I suspect something horrible happened to my cat.

[PotatoChip]

Before I explain, this incident involves an indoor/outdoor cat. I have read DU long enough to know that outdoor cats can be a contentious issue. Can we please keep that aspect out of this thread? I have found everyone in this group to be nothing but kind and compassionate. But if the 'right or wrong' of having an outdoor cat creeps into the thread somehow, I will self delete.

Additionally, though I think this meets the Pet Group's SOP, I cannot tell this story w/out bringing up the fact that my cat was an outdoor cat. Nonetheless, if the hosts of this group (or anyone else) feel I should shut this down, I will. Please guys, just say the word either by PM or in the thread and I will self delete.

'Trouble' is the very last thing I want. I'm just looking for other opinions about what might have happened, and most importantly, for peace of mind. I *really* just need someone to talk to.

Thanks in advance.

Friday morning, very early (at about 4am) my (approx) 2 yr old neutered male cat, known affectionately by us as 'Fatman' began pestering to go out. This is typical of him. I live in a rural area and don't allow him out at night for fear of predators. But as soon as even a hint of daylight comes, and the neighbor's rooster crows, thats it. He wants out. He's a very vocal cat and can be a real pest about this. Even w/the bedroom door shut, his incessant whining and rattling of the door is enough to wake my SO up- even w/earplugs in. SO is a shift worker and needs a good night's rest. Because of this, I am forced to get up and let Fatman out which I did that morning. I then went back to sleep.

When I got up at about 6:30, I was surprised that Fatman was not at the door pestering to come in for 'breakfast' (a scoop of canned catfood) as is his typical routine. But I was not overly concerned at that point. He's never done this before, but then again, this is my first full summer w/him. We got him from our local animal shelter in late August of last year. Plus, it was a beautiful day, so I thought that maybe he had just decided to skip breakfast in favor of a longer stroll.

It really wasn't till late afternoon/evening that I began to worry. I went up and down my rural road calling for him. I also checked all of his favorite spots and the woods surrounding our 3 acre field. I even asked our next door neighbors. They are our only year-round close-by neighbors. All of the others are summer people. I checked w/them too. No one had seen him. I even called our town's animal control lady. She had not received any calls on him, but assured me that she'd let me know if anyone finds him.

So worried, but knowing that I had done all I could do, went to bed hoping he'd be at the door the next morning. I suspected the worst when I got up on Saturday and he was not there. Searched some more all weekend.

Then, last night, I found one lone feather near our front steps. I had completely overlooked searching there because we never use that door... But Fatman does sometimes when he wants in or out... That's when my fears really kicked in, because it was an unusual looking feather belonging to what had to be a very large bird. It looks exactly like this... (the one on the far right)



So I began googling for info on the Goshawk. Thanks to google images, I realized I had seen that kind of bird around here many times before. So often in fact, that I think it must have a nest somewhere nearby. With more googling, I found that I've heard that kind of bird's calls as well. But the most disturbing thing I uncovered was this from Wikipedia:

Compared to many smaller Accipiter species, Northern Goshawks are less specialized as predators of birds, with up to 69% of their diet comprised by either birds or mammals depending on location.[9][10][11] Prey species may be quite diverse, including pigeons and doves, pheasants, partridges, grouse, gulls, assorted waders, woodpeckers, corvids, waterfowl (mostly tree-nesting varieties such as the Aythya genus [9]) and various passerines depending on the region. Mammal prey may include rabbits, hares, tree squirrels, ground squirrels, chipmunks, rats, voles, mice, weasels and shrews. Prey is often smaller than the hunting hawk, with an average prey mass of 275 g (9.7 oz) in one study of nesting birds in Minnesota.[9] In the Netherlands, male prey averaged 277 g (9.8 oz) whereas female prey averaged 505 g (17.8 oz).[4] However, Northern Goshawks will also occasionally kill much larger animals, up to the size of geese, raccoons, foxes and large hares, any of which can be more than twice their own weight.[12][4] The Goshawk is likely a significant predator of other raptors, known prey including European Honey Buzzards, owls, smaller Accipiters and the American Kestrel.[13][4]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Goshawk

Googled average weight of Raccoons. Wiki said 8 to 20 pounds. Fatman was a big guy. On his last Vet appointment he weighed 21, but I've had him on a diet since then. I'm guessing that he weighed about 15 to 18 when he disappeared. Other sites have suggested that cats and small dogs can and do become prey of this type of bird.

