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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsMy all-white cat has been out in the blizzard, can't find him!
He went out yesterday afternoon, but never came back for dinner. Now he's out there somewhere in the blizzard. I went out in the snow looking for him, But being solid white, it's needle/haystacky. And it's supposed to hit 2 degrees tomorrow.
GreenPartyVoter
(72,378 posts)Fresh_Start
(11,330 posts)Make sure you leave outdoor lights on to help.
Be brave, they usually find a way to get out of the storm.
Cleita
(75,480 posts)when it's over. Sometimes animals have sense to go to a secure location when bad weather hits. Hope you find him. Also, even though it's going to be very cold, he is wearing his mink coat.
PADemD
(4,482 posts)When the plow went through, it plowed him in. I walked the neighborhood calling for him, heard a weak cry, and looked down to see him looking up through the grate. We cleared the packed snow from the entrance and he came out.
Cleita
(75,480 posts)Recursion
(56,582 posts)I really hope you can find him. But cats are resourceful and fur-clad, so don't stress too much.
Wait Wut
(8,492 posts)Put some of his favorite food out by the door and see if that lures him home.
sasha031
(6,700 posts)I hope your kitty comes back soon, try leaving food out.
flamingdem
(39,313 posts)Best of luck!
Atman
(31,464 posts)He's taken off for a couple days before, but never in this kind of weather. And it's snowing so hard, food would be buried quickly. But thanks, everybody. I'll just keep checking for him.
Historic NY
(37,451 posts)at the body shop, a mechanic at the diesel shop comes over to ask if were feeding a couple cats....yup. He was worried, cats are so fickle when we change from can to dry they went back to the diesel shop....
They come back when the bread is buttered on both sides....
dlwickham
(3,316 posts)if they don't like what we're serving, they go to the house down the street
2pooped2pop
(5,420 posts)maybe they will let him out tomorrow and he will come home.
whathehell
(29,067 posts)The next door neighbors kept a bowl on their porch for him, and one day,
he came back from a strange house with a little necklace around his neck.
That being said, I do hope your little dude is safe and comes home soon.
This cat of mine took off for three days once and I was worried sick.
On the fourth day, he came strolling in like he'd never left.
mike_c
(36,281 posts)I hate it when kitties don't come home! Good luck! Stay warm and safe!
Buzz Clik
(38,437 posts)Cooley Hurd
(26,877 posts)hedgehog
(36,286 posts)Catherina
(35,568 posts)Good luck Atman, to you and your kitty.
Also, is there any shelter by your door? If not, try to put something there in case he makes it home so he has somewhere to be protected
tridim
(45,358 posts)KittyWampus
(55,894 posts)elfin
(6,262 posts)He scooted out through a garage door that had blown open while I was clearing the drive. He came back much later in the night FILTHY - had found a storm sewer during the storm. I was frantic because no driver could have seen him on the road in those conditions.
Hope you have the same happy return.
niyad
(113,336 posts)found safe shelter to wait this out.
during a horrid cold snap last winter, a friend's kit was out for two days in wayyyyy below zero weather. we were freaked. third morning, cat came strolling in, warm and okay. we never figured out where she had been hiding.
Response to Atman (Original post)
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Canuckistanian
(42,290 posts)Cats have a knack of ignoring "Here, Kitty, Kitty", but I swear they can hear the distinct sound of me taking the can opener out of the drawer.
Response to Canuckistanian (Reply #30)
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Kber
(5,043 posts)I lost my cat at the beginning of a bad storm a few years back. She went out the morning before it started and then we got almost 2 feet of snow later that night.
She was gone for 4 days and I assumed the worst.
She showed up 4 days later looking like she had been to a kitty spa. Clean, well fed, and calm as a cucumber.
I think some kind soul took her in during the storm and, when it was safe, she came home.
I hope for the best possible outcome for your furry friend!!!
wandy
(3,539 posts)If you have a car out in the drive way, look under it. Cat would have thought to shelter there before you would have thought to look for them there. Under the porch might be a good guess. Under something.
Oh. Just remembered. Blow the horn a few times before starting the car. Big, warm, dry, friendly, motor thing you know.
Sometimes they climb up on the wheels under a fender near a warm engine. It is necessary to make sure they aren't there before driving.
wandy
(3,539 posts)Up on the tire. Through an opening. Into the motor compartment and on to that nice warm place up by the fan belt.
