Tiga has the characteristics of all cats — he is very curious. Can’t really blame him since he is cooped up in the house everyday, he has probably checked all every single corner of the house many times. So whenever we open the cupboard or door to a room usually closed, he can’t wait to check it out.

The front door when opened is irresistible to Tiga — it’s always filled with interesting sounds and new space to venture. He used to dash out but after going out and getting lost once, he will sit at the door, looking and listening intently to every sound.

Last Tuesday, the temptation of sneaking onto the corridor seemed too much and Tiga went out. Without anyone noticing.

When we came back from dinner, he did not come out from his sleeping spot as usual so I thought perhaps cos James the almost stranger is around, he prefers to stay in his hiding place.

The next morning came and still no sound nor sight of Tiga, food was also untouched. I went few floors up and down but still no sight of him.

When i got back from work, i checked the food and it was still untouched. Evidence that he is truly not home. I combed every floor in my block knowing his timid character, he wouldn’t be venturing anywhere out of the block. Despite checking under every flower pot/shoe rack and calling out his name, there is still no sight of him.

My thoughts was someone had caught him and brought him into their house. So I wrote a handwritten note and stuck at the lift lobby on groundfloor, hoping someone would see and call me.

No calls came that night.

I was thinking Tiga would not be coming back anymore but when I got to office , a call came! My neighbour on the 8th floor called saying her maid saw a cat hiding outside her unit. I immediately called home and James was despatched to rescue him.

Thank goodness Tiga did not attempt to run away and James brought him home safely. Accordingly to dad he went into hiding the moment he was home but came out shortly when mom called him cos he was too hungry.

Mom called and told me Tiga has lost weight.

-______-

2 nights only cannot be lah.

When I got home, Tiga came out of his hiding and looked shaken. I scooped him up to shower him cos his tail turned greyish from all the corridor dust.

Amazingly there wasn’t too much of a struggle, just alot of complaints (meows), i guess warm water helps to calm him down. His fur got a good wash with my shampoo and was so thick i needed 2 towels to dry him.

He was not very happy about how wet his fur is and kept grooming himself.

Now he stays very far away from the front door when it was opened. Lesson learned? Maybe for 2 weeks.

Here’s Tiga with his half-dried fur after shower.

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Uploaded with plasq’s Skitch!

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