Hello to all here. I’m so glad I found this site almost 2 weeks ago when my cat disappeared. I’m dealing with this alone, and felt the kind people here would understand what I’m going through. My sweet kitty’s name was “Big Cat” and she was a beautiful 16lb calico with a fun and quirky personality, and the softest fur you could imagine.

Within the last few months we were told that someone had seen a coyote around a small park in our neighborhood. Most people dismissed this as rumor since we live just minutes from downtown Atlanta. On June 27th, a neighbor told us he saw what he thought was a coyote walking down our street at 6:45am. He ran away when the neighbor stepped outside to take a closer look. People in our area are very good about keeping their dogs up. In 8 years I have never seen dogs running the neighborhood, so I knew it wasn’t someone’s pet he spotted. My husband and foster son said there was no way we had coyotes in our area, and told me not to worry about it. I called animal control. They told me that was rumor, and there were no coyotes in our county.

During the summer my cats like to stay outside during the day. Luckily, they stay in our front or back yard and do not wander. With very few exceptions, I have always brought them in before we go to bed. I told my husband I believed our neighbor did see a coyote, and we needed to make double sure our cats were in during the evening. On July 11th I went outside to get our cats. They were rolling around on the porch (their signal that they weren’t ready to come in.) I told them I would let them stay out a little longer, and bring them in before I went to bed. I had been sick that week, and was feeling badly that night. Later when I went to bed, I didn’t remember my cats were still outside. This is a mistake I will regret the rest of my life.

On Thursday morning my husband opened the front door, and only one of my cats (Fezzie) came in. Big Cat likes to sleep in the bushes close to our house and porch, so he didn’t think anything of her not coming in. I got up later, and didn’t see her in the yard. I started searching more thoroughly and found her collar (the stretchy kind) and two small tuffs of fur in our front yard. I’ve always had excellent intuition, and I instantly felt she had been taken by a coyote. My husband and foster son told me that was ridiculous, and I was jumping to the worst possible scenario. They said she probably got in a tussle with another cat, and got chased off, and was either hiding, or out roaming the neighborhood. I felt this was unlikely since she had never left our yard.

I was panic stricken, and immediately began the search. I made up flyers and took them to every house in our neighborhood. Posted on craigslist, visited the animal control shelter every few days (even ones in neighboring counties,) searched mine, and my neighbor’s front and back yards thoroughly. I looked in and under everything I could find. I went to the park where the neighbors thought they seen a coyote and searched the area thoroughly. Found nothing, no remains, no tracks or sighs of coyotes. Again, with a lot of neighbors helping, we searched their yards again, and again, and again, widening the circle each time. During the evenings I researched everything I could find on coyotes. I was sickened and horrified at what I learned about these insidious predators.

I learned they have regular hunting patterns and routes they follow, and will go back to a successful hunting area. My cat had been taken 2 weeks to the day after my neighbor spotted the coyote, so I figured he most likely came through our area every 2 weeks or so. My husband thought I was crazy, but I began staying up every night, and getting up early every morning to see if I could spot him. Last Wednesday evening marked 2 weeks since my cat disappeared. At 11:00pm I turned off all the lights, and sat in front of my den window with the blinds lifted just enough for me to see out. We have a street light that illuminates our street and front yard. At 12:45am from out of nowhere, a coyote appeared in the left hand corner of our front yard where I found Big Cat’s collar. It came diagonally across the yard, onto our porch and began sniffing around. It was 3ft from me. He sniffed a bit more then took off exactly the way he came. At that instant, I knew a coyote had taken my Big Cat off my own front porch. I woke my husband and foster son and told them what happened. They couldn’t believe it. My husband even told me I must have been dreaming. I told him I was not dreaming; that I was starring a coyote in the face not 3ft. from me. So at it turns out, my intuition was correct. The next day I informed my neighbors since most everyone has small pets. They were shocked beyond belief.