Please, don't ask.
PETRUS
(3,678 posts)From time to time one of my dogs decides to have an adventure on her own and it's pretty worrisome. But as others have pointed out, cats have skills to cope, so remain optimistic!
pitbullgirl1965
(564 posts)cats are very clever. Was this an accident or is he an outdoor cat?
Sissyk
(12,665 posts)Kitteh has probably found a place out of the weather. He didn't leave his coat at home, did he? lol.
He will be fine, but I understand your worry!
warrior1
(12,325 posts)I hope he comes home soon.
StarryNite
(9,446 posts)Keep us posted.
johnnyreb
(915 posts)...prayers too, for his safe and quick return to his human.
NutmegYankee
(16,199 posts)Xipe Totec
(43,890 posts)nadinbrzezinski
(154,021 posts)All I can say.
The Velveteen Ocelot
(115,732 posts)Cats are good at finding places to hide. Some years ago my (normally indoor) cat slipped outside and disappeared for almost a week, and this was in January and it was below zero for most of that time, and there was a lot of snow on the ground. I was afraid I'd never see him again, but one morning he turned up at the back door, demanded something to eat, and then slept for hours on top of a radiator. His fur was full of dried leaves, so I think he hid out under a porch until he figured out how to get home.
Chances are very good that he'll turn up again soon, probably after the storm subsides.
abelenkpe
(9,933 posts)midnight
(26,624 posts)Atman
(31,464 posts)He'll need 'em tonight! I just went looking again...it's pretty bad, and the snow is already deep, so he likely wouldn't come running now anyway. Oh well. Warm thoughts for kitteh! Thanks again, everyone!
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)People think of pets as having "skills," as you say. But no skill can compensate for freezing weather. A small animal will freeze to death at 18 degrees....I know this because one expert was on tv years ago explaining to bring pets in...it was going to get down to 18 (unusual for here), and he was explaining that any small animal left out would freeze to death in 18 degree weather.
Oh, dear. Why did you let him out? Can you leave a crack in your garage door, in case he finds his way back?
RedCappedBandit
(5,514 posts)Cats are resourceful, though. He'll be fine.
My white kitty is my best friend, even though he's a pompous little bastard.
snappyturtle
(14,656 posts)My white cat is my best friend too....I have the match; mine is a pompous fluffy queen!
raging moderate
(4,305 posts)Every winter, I make a couple of quick little storm shelters right outside my home. I cover a cardboard box with something thick and water-proof and wind-resistant. Inside, lay down a little rubber-back carpet square, with some other soft fluffy stuff. On these few horribly cold nights, I go even further. Between layers, I place an old glove with one of those Hot Hands packets inside. These can be found in camping equipment sections of many stores. You could put in an 18-hour packet. I find that they are still warm 20 hours later. If the hut has something that smells like you over it, that may help your cat find it.
Atman
(31,464 posts)Using two plastic storage container. Place a smaller one inside a big one, and fill the gap with insulation (like foam panels or spray insulation. Line the inside box with hay or thick carpet. Cut a hole through both boxes and close up the top tightly, then put the box out someplace safe, and kitty has a nice little hotel room for those nights out.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)It was a makeshift plastic container, turned upside down (igloo like). I duct taped insulation to the outside (the ugly pink kind), then I taped the silver sheet kind to the outside of that. Then I hung something pastic-like over the front, to keep out the wind...but it was see through, and partially open, so he could find the entrance.
I put it underneath a bush, to help protect from wind, and I faced the door away from where I thought the wind would come. I also thought the bush would help protect against some other animal finding him.
calimary
(81,312 posts)Glad you're here!
I hope the kitty turns up! These are good ideas! Those packets are GREAT!
freshwest
(53,661 posts)It's a long shot, I know. Generally when animals have a second home neither of their people knows about the other.
Other than that, the suggestions of a food that he can smell, or maybe the lights left on or even catnip might help.
Sorry about this, I know how much it hurts to have a little one missing.
Solly Mack
(90,771 posts)I know you must be worried sick! I hope the cat is OK.
Demo_Chris
(6,234 posts)Since it is a cat we are talking about here, there is the very real possibility that it is sitting somewhere right now laughing at you while you panic. Cats are evil that way.
