Kitty drama!

We had a very scary kitty drama take place at our house this week.

As you may remember, we recently relocated to Oregon with our three felines in tow. We, and they, have adjusted well, and really love our new home.

 
We live in a third story apartment and we have a lovely balcony that looks out on Devil's Lake State Park. The cats have really enjoyed being able to "go outside" by being out on the balcony. We've been pretty cautious about letting them out - usually only when we were out there. I was worried that one of them would decide to jump on the railing and fall to the ground.

Well, my worry happened on Tuesday night. The sliding door was open and we weren't watching the cats. (In fact, we had kind of forgotten that the door was open... dumb humans!) We heard a vicious thump and I jumped up to see if I could figure out what had happened. I realized then that the door was open and my heart sunk. I just knew that Henry had done exactly what I'd feared. (I also knew if it happened it would be Henry who did it.)

He had indeed jumped and fallen. It was after dark, of course, so we couldn't see anything. We scoured the area under and behind our apartment for him, with no luck. We finally had to give up for the night since we had NO light, and my husband had fallen on the wet grass while searching.

I did everything we "should" do in this situation the next day. I called the local humane society. They aren't in our town, but in another town about 20 miles from us. They were wonderful - taking all the details and suggesting to call the local animal clinic in our town as well. (there is only one!) I made posters to put up around our apartment complex, and I walked all over several times during the day calling for him. No luck. I was just beside myself and cried much of the day. My poor Henry!

We went to bed last night with no sign of our boy. At about 11:45 p.m. there was a knock on our door. Our apartment manager's wife was at the door and said, "I think I found your cat!". And indeed, she had! Actually, it was her dog that found Henry. She had taken the dog out fo a quick walk before bed, and he was sniffing around a car, and she realized there was a cat. She saw him and thought it looked like Henry. They helped me to get Henry out - he was (of course) right in the middle of the car, so we couldn't reach him. A broom poking him got him close enough that I could get ahold of him!

We examined him closely when we got him inside. He appears to be all in one piece with no wounds, broken limbs, etc. He was starving, and ate right away, happily, and purring! Ben, Henry's best buddy was SO happy to see him. Our Oscar grump wasn't so happy - more freaked out, but that's how he normally reacts to unusual circumstances.

He is sleepy today - finding comfy places to curl up. He isn't jumping quite like normal, so we'll watch him closely and take him to the vet tomorrow if he seems worse or still "off". He is wanting pets, and treats, and pretty much acting like himself though! We're SO happy to have him home. I am off now to bring treats to both humans and the dog who helped find him! (Chocolates for humans, and dog treats for the dog!)

Have you ever had a cat jump and/or fall from a high distance? It is not something I ever want to go through again. I can guarantee that we'll be much more careful while we live in this apartment!

--Tammy

Comments

[Daisy the Curly Cat]

I'm glad that was a happy ending!

[Laurel Hunt]

Wow, what a scary experience! It brings to mind a book I read awhile back by a woman who taught her search & rescue dog to track and find missing pets. She said cats often are nearby, hiding, just as Henry was. So glad you found him! I'm sure it will be among the blessings you count at Thanksgiving.
Laurel H
Celebrating the love of dogs at http://laurelhuntbooks.com

[jan]

A neighbor's fat cat fell off our roof once while he was running across. He barely broke stride and continued running. Amazing animals.

[Ingrid]

Oh Tammy, you must have been beside yourself! Thank goodness this story had a happy ending.

[Dana]

I've been out of town so I'm just now catching up...what a scary night for you all! I'm SO glad to hear that Henry is okay. Try not to beat yourself up...they call them accidents for a reason.