View Full Version : I've lost my little Casper
We went away for a few days and (as ever) entrusted the neighbour to feed the cats who are free to come and go via the flap.
We came back on Wednesday and whilst Paddy has been about the neighbour said that she hasn't seen Casper since Monday.
Casper does have a history of going AWOL for a day or two but he's also got himself shut in people's sheds before.
It's now Friday and I've been around all the houses asking people to check their sheds with no luck.:(
I've got that horrible feeling that he might be shut in somewhere and there's nothing more I can do.
Paddy has been making noises and walking away from me when I go outside so I've followed him in the hope that he might lead me to him as he did that last time Casper was in next door's shed but no luck.
I've been everywhere I can think of and made all the calls and tin/bowl tapping noises so now so I'm resigned to just waiting.
Velvet
10-08-2012, 03:24 AM
I do hope he comes home safe and sound. I have a friend whose little cat has gone missing twice recently each time for 10 days at a time and each time she comes home smelling of sheep - they live rurally x
angieh
10-08-2012, 09:52 AM
Fingers and toes crossed here for a happy outcome. Come Home Casper!
Still no sign of him today.
One of my previous cats (Murphy) went AWOL for a week or so before casually walking in.
We also live in a rural area so I'm hoping he's just having a wander in the fine weather.
alexgirl73
10-08-2012, 01:39 PM
fingers crossed he comes home soon Phil x
Shelley123
10-08-2012, 02:45 PM
Sorry to hear this,I do hope Casper returns soon
jacks
10-08-2012, 07:29 PM
Hope Casper has returned home,fingers crossed.
cats' staff
10-08-2012, 07:50 PM
Fingers crossed he is just having a summer outing!
Still no sign of him unfortunately.
Shelley123
10-08-2012, 08:45 PM
Sorry to hear that, I assume you've rung around the vets and rescues and put posters up
I've not tried the vets and rescues but I've been around to all the houses nearby to ask about people's sheds. I've a poster to go in the local shop tomorrow.
One of my neighbours is confident that Casper was in her garden playing with her cat on Wednesday which is obviously better than Monday when the person feeding him last saw him.
I feel pretty sick when I think about him if the truth be known.
Shelley123
11-08-2012, 09:15 AM
I'd put several posters up,maybe on lamp posts etc and offer a reward for safe return.You could also try an add in your local paper.Over the years I've had one cat found at the vets and another returned via an add in the paper.
It is a horrible feeling , I know
Well I made all the calls, posted on the village FB page, got the poster out, came home and found him asleep in his box.
He wasn't particularly hungry and looks fine so who knows what he's been up to.
Neddless to say we're really pleased.
Shelley123
11-08-2012, 06:27 PM
Fantastic news,I'm so pleased for you :)
cats' staff
11-08-2012, 06:36 PM
Phew! I'm so pleased to read that!
jacks
11-08-2012, 07:15 PM
Great news,if only he could talk:)
I wonder where he has been. But I doubt you will ever know.
Glad he is home.
alexgirl73
12-08-2012, 12:28 AM
little minx, but relieved to hear he's home safely :D
angieh
12-08-2012, 10:51 AM
Cats do casual really well don't they? I'm really pleased Phil. Pheeeeeeeeeew.
pamela81
12-08-2012, 12:05 PM
thats great news that he is home x
pinklizzy
12-08-2012, 12:22 PM
So glad Casper came home!
JMPARK
15-08-2012, 10:29 AM
Just been reading about Casper " The Wanderer" I am so glad he came home!! Hope all well!!
I'm so pleased the little lad has returned home, Phil :D
Going through it again
9 days now and I've done all I can
angieh
26-11-2014, 02:19 PM
He's a little wanderer no mistake. I've got fingers crossed he comes home safe again Phil.
PoshPuss
26-11-2014, 02:38 PM
Naughty Casper, hope he come shame from his adventures promptly. Such a worry for you x
Fingers crossed that he just shows up. It's the 'not knowing' I don't like.
2 weeks now and still no sign of him.
Local vet will call me if anybody brings him in and the local cat rescue are notified.
angieh
01-12-2014, 05:55 PM
So sorry to hear he's not come home yet Phil, fingers still crossed.
PoshPuss
02-12-2014, 10:54 AM
So Sorry that Casper is still missing :( there seems to be lots of wanderers at the moment, hope he is found soon Phil, thinking of you xx
dinky
02-12-2014, 11:00 AM
Hoping that Casper will return home to you soon Phil. I'm keeping everything crossed for his safe return.
