I mention all of this as a reminder that cats CAN and DO escape, and can get into nasty scrapes outside. We generally don't like to think that they can come to any harm outside, especially our savvy outdoor kitties... But we know how dangerous it is out there, and that they can be confronted with situations that they have no control over. A couple years ago a friend's outside kitty went missing and wasn't found until a few days later, in a neighbor's yard, just a few doors down from his house. He had been hit by car and had a broken leg/hip and couldn't walk. No food or water for days. Stuff happens.
Speaking of screens, strangely, just 20 minutes ago, one (or more?) of my cats managed to break through my back screen door. Fortunately, I was home and heard the noise immediately. Had I not been able to get to the back door in about 15 seconds, or, had I not heard the noise at all I would have had a gaggle of indoor cats on the loose... A very scary thought.
Folks, make sure your screens, whether in windows or doors, are VERY securely installed. And if your cat goes missing, or you know of one that has gone missing close by, remember they can get into trouble out there and can't always find help on their own. We need to go looking for them and not assume they will turn up somewhere and be rescued. They will hide in the creepiest dark places when they are injured or frightened. (And boy, are there some creepy and dark back yards in this neighborhood!) And here's another opportunity to urge folks to microchip and collar and tag (or label) their cats - outdoor and indoor - and dogs. Aslan still had his collar on, so we knew who to call immediately. And dog owners, please keep your dog's collar and tags on your pooch at all times.
Let's keep'em as safe as we can! all the best, linda
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Aslan
