Maybe in Australia cats are real party animals. This pet owner has a problem with his cat constantly disappearing, and showing up many days later.

Question:

Hi Glynne

We have an 18 month year old neutured male cat that we picked up from the cat protection society 6 months ago. Although the cat is affectionate and seems happy when he is home, he goes wandering every few days and disappears.
We have a tag on his collar saying ‘please call [number] if this cat seems lost’. We get calls from all over the neighbourhood (never the same place twice) and the story is always the same ‘he followed us home and wouldn’t leave’ and ‘he’s a very friendly cat’. He has called on more houses than our local politician! He even hangs out in busy places - outside the local supermarket, at the local all-you-can-eat restaurant, at the local pizza parlour. This morning we picked him up from a gymnasium (he was happily wandering around the equipment). A few times he has turned up reeking of cigarette smoke (a real party animal it seems). Usually he doesn’t seem to have the ability, or perhaps will, to make his way home.
My wife and I are going crazy and my two girls (10 and 7) are worried we’ll lose him altogether? WHAT CAN WE DO?
(PS - we live in Australia. Maybe South African cats are not so crazy!).
Cheers
Mike

Hi Mike
Firstly, don’t vote for your local politician in the next election!
• Now get this …yummy food 24/7, a comfortable sofa, and peace and quiet is the way to a cat’s heart.
• Rotweillers, rowdy neighbours, small yappy dogs, other cats, over attentive kids, disruption, noise and lousy grub are the way to the gym, super market, “All you can eat”, pizza place and probably the local pub! (All are food outlets or where food givers hang out!)
You didn’t mention whether you smelt alcohol on his breath after his walkabouts? If so get him into rehab. ASAP!

Love your humour
Glynne