Also, check in the house. He might have snuck back inside and be playing all innocent sleeping on your pillow.
Louisiana1976
(3,962 posts)applegrove
(118,682 posts)Brigid
(17,621 posts)ScreamingMeemie
(68,918 posts)I have a mostly white calico that lives to sneak out the door.
keep us posted.
Kalidurga
(14,177 posts)I have also taken in several feral cats. So, hopefully your kitty has a second home. If he was closer to that home when the storm hit, it's probably where he cried to get in. As you mentioned this was a feral cat, so he knows what he is doing. Still doesn't make it any easier when you are worried about a pet.
Liberal_in_LA
(44,397 posts)jerseyjack
(1,361 posts)That was from a finder of lost animals on an NPR show a few years ago. Unfortunately, they will not necessarily come when called because they are afraid.
ScreamingMeemie
(68,918 posts)--expecting me to climb fences through yards to come get her.
bklyncowgirl
(7,960 posts)Cats are pretty smart though. Hopefully he'll find shelter. It could be his weather sense freaked him out. Does he have any disabilities.
FreeBC
(403 posts)Hope you find him
Response to Atman (Original post)
devilgrrl This message was self-deleted by its author.
PADemD
(4,482 posts)Are there any fir trees in your neighborhood? That's where some of the wild rabbits huddle in our neighborhood.
FarCenter
(19,429 posts)Created 1966
media: canvas, white house paint
http://www.flickr.com/photos/olafgambini/3882349394/in/photostream/
2naSalit
(86,646 posts)OneGrassRoot
(22,920 posts)and for you, Atman.
Please keep us posted.
TuxedoKat
(3,818 posts)I have one that goes outdoors frequently and I start to worry when I haven't seen him in a few hours. Just today he went out and stayed out quite awhile so I had to go look for him but fortunately found him. Usually he comes when I snap the lid of a cat food can but not today as he'd recently eaten. Anyway, you might put a covered box outside on your porch or somewhere with a hole in it in case he comes home and you are asleep. Put a rug or blanket inside it for warmth. Putting his litter box outside too can be helpful. Your cat is probably nearby but in a safe spot right now. (((HUGS)))
Zax2me
(2,515 posts)hope your story ends well - I bet the cat finds shelter or safe keep.
R B Garr
(16,954 posts)Mine get all excited when I shake their bag of kibbles or those Temptation treats. It works to get them to surface every time when they're hiding in the house and before when they used to ignore my calls outside.
I hope you find your kitty soon!
arthritisR_US
(7,288 posts)be. My warmest vibes being sent to your kitty. Being resourceful creatures he's probably hold up in temporary home of kind strangers
Timbuk3
(872 posts)...that I hope your cat's OK.
Do you remember Mama Gray?
She was out for two days in "the second worst blizzard in East Coast history". It was illegal to drive, here, for almost 2 days. When it ended I saw her tracks headed across the back yard, on top of about 3 feet of snow, to the cat door in our sliding glass door. I turned around and she was already inside, laying on the heater, "soaking up some rays".
So, don't give up hope. He works on instinct, and may be holed up somewhere (relatively) warm, waiting for the snow to break.
BTW, it doesn't surprise me in the slightest that you actually care what happens to your cat.
Cleita
(75,480 posts)Atman
(31,464 posts)We built him a shelter while we were shoveling, though.
Cleita
(75,480 posts)erinlough
(2,176 posts)Put a flyer out and perhaps you'll get a call. I'm so sorry for you, I know how this feels.
Lone_Star_Dem
(28,158 posts)Hopefully he found a place to ride out the storm and will be home soon. I've got a rescue kitty who likes to run and hide before big storms too. I think it's a kickback to when they had to fend for themselves and hunker down.
Demo_Chris
(6,234 posts)MADem
(135,425 posts)TDale313
(7,820 posts)Hope he is safe and turns up soon.
jazzimov
(1,456 posts)he'll be home soon.
Even if he got lost, he'll find his way home.
I used to worry about my doggies and my ex-wife's kitties when we wouldn't see them for a while, especially when things outside were abnormal. They'd always show up looking like "why were you worried? I'm hungry".
akbacchus_BC
(5,704 posts)that he comes home inspite of the harsh weather. Keeping fingers crossed.
Ian Iam
(386 posts)Cats are natural-born predators. And survivors. He shall come in when he deigns to!