In hindsight, I think something has been stalking him. On Monday, he came running into the breezeway with some kind of wound on his face. Though he's neutered, he sometimes gets into fights w/the neighbors un-neutered barn cats. I just assumed that was it, even though it didn't look like a cat scratch. Oh, and one more thing... though I always kept Fatman in at night, it never occurred to me to worry about daytime predators. But apparently Goshawks hunt "from dawn to dusk".

I so very much hope that I'm jumping to conclusions far too quickly. After all, prior to Fatman, I had an indoor/outdoor kitty who lived to be 19, fourteen of those years at this place. But that cat had the benefit of living with 2 different free roaming German Shepherd dogs her entire life. I'm sure the scent of them kept away many a potential predator. Fatman had no such protection.

I have not given up hope, but fear the worst.

[Lionessa]

1. I don't know about Goshawks, but I can tell you

that my darlin' dog whose job it was to keep my hens safe (I note you mention the neighbors rooster, so I'm guessing he/she has a flock) while they were free roaming during the day killed one of my neighbors' cats that was in the yard and lurking around the hens. As soon as I saw, "rooster crow", I thought either the neighbor's protector or perhaps the neighbor him/herself may have needed to resolve a cat problem that you may not have even known was an issue. The cat my dog killed, I had no idea, had never seen it before and it was six months later before I found out it was a cat from the next street over.

[PotatoChip]

2. I hate to say it, but I wondered about them at first.

They are a bit strange. But they seemed sincere in their concern. Despite their not *ever* getting their animals fixed, (which pisses me off) I do think they care about their assorted pets and livestock. Rural areas are chock full of people who don't seem to understand the importance of keeping their pets spayed/neutered unfortunately.

At this point, if my cat is truly gone, I'd almost hope (in a way) that it was them. At least I'd know it was quick. But I don't think so.

[Lionessa]

5. Cats were one of our biggest chicken predators during the day, wildlife more at night,

and after losing a few dozen hens, I'd have killed a cat in my yard if the dog hadn't. You mention the outside cat issue, and my cats were all indoor/outdoor also though I've not had cats in 2 decades. Back then, though, neighbors didn't have chickens in the city as I did recently along with a few other neighbors whose roosters and hens I'd here but never saw and never knew exactly who else had them.

On the other hand, when we did have cats, one got lost and was gone over a week when a neighbor brought it over, alive but tired and thin. It had gotten into the open garage and when he left for the week and closed everything she had gotten locked in. One thing is that since cats can't be yarded, if you have them in/outdoor, you should not get too attached because in allowing that roaming, you allow everyday for the chance of loss or death by innumerable scenarios.

[PotatoChip]

7. Whoops. Looks like we crossed wires here.

As you can see from my other post, the chickens were safely cooped. They made sure of that. Those chickens never got out after the goat incident. If the chickens couldn't get out, I doubt Fatman could have gotten in.

And my cat never went over there anyway AFAIK. Even though he was a big guy, he was more of a 'lover' then a fighter. All the cat scuffles occured on our property. Their cats wandered alot and were more aggressive because they were not fixed.

[PotatoChip]

6. One more thing about them..

They have dogs themselves, but all are small... more like pets then working animals. Their dogs wouldn't hurt my cat and the barn cats aren't a major issue. Once in awhile Fatman and one of the males would 'have it out' but nothing major. He was pretty much an even match with them. The neighbors didn't seem to be concerned about these occasional scuffles.

Their chickens and the rooster are cooped because of how one of their goats had been killed. Back in early January, some kind of large predator attacked and wounded the goat enough so that they had to put it down. But whatever attacked, didn't attempt to eat it. It's still a mystery.

My dog was still alive back then but ill. He wouldn't have hurt that goat anyway. In fact, I think he was a protector of them just by his existence. I think that goat was attacked because my dog was too sick at the time to be out much.

[Stinky The Clown]

3. This is a safe place to talk about pets. Period. Your story is safe to discuss here.

If anyone wants to talk narrowly about indoor/outdoor cats, that is for another thread in another forum. We all are free to make our own personal choices about our pets.

[PotatoChip]

4. Thanks STC

You are a great host. I appreciate the clarification.

[elleng]

8. Thanks, Stinky.

Sounds like you.

[mopinko]

44. ditto

best of luck. we are here.
it sucks to wonder.

[PotatoChip]

46. Thanks mopinko

Another great host along w/TTW. All 3 of you are the best.