Shelley123
02-12-2014, 06:57 PM
hope Casper turns up soon safe and well
timber-
03-12-2014, 10:18 PM
Oh no, not again. Has he ever gone missing for so long?
Oh no, not again. Has he ever gone missing for so long?
Not this long no. :?
He's been gone over a week before - 10 days max I would say but Nov 16th was the last time I saw him.
Doing all I can though.
Abernethy (my village) fb page
Cats Protection fb page
Missing pets Perth & Kinross fb page
Whinnybank Cat Sanctuary fb page
National Pet Register missing
Poster in shop, village hall, pub, telegraph poles
fecto's mum
05-12-2014, 08:49 PM
I hope he comes home very soon.
cats' staff
08-12-2014, 06:55 PM
Brilliant news- did he just stroll in?
Brilliant news- did he just stroll in?
No
A man phoned Whinnybank Cat rescue to ask if anybody had reported a black cat missing. They had my advert and put him in touch with us.
Casper had been hanging around his house (about two fields away) for about a week. He took him to the vet to check for a microchip (which he hasn't) and eventually the man took him in and he's been living their for the last two weeks.
He has Maine Coon cats and from what I can gather they have food available all the time.
Casper has certainly piled on the pounds.
Next step is a microchip I think.
angieh
08-12-2014, 09:24 PM
Yes, that would be a good idea Phil. I am so glad he has been found and returned and looked after rather well.
fecto's mum
08-12-2014, 11:46 PM
What fantastic news and an early Christmas present. It prompts me to make sure we get our dogs microchipped. I'm so pleased for you Phil.
My dogs are microchipped but it does just go to show that people do take cats to the vet to have them checked.
angieh
09-12-2014, 10:36 AM
SOME people do Phil!
Result! Obviously Casper was busy getting his feet under someone else's table whilst you were fretting away. Yes, a microchip definitely sounds in order.
Bitter Sweet - Kept Casper and Paddy in last night (cat flat closed) but obviously needed to let them out at some point.
Casper went off (and as a test) I called him back and he came.
Problem now is he's cleared off and he's not coming back.
Called the man that he's been shacked up with and left a message in case he's gone up there again.
Feeling quite deflated in case he's decided he doesn't want to live with us anymore.
angieh
09-12-2014, 05:09 PM
Oh dear, that would be sad Phil. At least you have a good idea where he may have gone this time.
It would be sad.
He could just be out and about as normal but if he's gone back up there that's different.
I'll try the man again to see if he's turned up but what do you do. ????
I could ask him not to feed Casper but if he's choosing not to be with us then it might be better if he does.
I'll speak to him later anyway to see if he's turned up again.
On a positive note - Casper only went out in the early hours so it's normal for him to not be back by now but he didn't seem happy at home last night..
Colin phoned back to say that Casper was sleeping on his bed when he came from work.
Arranged to go up at 7:00 and get him but it's awkward as it's over a mile away.
Will keep you posted.
Casper is home again.
Lovely people but they're feeding him on mince (as in meat) pie and smoked Salmon.
Cat flap is locked for now.
cats' staff
09-12-2014, 09:16 PM
I'd keep him in for a few days- I think his stomach is winning at the moment!
Difficult. I'm in the reverse scenario; neighbour 2 houses down had a cat who moved in with us. They don't seem bothered so we took her on. Costing us a fortune now as she is poorly and isn't insured but as we took her on it's only fair that we foot the bill.
I'd keep him in for a few days- I think his stomach is winning at the moment!
This will sound odd but I'm not sure this cat is Casper.
Karen maintains it's him but I'm not convinced.:cry:
Really? How odd. What makes you think it's not Casper?
The guy said he's put weight on over the last 3 weeks since he's been feeding him.
I can buy that this is a 'fatter' Casper but something just isn't right.
It looks like a fatter Casper and it sounds like Casper but the behaviour is all wrong.
A plain black cat is easy to confuse with another.
Paddy is treating him without a second look so that makes me think it is him. The Dogs are fine with him him so that makes sense.
He's just choosing to lie in all the wrong places and acting strange. He would never come in the lounge but he's there now. he would never venture upstairs but he's done all that.
It's like he's exploring the place for the first time and his tail is twitching constantly.
Would 3 weeks away for a cat that's been here 5 years since a kitten be enough for it to seem like a totally difrerent cat ?
angieh
09-12-2014, 11:51 PM
Well, of course, it could be another very similar cat or it could be the distance you feel has grown between you that's influencing you. I think on the balance of what you've said if Paddy and the dogs are accepting him their noses won't be leading them astray.
