ZAZOU is missing again!!! she is BACK HOME !!!!!!

[Catty1]

You mentioned your son plays rough with her, and she didn't come inside that one time. Is that rough play enough to keep her away, do you think?

Get her used to wearing just the harness when she is indoors. Then tie it to a leash and tie it to something outdoors. If there is something in the middle of the yard, tie it there - and if the leash is long enough, she can go wherever her sisters do.

She'll learn soon enough that going outside means using the harness - she will get used to it.

She'll be home soon.

[kb2yjx]

Any news??? Prayers continue for Zazou's safe and prompt return!!!

[Pawsitive Thinking]

She'll learn soon enough that going outside means using the harness - she will get used to it

Precisely! She will start to see it as a good thing and it will also tip the balance of power in Lut's favour. Do cats have pack hierarchy like dogs?

It's time to get firm with her - focus on her picture and think "okay Zazou, you've had your fun - now get yourself back home"

[Pawsitive Thinking]

In all fairness Lut has a massive garden with everything a cat could want (including catnip and a fish pond ) and as far as I know it is well away from any roads. When Zazou went missing last week she was only on the other side of the fence - but shut in. She wasn't found miles and miles away....... she just needs to curb her enthusiasm for exploring

[gini]

Lut, I used to go through this with Rascal. He was a feral cat so he loved the outdoors. But he also just loves a good fight and he came home once too many times chewed up.

It took some doing - but he now understands that he is an indoor cat.
It is a shame because Annie and Emma were always good and stayed in the yard. But it didn't seem fair to let them go out and not Rascal.

He complained and howled and bolted towards an open door or would sneak into the basement if given the chance - and yes, it is hard to listen to all of that yowling and complaining.

If I were you, I think I would try the harness and leash idea as soon as possible. She may not like it - but you are doing it for HER GOOD.
You can't continue to go through this worry.

I know that Sara (Edwina's Secy) has been very successful with the harness and leash system with Edwina and Eddie.

It gets down to - what is the best for your kitty - and who is in charge?

It would help if Jo could tame down his playing rough too - she may be frightened by his rough play.

[critters]

Does he have any practical ideas of how to deal with her when she is making all that racket because she wants out?

I do--earplugs or earmuffs. I'm serious, though; they work.

For a long time a bunch of these hellions were door runners, to the point that I could only come & go by way of a room that exited to the outside. To go out, I would go through the inside door, run everybody out & close it, then go out the outside door, like an airlock (I called it a kittylock. ). At this point nobody tries to escape, and Ari is the only one allowed to wallow amok outside. It's so very unbelievably peaceful not having to deal with all that, and nobody cares that she can go out but they can't.

Years ago I tried leash & harness with Tad, and I found that it fed into his desire for outside and led to worse door running and escaping.

Good luck!!

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Please, may I ask for your prayers again?

Let's have a few of these now people - we can help out with solutions when we've got Zazou home again. Thank you

[shais_mom]

Uhhh, if Zazou doesn't stay put in her own yard then YEAH, it is fair to have her on a harness when she goes out. This is the second time she has wandered off and if I remember right someone mentioned that it happened one other time. I could be wrong about that. If you know she leaves your property then why do you let her out without a leash. I don't understand this. Sorry if this sounds harsh, but you did ask the question. Saying that you let her out loose because she howls sounds like a lame excuse to me. Just my feelings on the subject. I do hope that she is found or comes home on her own and I hope from now on you will not let her out footloose and fancy free anymore.

Come home, Zazou!

I'm with Robin. I hope with all my heart she comes home but for how long? Are you going to let her out again? And before someone blasts me for not being a cat person look at my siggie - I have 2-- And BOTH are door darters. Kylie when she gets out she sticks very close to the perimeter of my house. Seriously she walks along the edge. But a sharp KYLIE or a loud truck going down the street sends her FLYING back inside. Kloe on the other hand - she got nuts. Its like she's running around like I'M FREE WOOOOHOOO! The last couple times she got out Keegan was outside as well and barked at something and scared her and she stayed right where she was and I was able to pick her up and carry her in. Cultural differences aside - I know in some countries - its poo pooed for those of us that keep our cats indoors but here where I live I have cars, semis, motorcycles, non cat friendly dogs, and neighbors that put chemicals out. My neighbors lost a dog and a cat to a nasty neighbor who was pi$$ed that they had pets and left out anti-freeze for them. That man is long dead. But the risk is still too great.
I have to wonder if it was anyone else but Lut what people would say. I have a feeling if it were me that had done this - you might as well stick an apple in my mouth and rotate me on the spit b/c most of you would have me for breakfast. I am actually more shocked at some of the responses from some of the members than I am that she got out again.
Everyone is giving really good advice. The harness for example. I'm sure if they are not sold in Belgium someone here would get you one and send it too you. As Gini said, you are the boss not Zazou. And Gini knows this very well as Rascal living up to his name has went thru a couple screen doors and she's put a lot on money in vet bills when he does get out and gets in scuffles. She has to keep a hook at the top of the door b/c he hits the door so hard wanting out. Zazou crying at the door isn't anything that several other Pet Talker's have put up with and I'm sure if you make a thread stating as such you will get good responses with advice.
That all said - you can believe me or not But I do with all my heart hope and Pray that Zazou will come home and STAY home. The other thing that would make me nervous about letting her out is She's a gorgeous kitty and anyone would love to have her! One of my friends doesn't see her dog for weeks at a time b/c he wanders off and someone takes care of him while he's gone!!! I would be ballistic. I can't imagine what you are going thru and again believe it or not - you are in my thoughts.

[shais_mom]

There IS a fence all around our garden, 2 meter high, made of chickenwire! But..., all around the garden it is covere with ivy! We cannot just take that away, no way; none of our neighbours would agree with that, since they payed their share in it.

!!

actually the fence sounds perfect for cats - where is she getting out at?

[shais_mom]

Personally I feel that if I love my cats they are kept in side. There are too many dangers outside, raccoons, skunks, bears, large dogs, and CARS.

well said.

[Laura's Babies]

Someone on here posted this quite awhile back and I saved it since I plan on making one of these one day. I bet hubby could build one of these, easy! It would be a good place for all of them and they could be outside without such close supervision and spen more time out there on pretty days and BE SAFE!



I'd let her wander on a lease or harness for awhile, then out her in here for as long as she wanted to stay.

[Ginger's Mom]

I had to smile at your post Staci. You said just about everything I wanted to say. Lut, I truly do feel for you and I do pray that Zazou comes home safely. And just as importantly I hope this second incident will make you take steps to keep all of your cats safely on your own property. Harnesses for everyone sounds like a good first step.

Laura, I LOVE that outdoor cat house, or play area or whatever it is called. I don't have cats but if it did, it looks like something I would love to have for them. I think your idea of spending some time letting Zazou and the others sniff around on a leash and then play in their pen is a great idea.

[Donnaj4962]

Oh my.... Zazou.... COME HOME SWEETIE! You have wandered enough and your family wants you home!

Many prayers coming your way from me and the girls in Indiana!

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

Sorry!! I LOVE my cats very much thank you!! And this is a safe neighbourhood; no bears, raccoons, skunks, no wild animals at all. The nearest road is to far away, and besides Zazou is afraid for cars!

Please, don't tell my I use lame excuses ; I am NOT like that.

Sorry for this, but some comments really hurt me deeply. I need good vibes, no reprimands.........

My sweety is still lost. It is raining VERY hard now; I hope she found a safe rescue

[caseysmom]

Lut, Sorry for the hurtful comments, big hugs to you. I have the same problem with potter, I think they are related! They even look identical. I know you love your Zazou.