But yes, it does suck to wonder. Day 8 now and still no sign of Fatman.

[avebury]

9. I wish the best for you little guy. We had the worst summer last

year (63 days total of 100+ weather). I had a friend who lost her cat (and noticed that all of the outdoor cats in her area went missing over the course of the summer). We figured that it was some type of predator (hawk or 4 legged type) and that the drought and excessive heat was driving them more toward residential areas. One of her neighbors took a picture of a bobcat in his backyard.

[TBF]

10. I was actually thinking of bobcats as well -

we get them in the outer suburbs of Houston. I really do hope your kitty makes it home, but as others have said it could be any number of things. Take care.

[PotatoChip]

14. Thanks TBF.

But as far as I know, there are still no bobcats in this area. Or at least, that is what my state's Fish and Game folks say. Still, people swear to have seen them.

[PotatoChip]

13. Thanks avebury.

We've had unusual weather here too. Especially this past winter- much more mild then normal. Which I would hope would be a good thing as far as my situation but you never know.

[Stinky The Clown]

11. Don't give up on Fatman yet.

Yes, those raptors occasionally take very large prey, but it is also VERY unusual. not impossible, but unusual. At 20 lbs or so, Fatman is a BIG cat.

For a cat to be gone for days is far less uncommon. I'd give him some time. Someplace in this very forum is the tale of a missing cat who showed up days later. Probably within the last couple of months.

[PotatoChip]

15. Thanks Stinky.

Your post has made me feel a little better.

My thinking has been more from an emotional, rather than logical standpoint. What you had to say made far more sense rationally speaking.

I need to try to stay in that kind of thinking zone instead of letting all of these what-if's run wild.

[TorchTheWitch]

31. Have you considered posting flyers?

Sometimes doing something positive and time consuming can be a help even if it only focuses your mind on something else rather than the 'what-if's'.

As others have said, I'd give it time. Cats that spend time outdoors seem to have an urge every once in awhile to go on 'walkabout' even if they only do it once or twice in their whole lives.

[PotatoChip]

33. Yes. My sister made up a stack of them for me.

I've put them just about every place I can think of that the locals may see.

I really hope this may his 'walkabout' that you mentioned, but it's getting harder by the day. On the upside, at least we are having exceptionally nice weather. But otoh, I've never known him to miss a meal. He's very good at catching rodents, which would probably be enough to live on, but he loves his catfood- especially 'breakfast' when I treat him too a little canned wet catfood.

But thanks TTW. If he miraculously turns up, I will be sure to let everyone know.

[TorchTheWitch]

45. He may very well be eating something delicious given by someone else

Which is rather a problem since compassionate people that feed animals not there own encourages them to hang around for more and not go home. It could very well be that on his travels he's found other people happy to feed him... he might even be getting more meals than usual that way or more tasty ones since there very well could be people feeding him that have to resort to people food since they don't have cat food.

One of our old neighbors had a cat that made the rounds throughout the neighborhood being fed all the time by other people that felt sorry for him thinking he had no home. He'd disappear for days at a time and once even for about two weeks all the time getting delicious table scraps from people blocks away for years. Clever stinker he was.

Hopefully the flyers will turn up something or he'll just decide to go home on his own. It may take awhile though if someone is feeding him because then he's not going to be so likely to go home yet.

I have a feeling that he'll eventually turn up. They almost always seem to.

[PotatoChip]

47. Very true. He is a little fat charm monster.

And boy, hoo boy does he love to eat! Plus, I've had him on a diet for awhile at the Vet's prompting. Vet said 21 pounds was too fat, even for his large frame.

So somebody may very well be spoiling him w/all kinds of good stuff, and maybe even human food as you theorized. It is certainly a possibility. If that is the case, the good news is that whoever is doing it is probably a summer person. Some of them stay here for weeks, months, and occasionally the entire summer. He may come home once the gravy train ends... unless of course, they take him back w/them. If I never see him again, I'd hope that is what has happened.

Also, I can see how some people may think he is a stray. Only about a week before he disappeared, I removed his collar because it was getting too loose from the weight loss. He had been so fat (especially around his burly upper body) that I had been using a dog collar! I hadn't yet gotten around to getting a more appropriate kitty collar, so he had no ID.

I didn't get to all of the summer camps (some are tucked away very discreetly) and none on the other side of the lake. This being a weekend, many people are probably there. So the agenda for today and tomorrow is to drive, rather then walk to some of those places. I don't know how far a neutered cat may roam, but it's still worth a try I think.

