1. Michael, the thing is that cat lovers will always be attracted to a friendly cat. Maybe some people did speak to the owner, but we know that it wouldn’t have made a difference. That person put the cat’s desires over any safety issue.

   In thinking about the issue of cat desires, we know that most people wouldn’t allow a cat to exhibit certain pleasurable behaviors such as clawing furniture or jumping on kitchen counters. This is about guardian preferences, and about protecting “things”. So, there are circumstances where the same people who say no to this, will not say no to a cat’s desire to be outside, and vulnerable to danger.

   Whenever I’ve looked for a place to rent, I always keep in mind how the environment is for my cats. As I’ve mentioned before, when I had two indoor/outdoor cats in Hawaii, I would never live near a busy street. This continues to be a criteria, though I keep Mitzy in. Any visitor can leave the door open, and she’ll get out. I have a sign on the front door to watch for her because sometimes she’ll sit by it, as though waiting for a chance to get out.

   If someone knocks on my door, I don’t stand with the door open. I will have them come in, or I will go out on the porch to talk to them. I take no chances.

   I can understand how heartbreaking it was to lose your kitty because of not realizing the danger of cars on the road. It seems that life teaches us with harsh lessons. But we can only be where we are at the time of decision making. We can’t know what we don’t know.

   I read all the time about people losing pets because of what they feed them. Then they feel guilty. I fed my cats the cheapest food, not knowing the truth. They could have lived longer lives with better food. I started the same with Mitzy, until I came across TruthAboutPetFood, which set me on a course of research that continues today.

   We’ve all made choices that brought loss and heartache, whether a beloved pet or a person. Forgiving ourselves creates healing.

   I hope that Gabriel stays safe from any outdoor danger.

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2. This is a tough one. Any cat allowed outside, because that’s the cat’s preference, is vulnerable in many ways. This cat was most vulnerable at a bus stop with nearby traffic. It’s like leaving a 3 year old child in that position because that’s what they want.

   We can say that the cat lived a happy life, up until she was killed by a person or hit by a car. It’s tragic, and almost predictable that her life would be cut short in these circumstances.

   I refuse to allow my cat freedom to roam, even though that’s what she’d like. She’s my baby, and I’ll do whatever I can to protect her from the many dangers that are right outside my door.

   My son has a cat that’s allowed to go out in Hawaii. She came running in the house recently with a gash on her tummy. They don’t know what happened. They still allow her to go out, because she wants to.

   There are many things that children want to do that are dangerous, but we say “no, that isn’t safe”. Though we can’t talk to our cats, we love them and want to keep them safe. That means saying no to certain things, because we know better than they do.

   If my cat wants to go out for a walk, and I’m not ready, I say “no”, and then create a diversion with a toy, or just cuddle her in my lap until she settles down. Sometimes, she’ll be napping, and I say “Let’s go for a walk”. She wakes up immediately, and goes to the door. It’s her favorite time of the day, and in the summer, we go out twice for about half hour each time.

   I feel good about giving her a balance of freedom and safety.

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   • Well said, Sandy. I totally agree with you really. About 25 years ago I was an irresponsible cat owner because I let my cat out and at that time I lived near a road. I was being stupid and I learnt my lesson at expense of my dearly beloved cat and mental anguish to this day.

     There has to be a balance between freedom and safety as you say. When I moved to by current apartment I bought it on the basis of whether it was safe for my cat. That was the primary concern and the primary way of selecting the apartment. But the truth is when a cat goes outside there is always some danger no matter how safe the area in which a person lives is. I can therefore fully understand why many Americans keep their cats inside all the time.

     It’s quite surprising the difference in culture between Americans and Britons in this regard. I have learned to believe that the British are too easy-going and relaxed about letting their cats go outside all the time. It is a carelessness in my opinion. I believe that carelessness relates to Missy the cat in question in this article. I hate to say but I think the owners were irresponsible and the people who enjoyed the cat’s company compounded the problem to a certain extent. They are in part responsible as well I feel. Perhaps I’m being too harsh but I can’t help feeling that way about this story.

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3. Heart breaking. Crying like a baby.

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4. This literally had me sobbing last night,I’ve kept up with Missy for several years and to think some fecking bastard(s) did this to her just makes me less compassionate towards the human race!

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