- Joined
- Feb 23, 2021
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- 16
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Hello All. I really could use some advise. I have a number of questions, see below, but first some.... Background: Three summers ago I brought my indoor cat up to our summer home, which is on an island with few people and lots of forest. We were there for only a couple of days when someone left the door open and my cat escaped. My son ran after her but she just bolted. I spent the remainder of the summer searching everywhere, attempting to trap and release in areas near our home. I put up flyers everywhere, posted on facebook, spoke to everyone in this small community! Everyone knew my cat was missing, and everyone has continually been on the look out for her. I had to return home after summer, but my friend continued the search with every sighting. And every summer I returned and went through the process all over again. This past year due to covid we decided to stay at our summer home, and as winter came there were more sightings of my cat. I never knew there were so many orange tabbies - not her. But, I received a tip recently that an orange tabby that they have been trying to trap since my cat went missing has made herself at home with a feral cat colony. I spoke to the caretaker and he showed me a picture and the cat has the identical white patches under her eye, on her chest, and paws. It looks exactly like my cat. He said she lets him pick her up when she is fed, and that she has been neutered and doesn't have a clipped ear. I really think that the chances are good that this is my cat. When the vet comes we will check her chip, and then I want to bring her home. Questions: But, will she ever be the same? Will she remember me? What do I need to do to help her adjust? We have a small place, and the only quiet space, away from our dog, is in my room. I thought I would make up a private space in my closet, but I will still be sleeping in the room - will this be ok for her? She used to sleep with my husband and I, so maybe that would be good.I have searched google, but have only found stories about bringing in strays or feral cats, but none about what to do when you find your very much loved cat after 3 years in the wild. The caretaker and I plan to take her to the vet when he arrives on the island in the next few days, and I am anxious. I have learned not to get my hopes up, since none of the others looked like her and most were males. But, I really think this is her, and I am afraid she wont want to come home. Any insight would be much appreciated. Thanks!