Thanks for the suggestions and encouragement.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

12. Check and see if he accidentally got locked up somewhere

This happened to a household cat we had when I was in grad school. He was indoor-outdoor, too, and one day, he failed to show up for dinner. And the next day. And the next. One afternoon, we went out into the backyard and started calling his name. We heard a faint meow. We called again, and the meowing became louder, almost frantic. We followed the sound and realized that it came from the neighbor's basement. We knocked on their front door and said that we thought our household cat might have wandered into their basement.

They invited us to come in and look at the basement, but no cat. We called the cat's name again, and the meowing seemed to come out of the wall. We kept calling, and then we realized that he was in the coal scuttle. (This was a neighborhood of very old houses.)

We opened the door and he jumped into my housemate's arms.

The coal scuttle, used to deposit coal for the furnace in the old days, had two openings, one to the outside (sort of like the cellar doors in Dorothy's home in The Wizard of Oz) and one into the basement. We figured that he must have wandered in when the outside doors were open, perhaps fallen asleep, as cats tend to do, and gotten trapped.

Something similar may have happened to your cat. Walk around the area calling his name.

[PotatoChip]

16. Oh my gosh-good idea!

I've done that all around my own property, but this area has tons of summer camps w/outbuildings (toolsheds, boathouses, ect) that Fatman could have gotten stuck in.

People come and go from all over the place this time of year. It's certainly a possibility that in the hustle and bustle of packing, or unpacking, locking up or unlocking, my cat may have gotten trapped in someone's camp or outbuilding. I think I'll take another walk to those places that were vacant when I was asking around. And for the ones w/people that I've already talked to, I'll ask if they wouldn't mind checking for me.

I'm so glad you heard your cat's meows!!! I don't even want to think of how awful it would be if you hadn't. Hopefully those neighbors would have eventually heard your cat, but you never know.

This gives me hope- And- a sense of urgency. If he is trapped somewhere, he may be w/out a water source. It's certainly well worth a try. Better then sitting around thinking up all of these awful possible scenarios.

Thanks Lydia!

[smokey nj]

19. I concur with Lydia, he could be trapped some place. My sister had an indoor cat who snuck

out in the middle of a stretch of frigid weather. She posted flyers around her neighborhood and a couple of weeks later, one of her neighbors called to tell her he'd found the cat in his garage. Kitty was banged up a little after his adventure in the frozen tundra of Bayonne, NJ, but with some TLC was back to normal in no time.

[PotatoChip]

22. Yes, it was very good advice that Lydia gave.

I went out last night to all but a few of the summer camps (will be going to the rest today). All of the people I came across were very nice and promised to look in their outbuildings. And by my explaining that I was going to be looking around at the vacant places, they knew what I was up to. One lady and her 2 children even helped. It's good to know that I've got some kids on the lookout. Children are great for this sort of thing, playing in places that adults might not go.

I'm so glad your sister got her cat back not much worse for the wear it seems. Especially after a couple of weeks in wintertime! Proves that there is always reason to hope.

Thanks smokey.

[smokey nj]

26. Children are the best in lost animal situations.

We thought one of our cats got out when we had a mattress delivered. The neighborhood kids rode around on their bikes to look for him. Fortunately our cat didn't get out, he just freaked out and hid under the stove. He was so far back we couldn't see him.

[roody]

17. Hope he comes back soon.

I have all indoor/outdoor cats. It is a risk we take for them.

[PotatoChip]

20. Thanks roody.

I hope he comes back soon too. But if not, I'll try to keep a positive mindset.

Who knows, maybe one of the summer people thought he was a stray and took him home. For all I know, he could be living the high-life somewhere.

[meti57b]

18. Here is a link to a thread about another DU kitty who was lost and then found, a few days later.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/11614643

May your kitty be found, also. I will be thinking of you and your cat, and hoping for him to come home again.

In the above-linked thread are names of some publications in which you can describe your cat and give a phone number where you can be reached if a cat is found that matches your description.

Here's another "lost cat" thread. There's a post by me about when I thought my
cat was missing, but it turned out he was hiding inside the apartment.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/11613985#top

[PotatoChip]

21. Thanks meti57b

I remember that thread about Priia. I was lucky enough to have read it after she had come home. Otherwise, I would have worried right along w/the OP. I really hope Fatman has a similar outcome.

