We are sad for us, but happy for Lucky. Our sweet kitty Lucky had to be re-homed. And our last day with him was Sunday. We had him for nearly 4 of his 6-1/2 years. And he was definitely an important part of our family.
Last fall we got a letter from the city telling us that our cat cannot roam freely outside…that it was against the city ordinance. That was news to us. But sure enough, we did our research and it was true. The letter told us that a we could get fined if another complaint came about him. And then he could also be taken away.
Through the winter, it was easy to keep him inside. But when spring came around, it was not a fun experience to try to turn our outside cat (he came to us that way) into an indoor one. Life was not pleasant hearing him plead and seeing him scratch at the door all the time. We tried a leash, but that didn’t work. We looked into the idea of building him a catio, but came to the conclusion that putting thousands of dollars into a tiny addition on the house for the hope that he would be at peace didn’t make sense to us. Lucky needs his space to run and a catio wouldn’t cut it. So we gave in and started letting him go back out.
It was stressful these past few months knowing some day we’d get another letter or even wondering when someone was going to just take him away. We recently heard how “well known” he was when we had a neighborhood party at the start of August. It was funny to hear how many garages he hung out in, but it also made us worry more.
Lucky was showing signs of stress with our remodel. The clawed new leather stool this last week was the turning point, though. We all finally agreed that it was time to find him a new home. I could no longer be selfish and try to hang onto him just because I loved him so.
I posted on Facebook about our situation. And right away my friend Tricia messaged me to tell me about a friend of hers who was looking for a cat that fit Lucky’s description. She lived in a rural area with her husband and little boy, grew up with farm cats, and wanted an outdoor cat. Things moved fast, and I shed quite a few tears. But we all knew in our hearts that this was going to be the perfect home.
So this past Sunday all four of us and Nick’s girlfriend Jaylene made the trip to bring Lucky and his belongings to his new home an hour north.
Saying good-byes was tough.
But he is now living in the garage of this loving family’s rural Minnesota home. Lucky is very social and good with children and other pets. So he will enjoy being around their boy and lab, Norman. In fact we’ve already heard that the introduction of Norman and Lucky went well the first night after we left. Yay!
He will be an outdoor cat able to roam and catch mice anytime he wants. He’s living his dream life! And though I miss him so, I’m very happy that he is where he needs to be.
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Dear Rachel and family,
Many years ago, our youngest turned out to be allergic to cat hair after we’d had our beloved Tinkerbell for a couple of years. It took us 6 months to give her up … to a very dear friend who didn’t live that far from us. It still was very, very hard for the whole family, but especially our youngest, Amy. Tinkerbell ended up living until the age of 22. I am so sorry you and your family had to go through this.
Aww…thanks for sharing your story. I appreciate your empathy, too. It’s hard! I’m happy you were able to give Tinkerbell had a long happy life.
Oh Rachel, I know that had to be so very difficult for all of you. I am glad you were able to find a great home for Lucky. ….Hugs
Thank you so much Vaye.
I’m glad you were able to find a good home for him. He’s a beautiful cat!
Thank you so much Sheri!
I hope Lucky lives a long and happy life at his new home. He’s a very handsome kitty. Those same laws are about to be introduced in our area, and we too have an indoor/outdoor cat. He’s quite manic if he isn’t let out at 7am. Not sure how we will handle this situation either.
Oh! I hope all goes well for you and your kitty. Thanks Rachel.
So sorry to hear that Lucky is gone!
I guess I “knew “ in advance of my sending of the card with him on the front.
I found the picture of him on your blog.
Animals are never gone from your heart. feel better Tessmans!
Yes that is one oh so beautiful cat! I would definitely take Lucky if you were closer to Hawaii.
Thanks for sharing ❤️
Aww…thank you Ione. 😊
I didn’t get your card, Anne. Hmmm…
Thank you for your kind words, though.
Oh, Rachel, how sad for y’all but lucky for Lucky! My Norwegian Forest cat, who looks so much like Lucky, would rather be inside and I’d prefer he stay out—we could’ve swapped kitties! Hugs to you and I hope you find another feline to give your love to!
Thank you Susan. 😘 Yes, that might have been an answer to our problem. LOL
My heart is happy for Lucky, but I know how empty a house can be without a cat. Time for a kitty that you can keep indoors and train to be on a leash.
Maybe someday – I AM a cat girl. For now with our remodel, we probably should hold off though.
I too am happy Lucky has a new home. He is beautiful! Thanks for sharing your story. I had no idea some communities had those rules. It’s wrong.
This too shall pass. But how heartbreaking to have to say goodbye to such a well loved pet. What a sweet tribute. And an unselfish act to think about Lucky first and his needs. He will be so loved like he was with your family.
Thank you Mallory. I feel confident we found him the perfect home.
Aww…hugs to you Jeanne. Thank you for your empathy.
What a big gorgeous cat is Lucky! I’m partial to cats with ginger coloring and his fur looks outstanding. My heart goes out to you over the struggle to find a solution to Lucky’s and your situation. It would be so hard to train an outdoor cat to be happy indoors. I wish the best for you all.
Aww…thank you Luralyn. He will be missed for sure. 🐈
Looks like Lucky is living up to his name with finding not one but two wonderful families to call his own during his lifetime!! So glad you were able to find a new home for him 😀
Thank you so much KT. And his home before us was wonderful too…they just couldn’t keep him when they moved.
Hello Rachel, I’m so happy that Lucky found a new home! We can tell you storys about our kat!!!!
But you have found a decision and it is very well!!!!
I’m so happy for you and your family!!!!!
Thank you Thérèse. 😊