By Dixie Drake
My Maine Coon went missing on 12-22-13. Boots, my Maine Coon, and Sweetie Pie, my other cat both went missing at the same time. It was at noon and they were both in my front yard. I heard rumors that coyotes are around here but I ignorantly thought Animal control or the state had been taking care of the situation. I know now the state or animal control don’t care how many pets coyotes kill. I feel so guilty that I didn’t keep them inside.
They were indoor/outdoor cats. All my neighbors let their cats and small dogs outside so I thought it was safe. Now, too late, I know it wasn’t safe. I believe a coyote crawled under my fence in the backyard and took them. I saw the evidence of the place where the animal dug a hole to get into my yard. I looked around for any fir or other evidence of a kill but didn’t see anything. Neighbors have said my cats may be hiding and afraid to come out. I prey to God that is true and I prey they are still alive. They are my reason for living. I’m an elderly person and my cats are my babies. I cry all the time. The pain is unbearable. I want my babies back.
Dixie
Related post: Can a cat escape a coyote attack?
This is so awful,any news of your cats yet Dixie I pray they will be home soon safe and sound
Yes – it doesn’t seem possible that one coyote could come and take two Maine Coons and run off with them without there being obvious evidence of a serious struggle.
This must be the hardest thing you have had to go through – I have a feeling that they might well still be around, hiding, nearby. I don’t know how long ago it was til you last saw them.
Dixie my heart goes out to you, how awful that coyotes come into your yard! I hope and pray that your neighbours are right and Boots and Sweetie Pie come home safely. It’s correct that cats hide away after a fright and yours may not be far from home, sometimes they ‘hole up’ for days, so don’t give up hope.
You would think there would be some evidence if a coyote had got them, surely more than one coyote wouldn’t come at the very same time and one couldn’t get two cats at once!
Please let us know any news and don’t feel guilty about letting your cats outside, cats love a bit of freedom.
Hi Dixie. I can feel your pain and I am very sorry to have heard about the loss (hopefully temporarily) of your loved cats.
I thought that your story was very powerful and decided to make your comment into a short post. This allows other people to make more comments and perhaps help you a bit.
I advocate indoor/outdoor cat living provided it is safe to do so. This is because it is a better life for the cat. I am sure you felt the same.
I am a believer in outdoor cat enclosures where it is not safe to let a cat roam.
It appears that coyotes are becoming increasingly more confident and aggressive in the US. Attacking pets in daytime is an example. Apparently coyotes can attack dogs on leashes! I never imagined that.
There are coyote proof enclosures and a 7 foot post with a platform on top in the yard as an escape route for a cat is a good idea. I’ll write more about this over the forthcoming days.
None of this helps you now Dixie. I hope things work out for you. Such a tragedy for you and your cats. Take care and good luck.