Thanks for the lost cat link too. I may try it.

[grntuscarora]

23. I hope your kitty returns.

Years ago, we had an indoor/outdoor cat who was gone for a week. We'd almost given up, then one afternoon he just strolled back into the yard like nothing had happened.When we gushed over him, he just blinked at us as if to say "What's your problem?"

Sending out wishes for Fatman's safe return!

[PotatoChip]

34. Thank you grntuscarora. That made me smile-

... the description of how your cat came home after a week as if nothing had happened, wondering what the fuss was all about.

I really hope that will happen w/Fatman.

[sinkingfeeling]

24. I certainly hope Fatman comes home safe and sound.

[PotatoChip]

35. Thanks sinkingfeeling. Me too. (nt)

[KC]

25. Do you

happen to have a dog that he played inside that could maybe go out with you and start sniffing around? Just an idea.
Did you ever jingle keys or something that he would come to? If so you could do that while you're out walking.

I just mention these because I used them when our cat disappeared and we finally got him back !
Please keep your hopes up !

[PotatoChip]

36. No dog. Not anymore.

We had to put our 12 year old German Shepherd to sleep in January due to kidney failure. We still miss him terribly. If he was still alive and well, I guarantee that he'd help us find Fatman.

And no, I had no special way of getting Fatman to come. But thank you KC for the suggestions and encouragement. I'm trying to not give up hope.

[Angry Dragon]

27. I once had a cat turn up at the door after 3-4 months

also lived in a rural area .........

[PotatoChip]

37. 3 to 4 months... wow!

That is good to know. As horrible as that experience must have been for you, I appreciate you sharing it. Maybe, just maybe, Fatman will return. Your story gives me hope at least. Thanks!

[Angry Dragon]

42. You are welcome

I hope your cat knocks on your door soon

[Walk away]

28. Don't give up hope! Maybe he just went walkabout for awhile...

My cat Drifter was a rescue and an indoor/outdoor cat when we lived in the Berkshires. Like Fatboy he never missed his bedtime snack and his favorite sleep space in the pantry but every once and a while he lived up to his name and took a short vacation. Sometimes he would show signs of being around but no one ever saw him when he was on sabbatical. Just like you, we were responsible pet owners so he was neutered and not off pursuing his "biological imperative". My Dad insisted that Drifter's "lost weekends" were one of the great mysteries of life.

Anyway....cats have a habit of turning up two days after you give up on them entirely. Honestly, this kind of worry is the price you have to pay for having an outdoor cat but as long as your cat is healthy, vaccinate and neutered and you live in a rural area then that is where he belongs despite the risks.

[PotatoChip]

38. Ha. Your post was cute.

"he was neutered and not off pursuing his biological imperative"

Thanks Walk Away. Hopefully Fatman is just on sabbatical as well.

[livvy]

29. I hope he shows up soon or you have some good luck finding him.

It sounds like you are doing all you can. Hopefully he'll come sauntering back soon, his mysterious mission completed. Remember cats are smart, and so very self-sufficient, especially one like yours who is used to the great outdoors. Keep the faith!

[PotatoChip]

39. Thanks livvy.

I hope so too.

[Fix The Stupid]

30. add another one to "don't give up"...

I know it's hard.

My MIL stayed with us 3 weekends ago. She brought her insane Jack Russel mix... my two cats hate this dog. All he does is snap and freak out and try to eat them whenever he can...

My darling 1/2 lynx female ran away. I don't blame her... this dog is nuts.

So, after 5 days, I gave up. I was so upset, so freakin mad, I can't even tell you. Seriously, what do you guys think? What could i have possibly done to remedy this situation or prevent it???

ME: "um, honey, I don't think your moms dog can come over - he is insane and my kitties run away whenever he comes over. He is not disciplined, corrected or trained in any way shape or form"

HER: " EXCUSE ME!!!! they are cats - who cares about cats???"

ME: "Well, my baby just ran away - someone owes me $150 for the $ I spent getting her shots and fixed"

HER: " EXCUSE ME!! they are cats - who cares about cats???"

(Sorry about the above rant - just showing what I am up against here)...

Long story short, on the 6th day she came back. Skinnier then ever, but back and eating and happy...

Never give up on these little things - they can surprise you. I had a male cat come back after 9 days...

This is important - keep trying, keep calling her - it seemed to really help when my female got lost... she just sort of appeared out of nowhere...came out of the corn field. You never know, she might be close.

