If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Marlo ESCAPES and is recaptured
Espy, Nipsy, and Marlo were let out into the fenced in backyard after
I got home from work, and I was in the basement trying to figure out why the phones had stop working - something to do with a flood while I was away I was sure. I came up to get a better lamp, and checked on the felines. Espy was staring at something in the corner of the yard and then started moving that way, so I looked and saw Marlo just outside of my fence, on top of the fence on the other side. I quickly chased Nipsy and Espy back into the house, opened the emergency exit into the neighboring yard, and plucked Marlo off the back wall of the yard and brought her back inside the house. Ten minutes later and I'm not sure where she would have been. But I have to wonder if I really have a right to keep her if she wants to wander. I pulled her off the street after all, and from her activity chasing birds and mice she is clearly a master hunter. I play with her more than the other two because she is just so active and can play for hours. It's the old inside/outside debate I know. Nipsy and Espy are happy indoor cats with backyard privileges, but Marlo is more of a free spirit. I know how she got out, because I saw just where she was when she did it, and I will fix the escape route. It was worn into the system by oPossums going in and out of the yard; it just broke down part of the fence until Marlo could do it too. She is a master climber as well as hunter. Oh well, I'd better get that girl chipped. She always gets the breakway collars off so I've given up even trying. My vet doesn't like chipping though; he says that there are too many incompatible types. I'd best figure out something. |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
Marlo ESCAPES and is recaptured
"dgk" wrote But I have to wonder if I really have a right to keep her if she wants to wander. I pulled her off the street after all, and from her activity chasing birds and mice she is clearly a master hunter. I play with her more than the other two because she is just so active and can play for hours. Yes, you have a right to keep the cat you love safe. It's your choice whether you want to. Is she good at hunting cars and taking down sadistic thugs who think it is fun to hurt little creatures? |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
Marlo ESCAPES and is recaptured
On 15 Aug, 13:16, dgk wrote:
Espy, Nipsy, and Marlo were let out into the fenced in backyard after I got home from work, and I was in the basement trying to figure out why the phones had stop working - something to do with a flood while I was away I was sure. I came up to get a better lamp, and checked on the felines. Espy was staring at something in the corner of the yard and then started moving that way, so I looked and saw Marlo just outside of my fence, on top of the fence on the other side. I quickly chased Nipsy and Espy back into the house, opened the emergency exit into the neighboring yard, and plucked Marlo off the back wall of the yard and brought her back inside the house. Ten minutes later and I'm not sure where she would have been. But I have to wonder if I really have a right to keep her if she wants to wander. I pulled her off the street after all, and from her activity chasing birds and mice she is clearly a master hunter. I play with her more than the other two because she is just so active and can play for hours. It's the old inside/outside debate I know. Nipsy and Espy are happy indoor cats with backyard privileges, but Marlo is more of a free spirit. I know how she got out, because I saw just where she was when she did it, and I will fix the escape route. It was worn into the system by oPossums going in and out of the yard; it just broke down part of the fence until Marlo could do it too. She is a master climber as well as hunter. Oh well, I'd better get that girl chipped. She always gets the breakway collars off so I've given up even trying. My vet doesn't like chipping though; he says that there are too many incompatible types. I'd best figure out something. odd to hear of a vet who does not like chipping but approves of collars, usually the other way round |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
Marlo ESCAPES and is recaptured
dgk wrote:
