A Lost Cat Named Harvey

A quarter-mile from my house I would often see this adorable long-haired gray and white cat in someone's yard. And then one morning huddled on my porch was the same long-haired gray and white cat I had often seen on my outings.
  

I thought this little guy was lost and his family must be missing him terribly. When I approached him he was obviously in distress- hissing and growling with hair standing on end. Definitely NOT approachable. So immediately drove down to the house where I had seen him in the past.

The homeowner was very sick and had a caregiver staying with him. I was told the long-haired cat had been living under the porch for about a year and fighting with their other cats for food. The caregiver told me the cat was just a mean FERAL and glad he was gone. She said she had tried everything to rid him of the property by throwing heavy objects at him and finally resorting to shooting at him.

I had been a volunteer throughout my life with various dog and cat rescue groups, and this woman assuming a cat who was not approachable and in distress as being Feral was not unusual.  This common misconception that unless a Cat isn't friendly, they assume it's a feral and not an animal who is extremely terrified and fighting for survival. 

I ended up having to set a Humane trap and took the Cat for a health check-up and neutered.  The months that followed were not easy. It took a lot of work and quiet patience for him to slowly trust me. Then one day he came up and sat down next to me, and as the weeks passed allowed me to pet him.  Finally, I was able to pick him up.  Immediately he melted in my arms and didn't want me to let him go. I named him Harvey.

I've suffered from a chronic illness for a long time and this past year it has taken a turn for the worse. Harvey was a great comfort and many times the only joy in my day.  No matter how hungry he was or what tasty treat I put down for him, he always had to be loved first.

My life was blessed with this little guy for 7 years. I dearly love all the animals who have come my way. Given the chance, any animal has it's own unique and endearing personality. But of all I've rescued, Harvey was the sweetest and most loving.

And then the unthinkable happened. In late August of this year, Harvey went missing. Harvey always remained frightened of people in general and knowing his history, I worry he will be mistaken as a feral or an unwanted stray. I can only hope that by telling Harvey's story someone will make the connection to the cat pictured in the lost signs I've posted and by some miracle, I will be reunited with my beloved Harvey.

Thank you for taking the time to read Harvey's story. If you live along the Key Peninsula and even think you may have seen him, please email me here Harvey@2lostcats.com

Thank you