Grief over Kidnapped Cat

Rhina

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It's been four weeks since my cat disappeared in the middle of the night.
She was an inside/outdoor cat, but I knew something was wrong from the beginning. I did the whole thing, posters, walked the whole town and handed flyers, posted on every social media and group, kept an eye out on shop sites or people selling cats, asked construction workers, no shelters in my city so that's out. But in the meantime a total of 4 cats disappeared from my street, which is nothing we could've ever imagined happening. Good town, lots of cats that everyone knows have owners, police patrols every night, friendly people, tight community. Nothing like this ever happened before. I don't think there's anything left that I can do.
You get used to the thought of your cat dying when you have an outdoor one. And I've been trying so hard to get used to the missing scenario, I really have been. But I can't deal with the kidnapped one, I just really can't. She was my whole world, the only reason I survived unto my adulthood, and she chose to stay by my side for years, we knew each other so well. The thought that she might be out there, either enjoying some expensive tuna from a lonely grandma, which I hope she is doing, I hope she's happy and free and forgot about me; but she could be lost on the streets, or I can't even fathom but it's the only thought I have, in some sicko's basement looking for things to torture out of boredom.
I just...how do you deal with this? The empty space that you know should be filled, months of wondering if she's sad or in pain at that exact moment, because every article I've been reading about missing pets deals with the missing part, and that's not really my problem here. I can't see anything else but years of hoping that she's happy, free or at least that she had a quick death, and she's not still alive being holed up somewhere, maybe against her will. Just misery.
I don't know, and it hurts a lot.
Thank you!
 

Whenallhellbreakslose

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I have an indoor kitty and take care of a bunch of homeless kitties on my block. I have had a cat I owned get out of the house and went missing for 5 whole months. I went through all the motions in trying to look for him. I even had to deal with leads that put me on a wild goose chase.😬 I just about lost hope when he showed up at my patio door one cold winter morning. He looked thinner, but not starved. His coat and teeth were shiny which had me believe some one was taking care of him. He did eat quite a bit that morning though. My kitty was pretty overweight when he went missing, so the weight he lost was not a bad thing. I was grateful that someone took care of him, but couldn't understand why that person didn't see any of the Missing Cat posters I plastered all over the neighborhood? It could be possible that someone took in your kitty or is currently feeding your kitty. I heard of a story of hoarder in a town or two over from me who would take in any kitty that crossed her path. Owners, feeders, Colony caretakers were all missing cats. Missing cat posters were everywhere. Finally, a year later, Animal Control was tipped off about the hoarder. They rescued over 40 cats. The word got out and those cats were returned to their homes and colonies. This is one scenario that could happen.

I mentioned that I feed homeless kitties. I have had cats go missing on me. Usually for weeks on end. One cat was gone for 8 months and made a reappearance only to dissappear again soon after for good. He was a good shape when I saw him. I had a female cat go missing on me after her BBF died. She was completely heartbroken and wouldn't step in my yard again. She must have found another feeder because I have seen her quite a few times afterward and she looked okay. I have had cats disappear for good and I felt bad because I never had closure. You never know what the outcome could be. It sounds like you live in a nice neighborhood. Maybe someone is taking care of the cats. Perhaps an elderly person who is not on social media and never looks at Missing Cat posters. As mentioned before my cat went missing for 5 months and mysteriously turned up. I looked very hard for him, but could not find him. Don't lose hope. Don't entertain worse case scenarios. Be positive and keep looking. Best of luck to you. 🙂
 

di and bob

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The NOT knowing is the absolute worst. my heart breaks for you. I, too, have had cats go missing for several weeks and show back up, As long as you haven't seen signs of violence, like hair or blood, there is hope. It is concerning there are several cats missing. You might try to patrol more at night and see if anyone is lurking around or if there are signs of predators. To do a little something to make you feel a little better, post signs, and get on social media to beg people to keep their cats safe inside, it's just not worth it to let them out. Tell them your story.
I will pray she will come home to you, I wish you well.......
 

Jcatbird

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Many of us have had similar things happen. My last missing cat was under strange circumstances. However, she did reappear. I also found a cat once that had been missing from his home for many months. I had put “found cat” signs up everywhere but his family was miles away. Fortunately they passed by one of my signs and called. I had him, safe and sound for them. He had been getting pampered and loved. We can’t always know but I can tell you, never give up. Go to the yard and call every night and every day. I did that for my missing cat and somehow, I think she heard me.
 

Meowmee

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It's been four weeks since my cat disappeared in the middle of the night.
She was an inside/outdoor cat, but I knew something was wrong from the beginning. I did the whole thing, posters, walked the whole town and handed flyers, posted on every social media and group, kept an eye out on shop sites or people selling cats, asked construction workers, no shelters in my city so that's out. But in the meantime a total of 4 cats disappeared from my street, which is nothing we could've ever imagined happening. Good town, lots of cats that everyone knows have owners, police patrols every night, friendly people, tight community. Nothing like this ever happened before. I don't think there's anything left that I can do.
You get used to the thought of your cat dying when you have an outdoor one. And I've been trying so hard to get used to the missing scenario, I really have been. But I can't deal with the kidnapped one, I just really can't. She was my whole world, the only reason I survived unto my adulthood, and she chose to stay by my side for years, we knew each other so well. The thought that she might be out there, either enjoying some expensive tuna from a lonely grandma, which I hope she is doing, I hope she's happy and free and forgot about me; but she could be lost on the streets, or I can't even fathom but it's the only thought I have, in some sicko's basement looking for things to torture out of boredom.
I just...how do you deal with this? The empty space that you know should be filled, months of wondering if she's sad or in pain at that exact moment, because every article I've been reading about missing pets deals with the missing part, and that's not really my problem here. I can't see anything else but years of hoping that she's happy, free or at least that she had a quick death, and she's not still alive being holed up somewhere, maybe against her will. Just misery.
I don't know, and it hurts a lot.
Thank you!
I hope she shows up, I am so sorry. My outdoor colony cats have gone missing and I was sure they were gone at the bridge etc. But LC went missing for a year or more then one morning she was eating at the patio. But then she went missing again and I am sure she has passed now. Zena went missing and I was sure she was gone, but then she also turned up about 4 months later but now I have not seen her for 3-4 months again, I think one my two guys who are left has chased her off. I had hoped to make her our cat as well. But others just vanished not long after they showed up and I assume they passed or hopefully someone else is feeding them etc. It is very painful not knowing. If your kitty returns, don’t let her out alone again, only on a harness for a walk or in a safe enclosure. Have you knocked on doors with her picture? Maybe try that. Put out dirty laundry, smell food, leave window/ door open, patrol again with a recording of a cat meowing and call her name. Offer a reward, try everything you can think of.
She may be trapped in a shed/ garage etc. I hope she is ok wherever she is.
 
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