Runaway Cat

Question
My cat who is now 2 years old, very sweet and loving, has been running away for about 3 months  now. At first it was for a day and a half.  About a month or so ago, she went missing.  We were so worried, we put up signs, called all the rescue places and vets nearby.

A woman called back after about a week and told us that our cat was at her house.  It didn't have a collar but was very friendly so she knew she belonged to someone.  When she saw our poster she brought her back.

Every time we let her out, she runs back to the same house.  It is insane.  She meows loud and constant and hisses at us until we let her out, at which time she goes back to the other house.

She never hissed and got along with all the pets.

Does she want to live somewhere else, perhaps at the house she runs away to?

Thank you
Lisa

Answer
Lisa,

Is your cat spayed?  Whole cats often have some wanderlust! Why cats may choose one territory over another is very strange.  There must be something about this other house that your cat really likes.

On the other hand, there may have been something change at your house about 3 months ago or so that has your cat a bit upset. It could be a new addition to the family (4 legged or 2 legged), it could be a change in litter, a change in food, or any other seemingly innocuous event.  You may want to think if you can think what changed 3 months ago.

Have you had her to your vet for a check up, especially her thyroid levels.  Another explanation for a change in behavior with a cat is discomfort.  If something is wrong,she may not be feeling up to snuff, which may account for the sudden change in behavior.

Finally, there are things some cats just do which are mysterious to us mere humans, and we may never understand why!

I am sorry I cannot be of more help.

Best regards... Norm.