Ginger Disappeared Again 😭
Sunday (18th) night, Cross and Ginger were so relaxed that they fell asleep on the sofa and bench.
I don't know why, but I was so hyper that night. I didn't fall asleep until Monday (19th) at around 05:30. Since I didn't want to get up after only four hours of sleep, I filled their food and water bowls and left a gap in the sliding door so they could come in for breakfast without waking me up. Cross came in shortly after I opened the door. He wasn't hungry yet, but he ate a little and wanted my attention. He followed me upstairs and wanted to play or be petted, but I was exhausted. I settled him into his bed and went straight to my bedroom.
I didn't see Ginger after I let them out at 01:09. I assumed she would come back at any time. I slept until around noon, but Ginger hadn't returned at all. I checked the CCTV, and the last footage showed her leaving at 01:09. I wasn't panicking at that point because only ten days earlier she had disappeared for 19 hours. I expected her to return for dinner, so I took my time and went out looking for her without worrying too much.
On my first trip, Cross came with me. I met our neighbour, Mr. Gervais, whose water tank was where Ginger and Cross got stuck a couple of months ago. He seemed very kind. I told him that I had trespassed into his yard a few times while searching for my cats, and he seemed perfectly fine with it. He even promised to find something solid to cover that gap so nothing could fall into it again.
Because it was Monday, although it was a public holiday in Hong Kong for the Chung Yeung Festival, people were still working at the nearby construction site. So I didn't take Cross too close to the area or walk very far. Unfortunately, we couldn't find Ginger, and I didn't hear her responding to my calls either. That was when I started to worry 😟
For the second trip, I went out by myself. I kept calling for Ginger, but there was no response at all. Someone walking along the main road asked if I was looking for a cat. When I said yes, he told me he had seen one in a nearby bush. I went to investigate but couldn't find any cat there. I didn't travel too far because I know Ginger is afraid of cars and strangers. She knows it is safer to stay away from the main road. I searched in another direction as well, but once again, I came home empty-handed.
Since my birthday is coming up and I probably won't be able to bake then, I decided to make myself a cheesecake. The weather was beautiful on Monday, and I thought it would be better to finish waterproofing the roof before the weather turned bad again.
After making the cheesecake and waterproofing the roof, I was pretty exhausted. I kept hoping Ginger would come back for dinner, but she didn't appear. By then, she had already been gone for 17 hours. I was exhausted and felt like I couldn't breathe. I gave half of the cheesecake to Christophe and ate the other half for dinner. It was very tasty, but I couldn't enjoy it.
Not knowing where Ginger was or whether she was hurt was eating me alive. I kept praying for her safe return. But, as Christophe reminded me, I also had to prepare myself for the possibility that they could disappear for a very long time.
I went out for a third search at 21:30. Cross wanted to come along. There was no one around, but I still couldn't call for Ginger too loudly. Cross called for her too, but neither of us heard any response. I felt so desperate. I came home exhausted and heartbroken. I could barely function. I went to bed early on Monday night, but I woke up many times after dreaming about Ginger. I kept checking the CCTV recordings, but there was still no sign of her.
On Tuesday (20th) morning, after taking care of Cross's breakfast, I went out searching for Ginger again. This time I travelled much farther. I kept calling her name. By then, I think all the neighbours knew there was a cat named Ginger and a crazy cat lady looking for her. I was so worried 😓 and heartbroken. Physically, I felt like I couldn't breathe.
Cross was unusually active, running around the living room and my office instead of sleeping during the day as he normally does. I tried to finish my work quickly so I could go on another expedition with Cross. We went to places we rarely visit. Finally, we heard Ginger's voice.
At first, I couldn't see her, but Cross seemed to know exactly where she was. I focused and realised the sound was coming from above. When I looked up, I saw Ginger standing on the roof of an abandoned house. While I was trying to find a path to reach her, Ginger found her own way down.
I tried to hug her, but she refused to let me touch her. Then Cross spotted a chameleon and became completely distracted by it.
Ginger was starving. She ate 100g of tuna that Christophe had brought, and even after that she still wanted more. So I gave her the tuna I had planned to feed her the previous day. She ate about 85% of it before going to bed. I also gave both cats egg yolk and some treats.
Cross seemed to understand that his mama was very tired. He didn't bother her that evening. However, I suspect he may have been bitten by another cat because I had never seen him so angry or heard him growl like that before.
After the egg yolk, I let them rest. What an exhausting two days of emotional roller coasters. I truly hope this is the last time I ever have to endure 40 hours of heartache.
This morning, Christophe and I came up with a new arrangement. He came by to feed them inside the house. It worked perfectly because both cats were already waiting outside. As usual, they ate and then went to sleep. Hopefully they understand the new routine and will wait for Christophe before he leaves for work each morning. That way, they can always rest safely indoors during the day.
I really owe Christophe a lot. I honestly don't know how I can ever repay him 🙏 🙏
#Ginger#Cross#CatRescue#MissingCat#CatMomLife#MauritiusCats#HappyEnding