You may recall me telling you that we have three cats and one dog. Well, we now have one cat and one dog. Nala disappeared last summer. She was a very old cat and we think she may have just gone into the woods on her own to die. She was a solitary and independent feline and the intrusion of her quiet home was probably too much for her to take.
For years it had just been Hubby and Nala living in the house. Suddenly, I entered the picture. Nala didn't mind me. I gave her a lot of attention and love. I even spent my evenings pulling burrs out of her matted hair. She slept with me, followed me around the house, and just enjoyed the company. Then, the students arrived. I don't think Nala liked the presence of teenage boys. It became loud and the house was constantly busier all the time. There was always excitement. The introduction of the kittens into our household was probably the thing that pushed Nala off the edge. There were now teenagers in the house and two little kittens who wanted attention. One evening, in the middle of a rainstorm, Nala disappeared out the window. I saw her a few months ago, in the winter. I was driving up the laneway, and there she was! We exchanged a glance and a moment and then she sauntered off towards the barn. I haven't seen her since.
Now, Fred and George (our two female kittens) just love attention and they even sleep with us in our bed. They run to the kitchen every morning when Hubby makes the morning coffee. George has recently discovered the outside world, and has been missing for almost five days now. I went to the barn yesterday to see if I could find her. I saw a lot of little paw prints, but no cat. I know the saying goes, "If you love something, let it go- If it returns to you then it's yours forever..." (okay, I'm paraphrasing here). It still makes me feel sad that the kitten has left. I think the thing I worry about is that there are so many wild animals and large birds that could have eaten her. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that George returns safely.
Fred (George's litter mate) and Chance (our canine baby love) will never leave us. I'm sure of this. They're both too clingy and loving...plus, they know they've got a good life here!
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5 comments:
(((((chrissy)))))) That must be hard! I had a beautiful cat once. I'm always pissed about people letting their cats roam, but I know it is just the way it is for some people. I couldn't do it, but that is the chance you take if you give them freedom. I'm sure they love you for it, mucho! You're a very good pet owner and that little honey will be back because he knows whats good for him.
Oh Chrissy I hope your cat returns soon. That is so sad.
Oh wow. I'm so sorry to hear that, Chrissy. I'm sure you made a huge difference in Nala's life and made her life so many times better. Just think of kitty heaven.
Shit, I'm sorry -- did I just say heaven?
I'm sorry... I'm a little tired. I'll be expecting you posting "Nala's BACk!!!".
I've heard of a lot of cats returning home after a solitary walk. Seriously.
Thanks, girls :)
Ms.Mamma:
I also hate it when people are careless pet owners. If you can't take care of a pet, then don't have one...right? The cats here are barn cats and they love going out to hunt, but when we got Fred and George, it was with full intention that they'd be house cats and not roam around outdoors. George has gotten out and has been MIA since Sunday. Nala has been gone since the fall. Fred is staying put...lol. She knows she's got a warm bed and lots of food and drink here. Plus, Fred's also a big suck that there's no fleeing on her mind! LOL!
T:
Thanks. I hope George returns soon too. I also hope Nala will return one day.
Curiosity:
Funny you mentioned that! Dina e-mailed me and told me that she's heard of cats being away from home for a long time and returning after months of exploring. She said that she read once that a lady had moved and two years later, her cat appeared. Weird! I do hope our cats return. We started off with 3 and now we have 1! Booooo :(