Let us know if they come back - I hate stories like these...

Thanks

[PotatoChip]

40. That would make me mad too.

Your MIL sounds like a selfish, insensitive woman. I would not allow her to bring her dog around if she can't
control him.

I'm glad that your female cat came home as well as the male who had been gone for 9 days. These stories give me some hope. Thanks for sharing yours.

If Fatman returns, I will definitely and happily update.

[Auntie Bush]

32. I have a gut feeling your Fatman will be coming home fit as a fiddle soon.

Good vibes to both of you.

[PotatoChip]

41. Thanks Auntie Bush

I sincerely hope your gut feeling is right. Thanks for the good vibes too.

[CountAllVotes]

43. I hope Fatman shows up soon!

I once had a Maine Coon (male) that was neutered. His life was TO HUNT. That is what he DID in life -- HUNT.

I could not keep him inside no matter what I tried to do so I let him do his thing and HUNT which was acutally a good thing as we had packs of skunks/racoons living UNDER the place we were renting at that time. Mr. Maine Coon got rid of these pests and we never saw any rats except for huge dead ones.

Know that you are not alone and I too feared that someone was going to take Mr. Maine Coon out and they tried on Thanksgiving day. (asswholes ... all of them around that dump where I once lived)

I ended up placing him with a no-kill rescue that found a better place for him to live (rural on a farm with no other animals/pets around).

Best I know the situation worked out good for him but it damn near killed me having to give him away like that.

In any event, I hope Fatman comes back. I guess you've gone out and around looking. You might try posting a picture of him on telephone poles around where you live. Maybe someone will recognize him I hope.

Hang in there and I sure hope your boy Fatman returns soon!

P.S. You are never alone in this group which is one of the few groups on the DU that I still read and do occasionally post on still.

[PotatoChip]

48. Thanks CAV! Interesting that you should mention Maine Coons

I've wondered for some time if Fatman had a little Maine Coon in him. Even the shelter people seemed to think it was a possibility even though he didn't look like one, other then the large body frame.

It was more in the personality and vocalizations... I had a pure blooded Maine Coon growing up, so I am very familiar w/their quirky nature. And they do vocalize in a unique way. Very few typical "meow" sounds, but lots of others that are SO cute. One of them was a kind of "Moor--al" (or "more ale" as I liked to think he was saying). Another one was a kind of "Mrrrrrrrh"... with a sort of rolling R sound. Often, I'd attempt to copy it, coming close enough that Fatman and I would have a bit of back and forth of that. Sort of like a 'conversation' only in his language.

Also, typical of the breed is what you mentioned. Fatman too loved to hunt and was very good at it. So good in fact, that I had to stop feeding birds. I'm quite sure that he never got one because he always had to proudly show us every single thing he caught. Lots of mice, moles, and once a squirrel (which I felt bad about) but thankfully no birds. But I didn't want to chance it, so I took down all of my bird feeders just in case. I would never forgive myself if he had gotten one due to my feeding them.

Another clue was his inquisitive nature. He had to investigate everything. Very curious and smart, he was. But that curiosity sometimes worried me. It's an endearing quality, but one that could conceivably be dangerous. I read somewhere that Maine Coons have an intelligence level on par w/a human 3 year old, which is pretty impressive IMO.

Sorry to have gone on and on. Today makes day 8. All of these memories are kind of heartbreaking... I need to get myself going if for no other reason to get my mind off of these things.

Thanks for the good wishes.

[CountAllVotes]

49. Maine Coon cats

The cat I had I do not believe was a throughbred Maine Coon but he sure had a lot of it in him.

He too had that meow.

It was a real cute meow, like the meow of a kitten.

He was in fact quite a mean cat when he wanted to be and he was a one person cat. He liked me and me only.

He used to make me laugh so hard. He used to do the damnedest of things! One day I saw him walking up the road with an entire filet of salmon in his mouth that he had stolen from a fisherman that lived nearby.

He was indeed the King of the cats where I lived at that time. No cat dared to take him on.

He was a good sized cat and had the markings similar to my cat (not a Maine Coon -- an American shorthair) -- a tabby sort of cat with a white tuxedo chest and paws.

To this day, I still miss him. I rather doubt he is still alive given the messes he used to get himself into.

Anway, maybe Fatman will show up when he is ready to do so.

The Maine Coon I had ran away once too and we managed to find him. He had taken up residence with a man living up the road in another house believe it or not!

So have hope, maybe he'll show up!