GObamaGO
(665 posts)steve2470
(37,457 posts)many good vibes for you and kitty !!
Demo_Chris
(6,234 posts)Atman
(31,464 posts)It will be warmer today, but raining. At lest the driveway is cleared...maybe he'll find his way back.
OneGrassRoot
(22,920 posts)I have a feeling he'll show up very soon.
Atman
(31,464 posts)I wasn't expected such a response...but I should have. DUers are good, compassionate peeps.
I hope he comes home soon, poor guy. My heart goes out to you.
Demo_Chris
(6,234 posts)He could be kicking back on a warm feather pillow somewhere while some little girl feeds him tuna flakes and grapes and scratches just the right places.
Anyway, I hope he comes home soon.
Atman
(31,464 posts)Immediately ran upstairs and hid; I guess he was a bit traumatized from his adventure. But otherwise he looks none the worse for wear.
Thanks, everybody, for your concern and words of encouragement!
kenny blankenship
(15,689 posts)Great to hear your kitty is safe and sound.
flamingdem
(39,313 posts)Aw puddy gets tuna tonight!!
I looked for this thread hoping to see an update. Glad he's back!
narnian60
(3,510 posts)RedCappedBandit
(5,514 posts)Moses2SandyKoufax
(1,290 posts)annabanana
(52,791 posts)What a relief!
RandiFan1290
(6,237 posts)renate
(13,776 posts)But I love the happy ending today!
DisgustipatedinCA
(12,530 posts)steve2470
(37,457 posts)TDale313
(7,820 posts)Yay and
FarPoint
(12,409 posts)KittyWampus
(55,894 posts)Cal Carpenter
(4,959 posts)Sancho
(9,070 posts)missingthebigdog
(1,233 posts)I know you are ecstatic.
GObamaGO
(665 posts)Raine1967
(11,589 posts)arthritisR_US
(7,288 posts)for letting us know. I bet he'll be all snugly tonight
nadinbrzezinski
(154,021 posts)myrna minx
(22,772 posts)LeftInTX
(25,370 posts)Liberal_in_LA
(44,397 posts)slackmaster
(60,567 posts)lynne
(3,118 posts)- I'd been watching this thread and am glad to see the good news!
Glad for the happy ending.
The Velveteen Ocelot
(115,732 posts)Now he needs a can of tuna and a soft, warm bed. Welcome home, Cato.
Response to Atman (Reply #92)
devilgrrl This message was self-deleted by its author.
Cleita
(75,480 posts)He probably will be traumatized for awhile. Mine disappeared for fifteen hours three weeks ago. He came home unharmed but hasn't gone out the door since then. I think he got cornered by a predator, waited it out, but doesn't want to confront it anymore.
erinlough
(2,176 posts)It's amazing how relieved it makes you. I've gone through it before and I'm so glad yours turned out happy.
LittleBlue
(10,362 posts)Welcome home, kitty!
ThomThom
(1,486 posts)I thought he would be alright. I have a wild cat also. He has great survival skills and has friends up and down the street. But it sounds like yours had to hide out some where.
GoCubsGo
(32,086 posts)Especially kitty good news. Time to get Cato a nice, neon-colored collar in case he pulls this again.
kentauros
(29,414 posts)I didn't post to this thread originally, yet am glad he made it through okay
I'm not a vet, but you might consider a check by one anyway, or at least talk to your vet for advice
The Magistrate
(95,247 posts)GoneOffShore
(17,340 posts)So glad to hear that!
redwitch
(14,944 posts)Yay Cato!
Zoeisright
(8,339 posts)Now please, keep him inside. Outdoor cats live 3-5 years; indoor cats live to be 18 years.
http://www.petco.com/Content/ArticleList/Article/13/2/181/Reasons-to-Keep-Your-Cat-Indoors.aspx
There are a lot of good facts in that article about the myths about outdoors being a cat's "natural" environment.
OwnedByCats
(805 posts)You can rest easy now
roody
(10,849 posts)Bryn
(3,621 posts)My flame pointed kitty named Isaz went missing for 4 days a month ago. I shelled out 90.00 to send out Amber Pet Alert for him. Then I found him by a pure chance. He was trapped on upper deck in the back of empty townhouse which is about 20 ft. high on slope. He apparently was chased and he climbed on one of wood posts supporting the deck and then couldn't get down. Village police helped to get him down. I was sooooo happy, soooo relieved to have him back. So he was! Happy to be back home with his Mommie!
