I'm going to join the world of cat owners!!!!

martin2345uk

Little b*stard escaped again yesterday, forgot I'd opened the kitchen window while cooking, came back in to find him on the outside windowsill about to jump down onto the wheelie bins!

Cue obligatory panic before realising a) it was raining and b) he came back last time so no reason he shouldn't this time too,

As it was he walked round the garden before OH shook a food pouch and he bolted back inside.

This weekend is a go-go!

martin2345uk

He's out! I'm in the garden with him right now! He's walking all round the fence, sniffing, checking... He keeps eating some weedy grassy stuff, is that normal?!

He's just run back inside when OH entered the living room.

Oh now he's back out. I'm managing to stay calm, I'm just lying on a sun lounger...

How long do I let him stay out??? He's not been fed today, when I feed him, how long before I let him out again??

martin2345uk

Ok he scaled the fence and went into next doors garden which I wasn't too keen on, he came back after a while, I'd put his food out. He seems a bit nervy, is that normal for a first outing? Should I now keep him in for a bit?

martin2345uk

Aargh too late he's now climbed the other fence on the other side and gone into the alley. *scared face*

martin2345uk

Sorry for so many posts. He's still out there somewhere. I'm stressing out a bit here.

scaredy_cat

he's probably scouting the area close to your garden. rattle the biscuits and call him.

did you see the cat documentary soem months ago on bbc? it seemed that most cats only go about 100 meters away from their home and garden.

martin2345uk

Went for a little scout. Saw him the front gardens of the houses on the street round the corner. Shook the dreamies, called him, he couldn't be less interested.

Technically he's not that far away but it feels like he is.

I went towards him slowly and he ran away from me. So I've come home.

How will he find his way back?? It's not like he's got a map :-/ he hasn't eaten yet either, he must be starving and it's vert hot.

I hope I haven't lost my cat

ava_adore

Oh bless, reading this is like re-living when Walter first went outside! Please don't worry too much. It's very difficult to let go and trust that he'll be ok, but he's come back before, and he'll come back this time I'm sure. He's probably having a great time exploring, and when he's ready to come back, he'll re-appear and demand food and cuddles from his humans

I usually leave a cup of water outside for Walter, in case he's happy just chilling in the garden, as it makes sure he's got some form of hydration. Maybe worth doing?

I found that in time, Walter and I formed a routine, and now he knows when I wake up and when I come home from work and he's always either in the flat or on his way

Let us know when your boy returns, fingers crossed it's all good!

KxMx

I know it's hard Martin but please don't panic.
Right now Derek finds exploring his patch much more interesting than you and a bag of dreamies.
He will easily find his way home by scent and sight-and i'm sure it won't be too long if his belly is rumbling

In time I am sure you will develop more of a routine although maybe the worry will still be there sometimes

My cat gets let out for the day when we decide (usually when someone will be in) and then either comes in when I need to sleep in the afternoon or at dinner time, through me calling and some treats. Even is she brings herself in (door is open right now but she's snoozing on the chair) she'll look for her treat!

rustyboy21

Martin, I know how you feel, but you are going to have a heart attack if you don't calm down! lol


He will be fine, something soon will spook him and he will come into the house at 100mph and you will wonder what the hell has happened !


I would leave him in tonight, just so you can try and get some sleep. Close the cat flap up, close all the windows when he is back in and he will most likely zonk out somewhere re living his time outdoors.


You may have a little noise off him tonight, as cats are a bit nocturnal, She who must be obeyed is zonko outside on the back step at the moment, she will come in soon and zonk out on my bed. She loves rolling around in any dust and dirt there is on the pavement and comes in all griity. Don't know what that is for. He is just sussing out his territory, he has most likely seen other cats walking through his ' Patch' and will now start to show his authority, so be ready for mock fights and screaming matches with other cats, Madame is only ballsy when I am in sight, she takes off like an old fisherwoman !


Believe me, he will be fine, they are not stupid, they are a law unto themselves, he will do things that you have your heart in your mouth.


Take this from me. I have had a dog and a cat in this relationship. 16 years the dog, 1 year the cat. She has got me closer to a breakdown in 1 year, than Rusty did for his 16 years ! Dogs are so much easier to understand, you feed them, walk them and play with them. A cat is You feed them, play with them ( if they want to ) move things of harm out of the way, pray they come back, get upset when they take no notice of you, keep you awake at night with the bouncing around on your bed etc ! Rusty never used to sit there, eyeing up a moth which is on the ceiling, trying to figure out, could she climb the curtains, grab onto the false ceiling and get it to eat !


Believe me you wont know what is going to hit you from now on !:beer::rotfl: