In the quiet country where we live, our feline companion, a charming tuxedo cat named Micro, embarked on an unexpected adventure that left our household in distress. What started as a routine day turned into a heart-wrenching search for our beloved cat, leaving us with a mixture of worry and hope.
Micro, with his mesmerizing soft yellow eyes and tuxedo suit] has been a source of joy and comfort in our home for three years. His playful antics, chirping of his adventures in the greenhouses, and gentle purrs filled our lives with warmth and a sense of completion. However, nine nights ago, on a Thursday evening, his regular evening walk turned into a longer adventure than any of us expected.
Usually, when Micro goes outside, he either comes home within minutes or twenty to forty-eight hours. We have built up to three full days of him being outside, roaming, doing his job as the mouse killer. That’s why we got him, to keep the mice away from the greenhouses, and he does a great job. The pile of carcasses under the shed tells the story of their short-lived lives. This is during the summer, spring, and fall seasons when the temperatures are still warm and no snow. Micro also is not a fan of rain, so when it rains, he is at the front door calling out to be let in. In the winter, he hardly goes out. He is not a fan of the snow, but he likes to go outside to do his business and he has a little path from the house to the shed where he likes to hang out. We see his paw prints in the path and know exactly where he is.
This particular Thursday night was after a few days of warmer temperatures. The snow was melting, and the grass was poking through the snow. Micro wanted to be outside, and we were okay with this. When he didn’t come home on Friday night, I was worried because the overnight temperatures were getting below zero again. I know he can handle the cold weather, but as a fur mama, I worry. My hubby reminded me that Micro had been outside in the cold before and he was fine and would be okay now. I knew this was true and went about my day.
Saturday morning, and still no sign of Micro. When I opened the door, hoping to see him waiting to be let in, my heart sank as the crisp air tinged my cheeks. I was getting worried again that it was too cold for him. I called his name and whistled the tune I whistle when I’m looking for him, but no sign of him. I felt a wave of panic because we were leaving to spend the night in Moncton for an early birthday getaway for my hubby. What if he came home, and we were not there? How would he feel?
As a few more days passed by, the realization was that Micro might have ventured beyond his regular adventures. With a heavy heart, I reached out to our neighbors, posting on a community Facebook page and the Communities app, sharing his picture. The community quickly rallied together. They shared the news on their social media pages and shared positive notes of support.
I had read on a Google search about cats wandering away that some male cats (Micro is a male), often leave for longer periods when their humans return from a long vacation. We just got back from a three-week trip to Portugal, so this gave me hope, but days turned into night and our worry deepened as Micro remained elusive. Sleepless nights were spent listening for his distinctive meow at the door and the soft steps across the hardwood floors. The support from our community, however, serves as a lifeline, offering comforting words and sharing stories of lost pets returning home against the odds.
The emotional toll of Micro’s disappearance was palpable. Each passing day brought a mix of hope and despair with the fear that we might never hold him in our arms again. The routine that once revolved around his presence now felt incomplete as we longed for the familiar purrs that once echoed through the house.
On the ninth night of his being away, my hubby came home from the farmers’ markets and told me that our neigh stopped by to share that he saw white and black fur by their fire pit, but no other signs of struggle. My heart sank, then I said, it could be a skunk, but we realized we may need to take this as a sign that Micro was not coming home. I walked around the rest of the afternoon in a daze of despair and sadness. I knew we had to let him go.
That same night, I opened the door to put the recycling away and there was Micro at the door. I dropped the cans and called out his name, and he quickly came inside and purred as he wrapped himself around my ankles. I picked him up and held him close to me. He had lost a lot of weight, but was miraculously unharmed.
The reunion with Micro brought tears of joy and relief, marking the end of this harrowing chapter. We listened to his excited chatter to be home as we snuggled with him. The experience has deepened our appreciation for the unspoken bond we share with our pets and the unwavering support of our community that understands the pain of a missing feline friend. Micro’s disappearance taught us that amidst the uncertainties of life, hope can be found in the most unexpected places, just like our resilient and determined Micro.
Until Next Time, Keep on Typing… (and snuggle with your pets)
My Name Is Marion Ann 