I am utterly devastated, I feel violated, and I'm angry. I’m angry that the one day I’m sick and accidentally forget to bring my cats in, a scourge of the earth passes dozens of pets (that others leave out 24/7) and comes straight to my front porch and takes mine. And almost in the heart of a bustling city no less! Since the day my cat disappeared I cry uncontrollably all the time. My husband and foster son don’t understand why I’m so upset. To them “it’s just a cat.” Not to me, to me my cats are members of our family, and I love them dearly. I only had a year with my beautiful Big Cat. I rescued her from a lady that was taking her to the humane society. I took one look at her and thought she was the most beautiful cat I had ever seen. I feel so horribly guilty for leaving my cats out all night for something terrible to happen to them. I might as well have put them on a silver platter and rang the coyote dinner bell. This is so incredibly painful. My innocent pet had to pay the price for my error, and I’m never going to see my Big Cat again. How am I ever going to forgive myself for this mistake?

For those of you waiting for your much loved pets to come home, I read your stories and cried with you. I know exactly how you feel. I pray that God surrounds them with a circle of protection to see them safely home.

I know this was long, but thanks reading.
April

April, I'm so sorry about Big Cat. I've lost my Twitchit, and am guessing that he too was taken by a coyote. I've been asking neighbors if they hear them, and no one very near me has heard them, but folks just a few blocks away say they have. Others insist there are cougar in the area also, though no sightings closer than five miles. But then, five miles is nothing to a cougar. Some neighbors have seen bears this spring, and while they're not carnivores, where you have bear you've got other wild critters.

As sad as it was to lose him, you have the fortune of knowing what happened. Finding his collar was huge. Even more so that you sat up and spotted the beast clearly returning for more. (I'd have wanted to leap out onto the porch and strangle the damn thing.) I just I had some definitive sign about what happened to Twitch.

One thing I heard was comforting: coyote kills are quick. They want to remove their prey quickly to another area, so no smell of blood or death lingers to alarm "the rest of the family." That way they can come shopping again, as you saw. If Big Cat was napping or had his back to the coyote, he likely never even knew what hit him.

Gosh, what sadness. My deepest sympathy. Especially when family doesn't understand, but know that WE do. Glad you found L-S. ~Kimberly

Thanks for responding Kimberly. I don't wish this loss on on anyone, but it is comforting to know that others feel the same about their beloved pets as I do.

I have read all your post about Twitchit. I have always loved Maine Coons, and he is an exceptionally beautiful boy. I know you miss him terribly, as I do my Big Cat. What seems impossible to us, is possible with God, so I will continue to pray for his safe return.

You are exactly right. When I saw the coyote, I wanted to jump through my window and strangle it. He'll be back, and he'll be taken care of so no one else in my neighborhood has to loose a pet to this predator. Most of my neighbors are confirmed city dwellers, and can't believe this has happened. They're scard to death for their pets.

I've read the same about how these predators kill their prey. I hope Big Cat never knew what happened.

Thank you for your kindness and caring.
April

I am so sorry for your loss. What a terrible thing to have happen. Big Cat sounds beautiful, both in appearance and personality. I hope you find comfort in your memories of your beloved pet and in the support and comfort of others here who know how devastating losing a beloved family member is. I always feel a part of my soul has died when I lose a cherished pet, who are very much family to me.

But please don't take your love for your pet and turn it into hatred of another creature. Hatred and misunderstanding of animals has led to too much cruelty to our beloved companions. Coyotes are no worse predators than our own beloved feline friends, who will happily tear apart a baby bunny, squirrel or bird just for joy if allowed to roam free. The Coyote was simply hungry, not evil. Please don't harm it. Wild animals are having their habitats wiped out by people, they have no place left to go.

I hope you find peace. I'm sure Big Cat is waiting for you on the other side and you will have each other again someday.

Thank you for your kind words Shanta, and I appreciate your advice. I guess I was lucky with my two kitties, they never brought me "presents" and we have lots of small wildlife in the yard. They liked to stalk, but was never fast enough to catch anything. It's very difficult for me not to resent the coyote at this point, because I'm in the anger stage of my grief process.

Coyotes are not native to our state and have no natural enemies here, so they're multiplying out of control. My second cat is now indoor only. I have decided not to have another furbaby after she passes because by that time I think our area will be over run with predators and not be safe.

