As many of you will remember, a few months ago we adopted two adolescent cats from an fm (forum member) of Sheffield Forum.
There's a blog article about the cats, who we named Captain Beefheart (Beefy) and Frank Zappa (Zappa) here.
On Friday, August 31st Beefy went missing and he still hasn't shown up. He's got a collar and tag on which are etched his name and address along with our phone number, but so far no-one has called.
We've leaflet dropped the immediate vicinity asking people to search their garages, sheds and greenhouses, and I've put posters up on telegraph poles in our area, plus started a thread on Sheffield Forum and notified various cat charities and the RSPCA.
Last night I lay awake in bed wondering whether I could hire the services of a sniffer dog in case he's stuck in someone's house who has buggered off on holiday, but I think 4 days may be too long to trace his scent. I don't know, I'll have to investigate it.
We only lost our beloved 17 year old cat Barney earlier this year; I feel kind of numb that I'm going through yet another grieving process; maybe numb is the right word, as I've lost so many animals that were dear to me.
Anyway, if you know anything about his disappearance, please contact Brian or me on 0114 258 2585 or 078 5555 7667 .
I know they say never post personal details on the net...yeah yeah yeah well I've been stalked on the net by various people (one who in real life claimed to be my friend!) and I don't give a monkeys; life's too short to worry about losers with too much time on their hands, so if you find Beefy, get in touch!
Above: Beefy announcing his presence to the local bird population.Advice from Wizz Catz if your cat goes missing:
Put posters on lamp posts with a colour photo if possible.
Also put the posters up in local vets and shops, post office etc. Maybe offer a reward?
Knock on doors and ask neighbours to check their sheds and garages WHILE YOU WAIT … it's surprising how many people say they will check but as soon as the door is closed they forget. It is recommended to knock on 10 doors either side of your house on both sides of the street.
Put leaflets through other neighbour’s doors asking them to check sheds and garages.
Go out at night when it is quiet and call your cat - keep calling she may be lost and will need to orientate herself to your voice. Walk to the far end of the street first and then as you walk back towards home keep calling - don't call her as you are walking away from your house - you will be taking her in the wrond direction.
In addition, when calling your cat when it’s quiet, listen. She may be locked in somewhere and may cry out to you in response.
Go to your door and keep calling her daily.
Leave the kitchen light on, if that is where your cat usually comes in and out. At night when everyone’s lights will go out, yours will remain on - cats head towards where there is a light.
Ask the local children to look - they are great for knowing all the local hidey-holes and love helping. Also have a word with your local post-person and milk man if there is one that delivers in your area.
Put an advert in the local paper
Contact local RSPCA, Cats Protection and other local rescues, see local list below.
Contact local council in case she has been picked up off the road by them.
DON’T GIVE UP HOPE WE HEAR SOME AMAZING STORIES
RSPCA Sheffield 0114 272 7542 - also see direct link above
RSPCA Bawtry 01302 719790
RSPCA Central 0870 5555 999
Sheffield Cat Shelter 0114 272 4441
Cats Protection- Sheffield North 0114 230 4237
Cats Protection- Chesterfield 01246 279 9163
Thornberry Animal Sanctuary 01909 564 399
Sheffield Council Street Force 0114 273 4567
Many thanks to Wizz Catz for such great advice and information.
© Jude Calvert-Toulmin.
My photograph gallery at deviantART
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