Mulder Watch: S.O.L.

[neadods]

The temperatures are dropping so low that I was going to switch to the assumption that someone had taken Mulder in.

And then one of our neighbors came knocking at midnight. I was convinced that whoever it was must have Mulder in their arms, but not quite. It was J and her daughter H from two doors down, the ones who'd lost their own cat for seven weeks not that long ago. H saw a "little orange cat" sitting on the front walk leading to the house next door on the other side, but when she went to catch it, it bolted into our back yard. So she knocked.

We were out of the house instantly, with a flashlight and the bag of treats. We even left the usual door to the house open for a while (the storm door was keeping the other cats in, but the light would shine through letting Mulder know that his home was open again).

But after a search around the house 4 times, the garage 3 times, the back wilderness, and the back yard of the next house over, no Mulder. Not even a hint of him.

When I finally dragged in and went back to bed, Gytha jumped on me and started purring and kneading; she hadn't even tried to get out while I was talking to H. Could Mulder have gone so wild in just two weeks that he won't even respond to us?

Exhausted now. I guess it's a good thing they had enough volunteers and I don't need to stand a shift at the clinic.

Comments

[shawan-7.livejournal.com]

Think of it this way: he's alive. The glass is half-full.

He may be cold enough today that he'll come back in, but he's not lying by the side of the road like that other kitty

Maybe today he'll come home.

[neadods.livejournal.com]

Maybe. I hope so!

[lagilman]

It's tough to say what a cat that young will do, especially once they get a taste of the outside. It's good news if he's staying close to home, though.

Remember that cats can shove in anywhere they can get their surprisingly small skulls into: while you were searching, he was probably watching you from nearby, perfectly hidden, wondering why you don't just smell him like he can you. They're frustrating as hell like that.

*support & sympathy*

[neadods.livejournal.com]

His taste of the outside is getting colder; I would have thought he liked his comfort more than that. But maybe not...

[harmonyfb.livejournal.com]

You could try getting an animal trap from Animal Services and baiting it in the backyard. If it is Mulder, you might be able to nab him that way. (You might also get very angry oppossums or raccoons, but it's a fair chance for getting your kitty...)

[neadods.livejournal.com]

We have a live trap - the first time I baited it, nothing happened; the second time I baited it, something ate all the chicken without springing the trap. So we put it away, although we might bring it back out now.

[paratti.livejournal.com]

Is there anywhere he could get under the house or outbuildings/porch?

[neadods.livejournal.com]

The door to the crawlspace is jammed so tight I have to kick it open, so I doubt he's under there, although I've looked.

Other than that, it's just bushes. And we're checking them all regularly.

[lagilman]

what about above the house? You're looking up too, right?

(Pandora once got herself wedged on top of a 7 foot high bookcase, despite me swearing there wasn't enough room for a mouse up there.)

[neadods.livejournal.com]

We've looked in some of the closer trees, although it's been a while since he climbed anything.

He's not in the house. We'd have seen, heard, (or worst case scenario, smelled) him by now.

[faireraven.livejournal.com]

He's alive. That's at least good news.

If you're concerned about him with the cold, you might try filling a soda bottle full of hot water with a towel and leave it somewhere sheltered yet conspicuous outside. Then perhaps if he wants to use the warmth, you'd be able to spot him?

I so hope he comes home soon.

*HUGS*

[neadods.livejournal.com]

Now there's a thought. It'll be cold by morning, but maybe it'll bring him in.

[neadods.livejournal.com]

PS and OT: Trampoline.

The way things are going right now, I may leave Mo to pick it up after the walk; depending on need, I may be doing a flyer/shelter run or be at the clinic rather than be able to dedicate the day to the walk. I'll know better closer to time.

[persiflage-1.livejournal.com]

*hugs*

[kefiraahava.livejournal.com]

Damn. Well, he's alive, as others have said, and hopefully he'll get bored/tired of the Thrill of the Great Outdoors and come home soon.

(My MD co-workers live right up on the DC border but said they'd let me know if they ran into people from closer to your area.)

Fingers crossed.

[wendymr.livejournal.com]

Oh, that's great news! He's alive and close to home :)))

All right, you didn't get him last night, but cats can be like that. Give it time and patience and he'll be ready. He's probably frightened and hungry, and who knows what he's encountered from humans in the time he's been gone. He's not ready to approach you yet.

I'll be hoping and waiting for more good news soon :)

[flaviarassen.livejournal.com]

Oh, I think he's re-thinking this whole "freedom" thing.
We're pulling for you on this end!