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

[GILL]

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.
We have three feral in the house. And yes they would love to go outside, as would the rest of the CREW. We do have howling and crying some times. They do stop after a time. I would rather have noise then go crazy if one of my babies was hurt or missing.

[Fuzzybuns]

First and foremost, I hope she returns home safely and quickly this time, too.

When I poofed Churchy, he had been raised from kittenhood as an outside cat. His vet said one of the hardest things to do is convert him to strictly indoors. I was a bit surprised that it wasn't all that hard, he howled by the doors and windows for a few weeks, stalked us as we were leaving or coming back in, and his behavior was horrible. We stuck it out and now he's a healthy, happy and safe couch cat, lol.
Of course she's going to howl, she's wants outside, but the simple fact is, she's put herself in danger and now precautions need to be taken for her own safety because you obviously can't leave it up to her.

You ask if it's fair... yet she's the one with the infractions on her little record. You have to think of like you're trying to keep her safe. She's been trapped in an unknown location, and even though she faired well last time, this or next time she might not. Keeping her contained, whether inside or outside, is fair because it will keep her safe.
I would be worried that my others would catch on to her actions and start a little exploring on their own.

I think she does need an outside area, totally enclosed. Make it large enough to pretty it up with flowers and maybe a tiny little pond. Put a large flat rock in a sunny corner and you might find that you'll use it for all of your cats more than you thought you ever would. Trips to the store, company coming over, remodelling in the house...I can think of a bunch of times I'd love to have one.

Good luck little Zazou...please come 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.

[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.

[shais_mom]

I never said - anywhere in any of my posts that you did not love your cats. And I repeated myself several times that I hope she comes home. We all feel very passionate with our animals. We want what is best for them.

I just hope the next time someone ELSE has a problem like this people are as kind to them as they have been to you.

[MoonandBean]

I said my prayer to St. Anthony again...