Thanks so much for your last sentiment. I do believe I will see my Big Cat again.

I hope with time your resolve softens and you allow another four-footed love to make a home in your heart. Have you considered cat-fencing? It can get pricey, though if you have existing fencing, retrofits might make it cheaper. I'm going to do it with my new home. Have any of you out there had success with this?

Your description of her fur has my mind's eye -- no, my mind's fingertips -- vividly imagining what a delight she must have been to pet. Thank heavens the joy they bring outweighs the sadness they leave behind -- once it eases, that is. Personally, I can't imagine living in a home without a cat. Tell us about your other baby! ~Kimberly

Hello Big Cats Mom.

My blood ran cold when I read your post. What a living nightmare.

I also had the pleasure of wondering if my sweet cat, Bennett, was taken by a fisher cat or coyote (thankfully he came back safe) and I did console myself (as best I could) with the reallization that animals kill for survival and do the job quickly. Other than that, I know how horrible you must feel. Who would think a coyote would be so bold as to walk right up to your porch?

What I have learned, is that many people do not understand the love for a cat. You said your husband and son said "it's just a cat". They are wrong. A cat is a living being that provides an enormous amount of love and emotional satisfaction. Each cat is unique and can not be replaced like a pair of shoes. Rest assured that there are many very sensitive and understanding people on this board who can embrace your feelings and welcome you to open up.

Hi April,
I'm so sorry to hear what happened to Big Cat. My Sadie was a Calico too. I know what you mean about the quirky personality.

Don't blame yourself. There is no way you could have known this would happen. The poor baby. April, I love animals of all kinds, but I would be livid and want revenge too. Let them go out and catch rabbits and squirrels and birds. A cat is not supposed to be prey.

Just know you are in my thoughts and prayers. It is not beyond possibility that Big Cat escaped for her life and is hiding out somewhere. I hope so.

some people just don't understand the bond we have with cats. I know what you mean. I just make it a point to not talk to them about it. I'm sure it's hard though when it is your family. Anyway, you have us for support now. Write here or PM any time. That is what we are here for.

Lastly, I'm not sure I will ever get another cat either. I know there are always cats and kittens who need homes and someone to love them, but I just can't see myself going through all of this emotional devastation again. Maybe I'm selfish, but it hurts too much. It does get better, but not enough to want to go through it any time soon. Of course today I've been crying, and in a state, so my advice might not be the best to consider.

Take care, april
John B

Kim,
I am glad to know about the cat fencing, and will check into it. Sounds like a great thing to have.
Yes, my Big Cat brought me a lot of joy, and as you all can imagine, I miss her very much. She was so cute rolling around on the porch playing, and when she would run, both her back legs would kick up at the same time. It was the funniest thing ever. She was always talking, and I really miss that.
My other kitty is my black lap cat, Fezzie. She's a sweetie, and likes to be held and cuddled. She'll be 9 years old in January. Since she's a little older she likes to stay in more, which is fine with me.

Paris,
I had been following all your post about Bennett. I am so happy he found his way back home to you after 8 weeks. That was just amazing to me.
My husband and foster son's feelings have softened a bit since they realize I was right about a predator coming onto our property and taking Big Cat right from our own front porch. I'm so glad there is a place like this where people understand what I'm going through.

John,
Thank you so much. I am really struggling with the "what if'’s" If I would have picked them up and brought them in the first time I went out, and not have given them more time outside. If I would have at least put them in the back yard that's surrounded by an 8ft solid fence. It's just really difficult not to think about those things, knowing that if I had, my Big Cat would still be here.
It would be a miracle, but if she were somehow able to get away and find her way back home, it would be a dream come true.
I know what you mean, I've cried every day for my Big Cat. It took me 6 years after my last cat before I could get Fezzie and Big Cat. It was just too painful. I've always been too tender hearted for my own good. Thank you so much for your support. How wonderful the folks are here that they can comfort someone else when they themselves are hurting. That really says something about the loving spirit here.

April