Taking him to the vet in the morning anyway for the once over.
The weight gain over the last month (if it is Casper) may be something else and might explain the odd behaviour.
If it isn't him (and I seem so silly for doubting it) then a vet check will do no harm given that he's been a found cat that was taken in.
Well, of course, it could be another very similar cat or it could be the distance you feel has grown between you that's influencing you. I think on the balance of what you've said if Paddy and the dogs are accepting him their noses won't be leading them astray.
An odd cat comes into our garden never mind the house (it's happened before) and all hell breaks loose. No such fuss just so perhaps it is Casper. He's fast asleep on the sofa just now. Dogs and cats are all fine. He had a rabbit flea thing with his ears about a month ago which was treated by our vet and having just felt them - he still has the same bumps but he's not a happy chap. Trying to get outside - not very Casper like.
Here he (it) is just now.....happy as Larry purring as we speak. I've spent a few hours with him and I feel so silly as I don't think its him.
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7554/15800700939_1d376a43ed_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/q5fHUg)Camera Roll-415 (https://flic.kr/p/q5fHUg) by dinners85 (https://www.flickr.com/people/12507002@N05/), on Flickr
So tell me I'm not going mad ?
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7536/15364902384_774192f204_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ppK9b5)Camera Roll-416 (https://flic.kr/p/ppK9b5) by dinners85 (https://www.flickr.com/people/12507002@N05/), on Flickr
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8605/15986485492_6dec516a83_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qmEVbd)Camera Roll-415 (https://flic.kr/p/qmEVbd) by dinners85 (https://www.flickr.com/people/12507002@N05/), on Flickr
Sat cuddling him for the last 10 mins or so.
If it's Casper (the marks on the ears say it is) he's had a complete change in personality. Everything out of character.
Edit..
Acting very odd and now this........
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7563/15801462209_785cb2098f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/q5jCcB)Camera Roll-419 (https://flic.kr/p/q5jCcB) by dinners85 (https://www.flickr.com/people/12507002@N05/), on Flickr
Seems OK now. He's settled and sleeping. Casper or not he's had an odd day bless him.
Vet in the morning I'll keep you posted.
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8654/15961548226_e2468b605f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qjt7cm)Camera Roll-417 (https://flic.kr/p/qjt7cm) by dinners85 (https://www.flickr.com/people/12507002@N05/), on Flickr
Casper himself might be feeling nervous, stressed and out of his depth which could explain the rather random behaviour. Perhaps he is trying to re-establish a pattern for himself and re-familiarise himself with your house?
Is that a little flash of white fur under his throat both on the picture and on the cat himself? That and the ear bumps would lead me to think he's the same fella.
Casper himself might be feeling nervous, stressed and out of his depth which could explain the rather random behaviour. Perhaps he is trying to re-establish a pattern for himself and re-familiarise himself with your house?
Is that a little flash of white fur under his throat both on the picture and on the cat himself? That and the ear bumps would lead me to think he's the same fella.
Yes - the markings are spot on as are the ear bumps. He's even sleeping in the right place this morning.
He's been out on a collar a lead (the indignity) this morning just to be on the safe side.
angieh
10-12-2014, 10:57 AM
Fingers crossed for the vet visit Phil - I hope he's given a thorough check. I wonder what's happened to him that's shaken his personality up so, I hope the vet can shed some light.
Fingers crossed for the vet visit Phil - I hope he's given a thorough check. I wonder what's happened to him that's shaken his personality up so, I hope the vet can shed some light.
I'll let you know.
Apart from wanting to go outside (something he'd always do if the flap was shut) he's a pretty normal Casper this morning. Much more settled.
I'll put off the vet today. He's had enough disruption and I think (given he's chilled) it would be best to give him more settling back in time.
fecto's mum
10-12-2014, 09:44 PM
When Inky returned from 'going over the wall' he stayed upstairs for days. He took a while before he wanted to go outside and even then came straight back in when shouted. I hope Casper soon gets back to normal and stays close to home.
Well he's far more relaxed now. No tail twitching and he's certainly the same old Casper again.
I still feel as though he'd run off given the chance but he's happy eating, sleeping and cuddling with Paddy.
angieh
11-12-2014, 10:30 AM
Fingers crossed he'll settle down with his real family given time Phil. I'm glad that you seem now to be sure he is actually Casper.
Peanutsfriend
11-12-2014, 11:05 AM
When my Lucky came back from his 'adventure' he was a changed man cat too. He has been back a couple of months now and still has something I call flash backs. it is just a few minutes of terror. He jumps and runs full speed then settles back into the crowd of cats. It takes time. He still glares at me as I talk about his "lostness" and how he had to get himself out of it for I couldn't find him.
