You Might as Well Arrest Me!

For those of you who don't know it, we have a cat. We've had him for two years now. He is a ginger cat named Ginger. We got him to be an indoor cat...like all cats should be. Occasionally in Mississauga, Ginger would sneak out between our feet (usually the kids) while they were coming in and out all day long from the backyard.

We began to get uptight about this, knowing that the neighbours probably didn't appreciate this furry little visitor. We laid down the rules and made sure everyone knew that the cat was not allowed outside and we all had to work hard to keep him in. Ginger, having already had a taste of freedom did not like this rule and was always looking for ways to break it. And sure enough, we would be chasing after him every other day.

Then we move to our new city, Ginger in tow. It took him a while, but eventually he settled in to his new surroundings. Not long after that, he was up to his old tricks again, lurking around the door, waiting for someone to open it so he could quickly scoot out and be off into the wild.

It wasn't long before a neighbour kindly but ever so clearly told me cats were not allowed out here, there are bylaws against it. I brushed it off thinking she didn't want to see my cat around but surely there couldn't be an actual law against it. How silly is that?

So we called the city and sure enough, there is a bylaw that states you are not allowed to let your cat outside and if you do, you risk being charged a fine and having your cat trapped and taken away.

A few months later, we were reading in the local newspaper about all the complaints from residents saying there are too many cats on the loose. The city cannot keep up and have run out of traps.

To this I say, "get a grip people!" If you see a cat in your yard and don't want him there just grab your garden hose and teach him a lesson, in other words...deal with it! I can't speak for other people but I for one do not let my cat out....he escapes on a regular basis. You try living in an active house with three kids and their friends coming and going and trying to keep a quick, crafty cat in at all times! Not gonna happen, not gonna happen. The stress this has caused us has been insane and if it weren't for the attachment Jacob has with Ginger we would gladly give him up.

Last week we were packing up the van to go to Pine Lake for four days. Sure enough, during one of the open door, close door moments...Ginger escaped. We tried to get him but he was too quick. We were late and had to go. He would be stuck outside in the rain for four days. We left.

Periodically during those four days we all thought abut Ginger and wondered if he was okay. Secretly (as much as I like him) I hoped that he would be picked up relieving us of the extra stress. We returned home. No Ginger. hours later, no Ginger. Later that evening, Ginger returns home wafer thin and looking for food. Sigh. mixed feelings. Jacob was so relieved and excited to see his pet. Teasing him we said, "Jacob, we were hoping that the pound would have taken him away," With a grin on his face he looked at us and said, "not me mommy, I prayed everyday in my head while we were gone, asking God to bring him home."

How can you argue with that?

So, dear city, you might as well arrest me 'cause my cat sneaks out and I'm sick and tired at yelling at everyone to "watch the cat...shut the door!"

MY NERVES!