Espy, Nipsy, and Marlo were let out into the fenced in backyard after I got home from work, and I was in the basement trying to figure out why the phones had stop working - something to do with a flood while I was away I was sure. I came up to get a better lamp, and checked on the felines. Espy was staring at something in the corner of the yard and then started moving that way, so I looked and saw Marlo just outside of my fence, on top of the fence on the other side. I quickly chased Nipsy and Espy back into the house, opened the emergency exit into the neighboring yard, and plucked Marlo off the back wall of the yard and brought her back inside the house. Ten minutes later and I'm not sure where she would have been. But I have to wonder if I really have a right to keep her if she wants to wander. I pulled her off the street after all, and from her activity chasing birds and mice she is clearly a master hunter. I play with her more than the other two because she is just so active and can play for hours. It's the old inside/outside debate I know. Nipsy and Espy are happy indoor cats with backyard privileges, but Marlo is more of a free spirit. I know how she got out, because I saw just where she was when she did it, and I will fix the escape route. It was worn into the system by oPossums going in and out of the yard; it just broke down part of the fence until Marlo could do it too. She is a master climber as well as hunter. Oh well, I'd better get that girl chipped. She always gets the breakway collars off so I've given up even trying. My vet doesn't like chipping though; he says that there are too many incompatible types. I'd best figure out something. I know that this a difficult subject & that everyone deserves to do the right thing by their cat . Every single one of us has a different opinion to others, according to where we live, the predator threat, cars & even other human beings too. I used to feel exactly the same way that you describe in your post. Ringo was a big fat orange tabby who chose us just as Marlo seems to have chosen you. I felt guilty about the fact that I was taking his liberty away. I found out afterwards that his owner died, & that his daughter had tried on several occasions to keep him @ her house in the same village, but he kept escaping & coming back to his old neighborhood. For several weeks he had visited our community feeding bowls, so we knew of him, but not very much. One night there was a knock on the door & I went to answer it, & he toddled straight past me into the kitchen where he sat @ the food bowls until he had his fill. I was left standing @ the door with my jaw hung open! Ringo was with us for a few months & we allowed him the freedom he wanted, although the rest of our cats were indoor cats. I thought it simply unfair of me take that liberty away. One terrible evening, we suddenly realised that he wasn't around which was quite unusual, so we gave him an hour or so, then decided that we had better start looking for him, because he was normally always home before dark. Eventually, my son who had bonded with him, found him almost under a hedge in the meadow behind our home. He had been shot with a BB Gun @ almost point blank range. It was obvious that he was trying to make his way home, but never made it that far. We took him to the vet, who told us to prepare ourselves, because he thought we would loose him. In fact, he got through the operation & did recover; Actually he is still recovering. now Ringo is around 8ish years old, so we think he was very lucky. The reason I am telling you this story, is not to make you feel guilty, or to try & persuade you to do one or the other. It is merely to share the fact that I felt exactly the same as you do right now. It never once occurred to me that Humans would be the predator that brought him down, if you see what I mean? You must do what you feel is right for Marlo. It could be that you live in the middle of a fenced off compound that she could never get out of for all I know! My point is that you never know what will happen, or to whom or why, but you are assured by containing them, that the chances are far less likely. I would never chastise anyone for what they feel is right for their cat. In the end, we found that the best answer was to make a Big cat pen, so that the other cats could have a bit of liberty, & Ringo's was not withdrawn. You will know what is right for you. Best Wishes with this decision. It is not an easy one & I don't envy you. Good Luck, Sheelagh "o" -- Sheelagh "o" Message posted via http://www.catkb.com |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
Marlo ESCAPES and is recaptured
On Wed, 15 Aug 2007 08:16:36 -0400, dgk wrote:
Espy, Nipsy, and Marlo were let out into the fenced in backyard after I got home from work, and I was in the basement trying to figure out why the phones had stop working - something to do with a flood while I was away I was sure. I came up to get a better lamp, and checked on the felines. Espy was staring at something in the corner of the yard and then started moving that way, so I looked and saw Marlo just outside of my fence, on top of the fence on the other side. I quickly chased Nipsy and Espy back into the house, opened the emergency exit into the neighboring yard, and plucked Marlo off the back wall of the yard and brought her back inside the house. Ten minutes later and I'm not sure where she would have been. But I have to wonder if I really have a right to keep her if she wants to wander. I pulled her off the street after all, and from her activity chasing birds and mice she is