I am excited for you that your baby came home!!!
ljm2002
(10,751 posts)warrior1
(12,325 posts)Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)there must be some cute babe down the street.)
Thanks for letting us know. As someone who has had cats go missing I know how upsetting it can be. Glad he's home.
LoveMyCali
(2,015 posts)My first kitty was named Cato, a siamese kitty that was smarter than me by a long shot. I have a soft spot for any kitty named Cato.
mrs_p
(3,014 posts)Yay!!
When he is calmed down a bit and rested, may want to make sure he is not dehydrated or hasn't lost weight. I know he was out in the snow, but kitties have that whole "I'm gonna shut down" thing going when they are scared. A vet may be a able to make a house call if a trip there would be too tramatic.
Congrats again! I am so happy for your people-fur family!
calimary
(81,312 posts)And look at how many people were worried!
I'm SO glad to hear that! Thanks for letting us know!!!
backwoodsbob
(6,001 posts)cats are amazing survivors.
Glad to hear the great news.
A white cat in snow... reminds me of something. From SGVY, I give you this:
Lemme in on this YAY!!!
akbacchus_BC
(5,704 posts)from a puppy mill is still yet to come home. We tried our best even with a dog tracker who came out to help but nothing so far.
You got your valentine's with Cato coming home.
kiva
(4,373 posts)why Cato?
My mother had a cat named Kato in the 1990s - think the OJ Simpson trial. When questioned about the name, she said "What else would you call a blond houseguest who arrived and just stayed on?"
Atman
(31,464 posts)I say he's all white, but he's got a near perfect black diamond on the back of his head. K2 is a famous mountain -- black diamond, as in a "most difficult" ski trail. But it just confused people, so we tend to call him Cato. It's K2 on all his vet papers, though.
Danmel
(4,915 posts)give him a chin rub for me.
Iwillnevergiveup
(9,298 posts)Our critters can worry us sick, can't they? Did Cato have a good explanation as to his whereabouts?
Seriously, may you all sleep peacefully tonight. I had a beautiful black kitty named Kato some years ago. He showed up at my place during the OJ trial. We had him for awhile and couldn't decide on a name until Cato Kaelin appeared.
Ian Iam
(386 posts)Cats are survivors, and can find shelter in spaces too small for a dog. I once had a cat that would go off for 3-4 days at a time, sashay back in, and refuse to explain where he went! I'm betting your kitty does the same. Let us know.
darkangel218
(13,985 posts)johnnyreb
(915 posts)Now rest up big guy so you can attend to your traumatized human!
Demo_Chris
(6,234 posts)bullwinkle428
(20,629 posts)Thrilled to hear he's back and safe!
Generic Other
(28,979 posts)So glad the rascal found his way home.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)maybe not comfortable, but alive. Someone's garage?
DakotaLady
(246 posts)I bookmarked your thread and came for a look-see and found that he was back home.
Home sweet home ...
Care Acutely
(1,370 posts)There is no reason in the world why kitties must go outside. Eventually they stop trying to shoot for the door, and they live healthier, happier, longer lives for it.
The world is such a cruel place, especially for cats.
I'm glad you are back together.
Atman
(31,464 posts)Cato is a "reformed" feral cat. He was found shivering under my porch about 6 years ago. He's adapted well to inside living, but still has his wild side. He likes to spend the night out, then come in sleep all day. It's pointless trying to keep him in...he starts causing trouble.
That said, two of the others rescued from the same batch are perfectly content to live the indoor life. At the most, they'll step out onto the front porch for a second, then freak out at the slightest sound and run back inside.
He might not have as much trouble staying inside, now.
werknotgoin2takeit
(172 posts)You have a lot of responses and didn't read them all so sorry if I am repeating information. But if not, this worked for me and several people I know that have lost kittehs. If you have some used cat litter, spread some around all the doors of your house (on the outside). More then food, the smell of themselves will help lead them home. I had an all white kitty years ago and he disappeared for a week after a move. He had stayed out over night before but never for that long. I was sure he was gone forever. I put out the litter as a last resort and the next morning he was there. Dirty and hungry but home and safe. I hope you find your baby, white kitties are the best!