Butterfly Effect

Another effect of what taking our boys from us has caused.

 I trapped a cat.

A simple sentence you might think. It evoked an awful lot of emotion.

Why am I trapping a cat?

Removing our boys, their little corner of land is no longer protected. We still have the girls (obviously they are spayed and chipped, now with collars too). Other stray cats are now roaming around outside all un'tnr'd. 

They took away our protection. Our boys kept the neighbourhood free of strays. Removing them has created a bigger problem, for which they were removed for.... think about that - our boys taken and a bigger problem now exists. Now our boys are the strays for someone else. 

If our boys are in any position to try and get back to us, they will be fighting all the cats protecting their own territory on their way home.

After a quick lesson on 'how to set a trap', the stray ginger Tom appeared. I lent in the medieval, macabre looking contraption to place a bowl of food. I was baiting. It made me feel sick. Our boys went through this. Stupidly, there was a click and my arm was now trapped in the cage with the food. Rookie mistake 🤦🏼‍♀️

Once I released myself and realigned the 'bait', I realised I was shaking.

Trapping my arm was a very evocative experience and a million scenarios crashed through my head of the when's and why fors of how our boys were taken. I kept thinking of our boys. I'm convinced Winnie or Monty, whichever one was trapped, the other did not leave their side and was netted. Those two boys had a super close relationship, and one would not have left the other.

Anyway, I digress. I placed the trap outside our gate. Closed the gate and walked 5 steps back inside.  I heard the click of the metal and the sound of a trapped animal throwing itself around trying to escape. Again, I realised I was still shaking. I opened the gate, and there he was. The stray ginger Tom cat. I looked at him. Although I've been good for a few days, I couldn't help the tear that slipped down my face. It was all really emotional.

I then took the prisoner to the vets.

First vet - it's a holiday weekend.  No can do.

Second vet - no room at the Inn

Third vet - very sorry, come back Monday.

Would he fall for it again if I took him home and released him? Could I catch him again? Was it beginners luck?

Call vet no four - fully booked. 

Come on, give me a break! Me and this traumatised cat need help!!!

Vet no five.... yes!!!! Bring him now. 150aed. Collect him in three hours. Wow... it was that simple. 

I looked back at him. I had explained enroute what was going to happen. I told him it was for his own good. He looked at me - emotional again, I hope, no matter what the future holds, I will never 'toughen up' for these experiences. It should not feel 'normal' to set and bait a  trap. I know ive done it for his benefit, but it's still a very emotional experience.

I will collect him soon and release him. Outside, where our boys were our previous custodians.

I will not give up searching for them. They are out there somewhere.