clearly a master hunter. I play with her more than the other two because she is just so active and can play for hours. It's the old inside/outside debate I know. Nipsy and Espy are happy indoor cats with backyard privileges, but Marlo is more of a free spirit. I know how she got out, because I saw just where she was when she did it, and I will fix the escape route. It was worn into the system by oPossums going in and out of the yard; it just broke down part of the fence until Marlo could do it too. She is a master climber as well as hunter. Oh well, I'd better get that girl chipped. She always gets the breakway collars off so I've given up even trying. My vet doesn't like chipping though; he says that there are too many incompatible types. I'd best figure out something. Many former street cats make wonderful pets; a steady supply of food, clean water, affection, and shelter is hard to resist. But, having been more wild, she is more comfortable with the outdoors than many cats are, and has no fear of wandering away from familiar ground. But keeping her in your yard will ensure a much longer, healthier life for her. |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
Marlo ESCAPES and is recaptured
On Wed, 15 Aug 2007 08:38:59 -0700, bookie
wrote: On 15 Aug, 13:16, dgk wrote: Espy, Nipsy, and Marlo were let out into the fenced in backyard after I got home from work, and I was in the basement trying to figure out why the phones had stop working - something to do with a flood while I was away I was sure. I came up to get a better lamp, and checked on the felines. Espy was staring at something in the corner of the yard and then started moving that way, so I looked and saw Marlo just outside of my fence, on top of the fence on the other side. I quickly chased Nipsy and Espy back into the house, opened the emergency exit into the neighboring yard, and plucked Marlo off the back wall of the yard and brought her back inside the house. Ten minutes later and I'm not sure where she would have been. But I have to wonder if I really have a right to keep her if she wants to wander. I pulled her off the street after all, and from her activity chasing birds and mice she is clearly a master hunter. I play with her more than the other two because she is just so active and can play for hours. It's the old inside/outside debate I know. Nipsy and Espy are happy indoor cats with backyard privileges, but Marlo is more of a free spirit. I know how she got out, because I saw just where she was when she did it, and I will fix the escape route. It was worn into the system by oPossums going in and out of the yard; it just broke down part of the fence until Marlo could do it too. She is a master climber as well as hunter. Oh well, I'd better get that girl chipped. She always gets the breakway collars off so I've given up even trying. My vet doesn't like chipping though; he says that there are too many incompatible types. I'd best figure out something. odd to hear of a vet who does not like chipping but approves of collars, usually the other way round I never asked his opinion of collars; the cats never have them on at the vet. Only Espy does when he goes out because he used to end up outside of the fence sometimes, and he doesn't seem to mind the collar. He thinks that folks rely on the chips but that the odds of a cat being scanned for a chip and having the right detection equipment is low. I guess it must be so; I never had Marlo scanned. I guess I should. |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
Marlo ESCAPES and is recaptured
On Wed, 15 Aug 2007 18:52:36 GMT, "sheelagh via CatKB.com"
u33188@uwe wrote: dgk wrote: Espy, Nipsy, and Marlo were let out into the fenced in backyard after I got home from work, and I was in the basement trying to figure out why the phones had stop working - something to do with a flood while I was away I was sure. I came up to get a better lamp, and checked on the felines. Espy was staring at something in the corner of the yard and then started moving that way, so I looked and saw Marlo just outside of my fence, on top of the fence on the other side. I quickly chased Nipsy and Espy back into the house, opened the emergency exit into the neighboring yard, and plucked Marlo off the back wall of the yard and brought her back inside the house. Ten minutes later and I'm not sure where she would have been. But I have to wonder if I really have a right to keep her if she wants to wander. I pulled her off the street after all, and from her activity chasing birds and mice she is clearly a master hunter. I play with her more than the other two because she is just so active and can play for hours. It's the old inside/outside debate I know. Nipsy and Espy are happy indoor cats with backyard privileges, but Marlo is more of a free spirit. I know how she got out, because I saw just where she was when she did it, and I will fix the escape route. It was worn into the system by oPossums going in and