Jill
PoshPuss
11-12-2014, 05:00 PM
Firstly, I'm glad to hear that Casper has returned :D :D, although it's fascinating that his personality has changed, maybe he's 'grown' as a cat and become more worldly-wise. :)
I wish they could talk and tell us why they do a runner like they do sometimes, the primeval urges are still strong I guess.
Velvet
12-12-2014, 10:31 AM
Good news pleased for you
Thanks folks
Just wanted to give you all an update as it's been a fun few days.
He's been kept in the house for the last 5 days during which time he's become a real favourite with the little ones as they're not really used to having him cuddling on the sofa etc.
Paddy (bless him) has been let in and out when he's needed to but even he has become more cuddly due to the restriction.
Litter tray has been fun - I've been having to help Casper (or at least lead him to it) on that front as it's not something he's used since being a kitten. Even the Paddy had a poo in it which he seemed to think was great fun.
Anyway.
Casper has now been microchipped (last Thursday) so that's good.
With the Christmas tree going up this morning I decided the time was right to bite the bullet, open the cat flap and see what happened.
Casper went out, hung about for a while and came back in. I fed him half a pouch and let him go again. He hung about all afternoon - in, out, in, out, a bit more food outside the flap, in, out and I was pleased.
By around 2:00pm he was nowhere to be seen so I've been on edge but at 10:00pm I went through to the kitchen and there he was asleep in his bed.
Really pleased how the 'release' has gone not to mention the bond that seems to have developed between Casper / dogs / kids during the enforced home time.
01:30 now - Casper is curled in his box by the radiator purring contently.
Paddy on the other hand (17 years young I might add) is playing with the Christmas tree !!!
angieh
15-12-2014, 04:16 PM
Lovely update Phil - I can hear your sigh of relief! Hope it continues well. Merry Christmas to you all!
Shelley123
15-12-2014, 08:53 PM
only just caught up with your news, Phil.
I'm glad Casper has returned and settled down again. Long may it continue
Thanks
he'd been gone today since about mid morning but I've just fed Paddy, gave the tin a tap outside the back door and Casper was into the kitchen almost straight away so that's really pleased me.
Bit of an update.
Casper never came home last night although that's normal for him if you put aside the last few weeks.
Anyway - this morning the phone rang and it was the lady from the house a few fields away that he'd been at when he was AWOL
She was very cross. "Come and get your cat" she said.
I said thanks for letting me know and be along shortly and she then had a rant to say he's picking on her cat and that when she'd tried to pick him up he'd attacked her.
She even said if she sees him again she will take him straight to rescue rather than call me.
Now I accept he's been going into their cat flap which isn't ideal but these are the people who 'took him in' and delighted in telling me that they've been feeding him meat pies and smoked salmon !
So - he's back home again and were back to having the flap closed which isn't great for Paddy and gives us les freedom when it comes to having the door open for the dogs.
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8582/16051630885_b8d95a6a18_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/qsqNCD)Camera Roll-431 (https://flic.kr/p/qsqNCD) by dinners85 (https://www.flickr.com/people/12507002@N05/), on Flickr
angieh
19-12-2014, 03:08 PM
Oh dear ....... you don't want an angry neighbour too, they've certainly been giving Casper mixed messages. You'll have to keep him in now and put up with being a doorman for the others. Really not sure what else you can do.
They're not really neighbours as such - they live about a mile away across some fields.
Shelley123
19-12-2014, 06:41 PM
Oh dear Phil, how difficult. They were wrong in the first place to encourage him .
Sounds like Casper has been served an asbo by them ;)
I guess Angie is right, can't think of anything else you can do
An asbo yes lol
I'll just keep him in (again) for a few a days.
Seems silly though. It's not like letting a new cat out for the first time. He's not been 'lost' or 'forgotten' where he lives. Just that he's taken to their spoils.
timber-
20-12-2014, 02:52 PM
I can't think of anything else to keep the cats in while letting the dogs go out through the flap. In a situation like this I would rather be safe than sorry and have them give your cat away.
I can't think of anything else to keep the cats in while letting the dogs go out through the flap. In a situation like this I would rather be safe than sorry and have them give your cat away.
He enjoys living here though. Has done for the last 5 years since we got him as a kitten.
The dogs don't have freedom to go in and and out when they please but paddy (the other cat) does.
They've fed him to the point that he likes to visit however I think it's a bit out of order to now say they'll take him to the cat shelter if he shows up again.
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