may still appear though. Hope your weekend is a good one Diane
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm so sad to hear this, too :(
ReplyDeleteDamn. Didn't Daisy wear a collar? Maybe someone thought she was a stray and has given her a good home. Fingers crossed!
ReplyDeleteMartine, we did think about a collar, but with an outdoor cat who spent the whole time climbing up trees and squeezing between the beams of the barn roof, thought it might be likely to get caught and choke her.
DeleteI wonder whether you could ask your neighbour's helper. Perhaps he has seen her. I can understand why you are upset.
ReplyDeleteWhen I see the carer's little car around I will see if I can stop her and ask if she has seen a cat on the premises. It's the only neighbour near enough for Daisy to have gone for shelter I think.
DeleteI think it is very likely she has been spooked and is hiding somewhere next door. Give it a good 10 days before you give up. The furniture van and activity at your place probably didn't help, nor will the neighbour's little dog -- although he may identify where Daisy has secreted herself. Once they've panicked, cats often can't find their way home (contrary to popular belief). Research shows that they will hide for a week or two sometimes, only emerging when thirst drives them to. During the time they are hidden they will not meow and give away their position (also contrary to popular belief). They will not respond to being called, and may even be scared of you during this period. Try searching very early in the morning, before it is light -- she may feel safe enough at that time to give herself away. Try putting out very aromatic food like tuna, to entice her, but don't get your hopes up if it is eaten in the night, as all sorts of creatures will be partial to a bit of cat food.
Deletesorry to read about Daisy. I hope she is like my Mizu, when she very younger she was very often away, the longest 3 weeks. about hidingplaces, she can be next to you but because she don't want you to know her places you never know where she is. I hold my fingers and will be speaking whith the Man himself. Jaana
ReplyDeleteJaana, after much pondering we think it's possible she hid in the electrician's van and went for a ride, possibly getting out when he next parked with the doors open, so she could be miles away from home.
DeleteSusan gives good advice. Don't give up yet. Our cat Jane was gone many times. We would walk through the woods calling for her and twice found her that way.
ReplyDeleteI think 9 days was her record. She always came back fine but skinny.
When our dog was gone, we put signs in all the local post offices as well as telling the neighbors. One of the post office signs paid off.
I would be fit to be tied with grief. I am glad to see you have people around you for comfort.
ReplyDeleteOn the other side - our cat is fretting for us (More Sue actually). Our boys are telling us that she is walking around the house crying and wondering where we are. So, it goes both ways and we understand your sadness.
ReplyDeleteWe had a kitten here that disappeared after a few weeks of thinking she'll be here forever. We miss it. It was the friendliest kitten we've ever known.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry about Daisy. Such a sadly common story with outdoor cats. I have a feeling another will soon adopt you.
ReplyDeleteSo glad your things arrived. Can't wait to see it all here once you're settled in.
So very glad to hear the news about Daisy!!
ReplyDeleteAt least you'll know where to go looking next time she wanders off....
if she gets the chance!
Does Tim's comment mean that there is some good news about Daisy??
ReplyDeleteYes, she's home, and the story is more bizarre than you would imagine......
DeleteOh, great!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to hear the story. When you have time, maybe you can blog about it? :) As Mitchell said, I guess it's kind of perilous out there for a full-time outdoors cat.