out of the yard; it just broke down part of the fence until Marlo could do it too. She is a master climber as well as hunter. Oh well, I'd better get that girl chipped. She always gets the breakway collars off so I've given up even trying. My vet doesn't like chipping though; he says that there are too many incompatible types. I'd best figure out something. I know that this a difficult subject & that everyone deserves to do the right thing by their cat . Every single one of us has a different opinion to others, according to where we live, the predator threat, cars & even other human beings too. I used to feel exactly the same way that you describe in your post. Ringo was a big fat orange tabby who chose us just as Marlo seems to have chosen you. I felt guilty about the fact that I was taking his liberty away. I found out afterwards that his owner died, & that his daughter had tried on several occasions to keep him @ her house in the same village, but he kept escaping & coming back to his old neighborhood. For several weeks he had visited our community feeding bowls, so we knew of him, but not very much. One night there was a knock on the door & I went to answer it, & he toddled straight past me into the kitchen where he sat @ the food bowls until he had his fill. I was left standing @ the door with my jaw hung open! Ringo was with us for a few months & we allowed him the freedom he wanted, although the rest of our cats were indoor cats. I thought it simply unfair of me take that liberty away. One terrible evening, we suddenly realised that he wasn't around which was quite unusual, so we gave him an hour or so, then decided that we had better start looking for him, because he was normally always home before dark. Eventually, my son who had bonded with him, found him almost under a hedge in the meadow behind our home. He had been shot with a BB Gun @ almost point blank range. It was obvious that he was trying to make his way home, but never made it that far. We took him to the vet, who told us to prepare ourselves, because he thought we would loose him. In fact, he got through the operation & did recover; Actually he is still recovering. now Ringo is around 8ish years old, so we think he was very lucky. The reason I am telling you this story, is not to make you feel guilty, or to try & persuade you to do one or the other. It is merely to share the fact that I felt exactly the same as you do right now. It never once occurred to me that Humans would be the predator that brought him down, if you see what I mean? You must do what you feel is right for Marlo. It could be that you live in the middle of a fenced off compound that she could never get out of for all I know! My point is that you never know what will happen, or to whom or why, but you are assured by containing them, that the chances are far less likely. I would never chastise anyone for what they feel is right for their cat. In the end, we found that the best answer was to make a Big cat pen, so that the other cats could have a bit of liberty, & Ringo's was not withdrawn. You will know what is right for you. Best Wishes with this decision. It is not an easy one & I don't envy you. Good Luck, Sheelagh "o" Great story, I can't imagine a cat just walking into a house, particularly one where other cats live. Espy sure wouldn't stand for it. He isn't too thrilled about Marlo as it is. I'm not concerned about someone shooting Marlo, but there are a lot of cars around the area. Still, she managed to get along. If she had wandered away I would not have worried much about her ability to survive on her own, unlike Espy and Nipsy. Marlo is a streetwise cat, and in much better shape than she was when I got here. That, in itself, is pretty telling. If anything, she is getting a bit plump. We couldn't tell exactly what color she was when she arrived because we figured that some of the beige coloring was dirt. After a few weeks inside that beige turned white since she was able to keep it clean. Nah, she stays with me I guess. I'll have to play with her even more. But she was so happy marching around with the mouse in her mouth over the weekend. I don't think I wrote about that because I suppose eveyone with a cat that goes outside ends up with a mouse. But I got it away from her and put it through the fence into the next yard. And got a little nip as a result. |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
Marlo ESCAPES and is recaptured
|
#9
|
|||
|
|||
Marlo ESCAPES and is recaptured
dgk wrote:
Espy, Nipsy, and Marlo were let out into the fenced in backyard after I got home from work, and I was in the basement trying to figure out [quoted text clipped - 78 lines] Good Luck, Sheelagh "o" Great story, I can't imagine a cat just walking into a house, particularly one where other cats live. Espy sure wouldn't stand for it. He isn't too thrilled about Marlo as it is. I'm not concerned about someone shooting Marlo, but there are a lot of cars around the area. Still, she managed to get along. If she had wandered away I would not have worried much about her ability to survive on her own, unlike Espy and Nipsy. Marlo is a streetwise cat, and in much better shape than she was when I got here. That, in itself, is pretty telling. If anything, she is getting a bit plump. We couldn't tell exactly what color she was when she arrived because we figured that some of the beige coloring was dirt. After a few weeks inside that beige turned white since she was able to keep it clean. Nah, she stays with me I guess. I'll have to play with her even more. But she was so happy marching around with the mouse in her mouth over the weekend. I don't think I wrote about that because I suppose eveyone with a cat that goes outside ends up with a mouse. But I got it away from her and put it through the fence into the next yard. And got a little nip as a result. Great story, I can't imagine a cat just walking into a house, particularly one where other cats live. Espy sure wouldn't stand for it. He isn't too thrilled about Marlo as it is. Lol, I know exactly what you mean. We have 6full time masters & mistresses, & every single one of them reacts differently when someone comes to visit/ stay. We have Blue- Belle who just raises those eyebrows, to Biffy, who gets quite offended if any other cat who upsets the Status Quo..I think @ the time, the cats were almost as slack- jawed as we were. It's not everyday that a cat knocks on the door & moseys on through the house regardless of you!! There had to a certain amount of bottom sniffing, &grunts and puffs ( I don't know if anyone else has ever observed this, But I find that our Birman moggies don't hiss @ all. They huff & they Puff?!!) I'm not concerned about someone shooting Marlo, but there are a lot of cars around the area. Still, she managed to get along. If she had wandered away I would not have worried much about her ability to survive on her own, unlike Espy and Nipsy. Marlo is a streetwise cat, and in much better shape than she was when I got here. No, nor was I! That was my point. Of all of the threats that could face him, humans were @ the very bottom of my list. I was shocked to think that a human could do this to a cat. I felt exactly the same way that you do. I was convinced that his Willey street wise ways would be his salvation, & this was what swayed my decision to allow him to do his own thing..... That, in itself, is pretty telling. If anything, she is getting a bit plump. We couldn't tell exactly what color she was when she arrived because we figured that some of the beige coloring was dirt. After a few weeks inside that beige turned white since she was able to keep it clean. Yes, we found the same thing too. He scrubbed up quite well after he had been with us for a few weeks, where he was able to lick himself clean in the comfort of his favourite fat chair ) Nah, she stays with me I guess. I'll have to play with her even more. But she was so happy marching around with the mouse in her mouth over the weekend. I don't think I wrote about that because I suppose eveyone with a cat that goes outside ends up with a mouse. But I got it away from her and put it through the fence into the next yard. And got a little nip as a result He he. I bet she followed you all over the house with it too? This makes me giggle, because every now an again, Lucy(fur!!) brings one indoors if we let her out in the garden. She proudly displays it, then plays with it, tossing it up in the air, just to show us how clever she is. We get loads of field mice because we live next door to a meadow... Eventually, it always falls to muggins, to tell her how clever it is, then take it away from her & dispose of it in a place where she can't possibly get it back from, just for her private amusement, & to extract the urine out the other cats of with it of course! (also a stray who moved in- but not voluntarily @ first. She hissed and spat @ us for @ least a week or two, before allowing my daughter near her. I had to trap her, because we could see that she had a collar that was too small, with skin trying to grow over it. Nasty wound & pustulated, so we "had to" do something about treating her!!) Lucy(fur!!) is fine now,, but still a little madame ) Best Wishes, Sheelagh "o" -- Sheelagh "o" Message posted via http://www.catkb.com |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
Marlo ESCAPES and is recaptured
On 16 Aug, 13:16, dgk wrote:
On Wed, 15 Aug 2007 08:38:59 -0700, bookie wrote: On 15 Aug, 13:16, dgk wrote: Espy, Nipsy, and Marlo were let out into the fenced in backyard after I got home from work, and I was in the basement trying to figure out why the phones had stop working - something to do with a flood while I was away I was sure. I came up to get a better lamp, and checked on the felines. Espy was staring at something in the corner of the yard and then started moving that way, so I looked and saw Marlo just outside of my fence, on top of the fence on the other side. I quickly chased Nipsy and Espy back into the house, opened the emergency exit into the neighboring yard, and plucked Marlo off the back wall of the yard and brought her back inside the house. Ten minutes later and I'm not sure where she would have been. But I have to wonder if I really have a right to keep her if she wants to wander. I pulled her off the street after all, and from her activity chasing birds and mice she is clearly a master hunter. I play with her more than the other two because she is just so active and can play for hours. It's the old inside/outside debate I know. Nipsy and Espy are happy indoor cats with backyard privileges, but Marlo is more of a free spirit. I know how she got out, because I saw just where she was when she did it, and I will fix the escape route. It was worn into the system by oPossums going in and out of the yard; it just broke down part of the fence until Marlo could do it too. She is a master climber as well as hunter. Oh well, I'd better get that girl chipped. She always gets the breakway collars off so I've given up even trying. My vet doesn't like chipping though; he says that there are too many incompatible types. I'd best figure out something. odd to hear of a vet who does not like chipping but approves of collars, usually the other way round I never asked his opinion of collars; the cats never have them on at the vet. Only Espy does when he goes out because he used to end up outside of the fence sometimes, and he doesn't seem to mind the collar. He thinks that folks rely on the chips but that the odds of a cat being scanned for a chip and having the right detection equipment is low. I guess it must be so; I never had Marlo scanned. I guess I should.- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - yes chips are not always the answer, bit of a story for you... last christmas (2005) i was driving up the motorway on my way to my aunts for lunch and there was a mound of ginger and white fur lying by the side of the road. I stopped of course as I could just tell it was a cat, and wondered if I coudl help if it was just injured. unfrotunately it was very dead, probably killed that morning, pretty grim sight torn across his plump middle, crushed in head (so hopefully he had been hit on his head and died quickly), and so i thought that I woudl take him back home to his mum as she woudl no doubt be missing him and even though it was christmas morning and all it is always better to know what has happened. unfortunately there was no collar to identify him with, he was obviuosly someone's pet as he was rather plump and his fur was very thick, but as it was the motorway there were no houses anywhere for miles as far as I could see, and there are high fences along the side at the top of a verge, and on the other side just fields. If there had been a house nearby I would have gone and knocked on the door to ask but there was nothing around. I did think about wrapping him up and trying to find a vet to scan him but i was well of my area and it being xmas morning I doubt that any vets would be open for business in order to help out so i decided against it. i felt so awful just leaving him there, i pushed him off the main carriageway and onto the grass so he would not get hit again, don't know why, just for his dignity really. I just got so upset thinking of his mum and his family probably waiting for him at home with his xmas present sitting under the tree for him and him never comign home to open it or to enjoy a few slices of turkey under the table, then a long snooze in the afternoon with his family in front of the queens speech, safe and warm surrounding by people who love him. I thought of what an awful christmas that family wil have without him comgin home, always wondering what happened to him, i just wish i coudl have found them and let them know. ok it would probably not be the best news to wake up to on xmas morning but if it were me i would rather know and have 'closure', find his body and bury him in his garden where he shoudl be allowed to rest inpeace. i think that was the one time I wished a cat had been wearing a collar, just that once, but in the main i dont' like them at all. I now have to hug jessie very hard and tell her she is never to go and play on the M40, not that she ever bother to leave the house much these days anyway. I feel really sad now bookie |
|
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Update on the Marlo situation | dgk | Cat health & behaviour | 3 | March 6th 07 03:07 PM |
I think Marlo comes out for good tonight | dgk | Cat health & behaviour | 3 | February 28th 07 06:55 PM |
First Marlo pic, and a hissing situation | dgk | Cat health & behaviour | 18 | February 26th 07 02:11 PM |
Getting desparate, on their escapes | [email protected] | Cat health & behaviour | 2 | October 3rd 05 11:12 AM |
Fluffy Escapes the Gallows | Fat Freddy | Cat anecdotes | 60 | October 15th 04 11:25 AM |