Where Is the Cat?

“Curiosity killed the cat.” I’ve had enough cats to understand there’s truth in those words. Most cats are clever animals, but many of them still have a knack for getting into trouble. That morning, it was Stella we couldn’t find. We had searched the evening before too. Inside closets, behind boxes, on shelves, under the bed, under the couch, in the hallway closet. In a house where most of the furniture and belongings had already been removed because we were moving, there weren’t many places to hide. Could she be outside?

It was impossible to be completely sure, but Stella was an indoor cat. If the veranda door was open on a summer day, she wouldn’t even approach it. No, if she was outside, then something terrible must have happened.

But what if she was? That November night, the temperature had dropped to minus nine degrees. Stella wasn’t built for the outdoors. And if she was out there, it would be very difficult to find her.

Stella was born outside and brought into a home after several months. We spent a lot of time earning her trust and affection, but we managed it in the end—with some reservations. Stella felt safe and confident on the second floor. On the first floor and in the basement, she was far from secure. Down there, we, who seemed kind enough upstairs, became frightening.

We called her name and tried to lure her out. But I knew it was hopeless. If Stella was stuck somewhere and couldn’t get out, she’d be terrified and lie completely still. But we called—hoping that the years we’d shared might finally make her call back.

I’ve searched for cats outside. I’ve lost two cats. It’s been many years now, but when it happens, you never stop looking. Now, years later, I understand that when the family cat stopped coming home at thirteen, something must have happened to her.

But when the cat disappears inside the house? Then you just have to find her. Even if it means tearing down closets and walls.

Cats are incredibly good at finding hiding spots. When I was a child, I realized our cat hid somewhere during the day. But where? It took weeks before I figured it out. I was sitting in the living room when I noticed the shadow cast by the books on the third shelf of the bookcase above the fireplace looked more jagged than it should. And there—behind the books—she was. Not a single book was knocked over. Not a trace gave her away. Just that treacherous shadow.

When cats disappear outside, you should check sheds, garages, and other places where a cat might have sought shelter. Several cats have stowed away in cars or trucks. Or they’re found in the engine compartment—where it was probably warm and cozy for a little while.

Panic began to set in. What if Stella was trapped somewhere, and died, because we were too useless to find her? Our other cat, Luna, and our dog, Lyra, were absolutely no help. “Where’s the kitty?” I asked.

Lyra ran to the window. Luna purred and rubbed against my legs. No detective careers for any of us, apparently.

The night before, we had removed the kickboards under the kitchen cabinets. All of them—except for the one under the cabinet beside the stove. The hole behind the stove was so small that she couldn’t possibly have gotten in there. Or could she?

We weren’t sure anymore, and my husband pulled the stove out. Sure enough—a tricolored blur shot past us, raced up the stairs, and dove under the safe sofa on the second floor.

She got in—but couldn’t get out again.

Luckily, we found her in time. But has she learned not to stick her head into unfamiliar places? Will she make wiser choices the next time she’s scared, or whatever it was that landed her in such a tight spot?

Unlikely.

At the very least, the baseboards under the kitchen cabinets will be sealed properly—after we’ve made sure the area is cat-free. Then that spot will be safe.

Or so we hope.