Is it a stray or just a straying cat?
PJ Russel
Friend and Volunteer
“Oh…. Look at the beautiful cat, he must be lost.” We have all said that at some time, but is he or she truly lost?
One needs to know the nature of cats to know the answer. I once had a black and white one called Frankie. The whole town knew him! He was the only black and white in town at that time. His path sometimes took him over three miles away, but he always found his way home. One time he was gone for over three weeks in sub-zero weather, but sure enough he came back home, eating food left on the porch, left for him just in case.
Cats roam near and far for many reasons: companionship, rodents, mating (hopefully not, but the reality is not all cats are altered) and just for the pure adventure, not unlike people. This is why people and cats get along so well, we are so much alike. Where they love, they love deeply and when they miss home, they return, to be greeted with open arms and a big bowl of food. If the wandering cat looks well-fed, then it is probably just on a visit. His visit may be for one day or may be a whole week.
Now these adventurous cats have a range of travel, which varies with the cat. Some of them go no farther than next door or two blocks away. Then there are those, like Frankie, who like to go over three miles from home — and not always in the same direction. Now, from home base, make a circle, this is a very large area for one cat. This also means he could be in the next township! Now, if he is picked up as a stray, he or she may be taken to a shelter. That is one main reason that the state of Maine animal welfare law states, in section 7 § 3919 — Seizure of stray cats, item 3, “Person finding stray cat”:
• A person finding a stray cat or small animal and not knowing the owner or residence of the cat or small animal may take that cat or small animal to the animal shelter designated by the municipality in which the cat or small animal was found.
That would be the Central Aroostook Humane Society for all towns in our area except for Fort Fairfield.
At the CAHS there are cats from Easton, Masardis, Caribou, Limestone, Mars Hill, etc. It all depends where your little beloved creature wandered to and where the kind-minded person, who did not know he was just on a visit, took him. Don’t give up hope.
At some shelters, cats have been waiting over six months or as recent as yesterday. So, if you have lost a precious jewel, check out your local shelters; he or she may still be waiting for you to take them home.
Lastly, the most important pet advice is to be mindful of your pet and their routine. It is very dangerous to allow any pet to roam freely and especially with the dangers of traffic, wild animals and even neighborhood dogs that may become aggressive. We love our pets and want them happy and healthy for many years.
Stop by The Central Aroostook Humane Society at 26 Cross Street, Presque Isle. We are open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closing for lunch noon to 12:30 P.M. Please be responsible, spay and neuter your pets!
