Missing Kitty

This week I saw a sign at my apartment complex that I dread seeing, “Missing Kitty.” I live in the foothills of Orange County, Calif., where wildlife is common. Coyotes are seen regularly as are raccoons, opossums, skunks, deer and even an occasional mountain lion. 

This sign made me especially sad because it was about a kitty that lived across from my apartment. I had befriended her and spent many mornings petting her when she came over to see me. She was a cute black-and-white kitten with a big personality. She loved everyone and was not afraid of anything. 

I was concerned about the kitty spending so much time outdoors but never saw her pet parents so I didn’t get a chance to talk to them about the dangers of keeping a kitty outside. They did put a collar and bell on her but that is no defense against a coyote.  Now I regret that I wasn’t more proactive. I could have knocked on their door and talked to them but I didn’t feel comfortable doing that. I wonder if it would have made a difference.

From the sign, I found out the kitten’s name was Happy. Happy did enjoy her short life and loved chasing butterflies and greeting all the neighbors as they walked to their apartment. I keep looking for Happy, hoping to hear her bell as she runs around the apartment complex.

The lesson to be learned here is to keep your kitties inside, especially if you live in an area that is shared by wildlife. Your cats will be fine inside, as long as you spend time with them and offer them toys and furniture so they can play. And you’ll never have to put up a “Missing Kitty” sign.