A St. Catharines family, desperate to find their black and white cat named Zeus, has learned recently he was abandoned in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Wendy Clout, who lives in the Geneva and Linwell area of St. Catharines, says Zeus is friendly, neutered and microchipped. He’s been missing since March 4, and she and her husband discovered Wednesday he had been trapped and dropped off in a ravine at McNab and Church Roads.
“He would probably come if his name is called. He is three years old and very sweet,” says Clout. She expects he could be some distance from the location where he was left, and is asking NOTL residents to check their property, outbuildings and anywhere he could hide.
“We have been out many times since Wednesday to look for him, and also put out flyers in mailboxes. We’re probably going to expand our search area though.”
Clout told The Local Sunday morning she has been in contact with Tanya Rice, a local animal rescue volunteer who lives not far from where Zeus was dropped. “She very kindly came out last night and helped us search for over an hour.”
Rice says it’s not unusual to find strays that have been dropped off in rural NOTL after being transported out of their own neighbourhood. “We know it’s happened, sometimes because they’ve been microchipped. Also, if you know the strays in your neighbourhood, and you see a new one, it’s safe to say it’s been transported from somewhere else.”
It’s also possible Zeus has been taken in by people who believe him to be homeless, and don’t realize there is a search on for him. He has also been mentioned on social media, although Rice says that’s been pretty limited so far.
While talking to The Local, Rice referred to the loud bursts of thunder in the background Sunday morning, and said “Zeus will be looking for shelter.” In addition to checking garages, barns and sheds, she also suggested wood piles and stationary farm equipment, as well as drainage ditches and culverts. And shout loudly, she added — she thinks he will respond to his name
“We really need to get the word out to check for him,” Rice said. “While we were looking last night, several people walking or driving by stopped to talk, and they were so accommodating. We know there are others who are looking for him as well.”
One of the NOTL Facebook pages mentioned a cat who looked like Zeus had been found, but it turned out not to have the right markings, said Rice.
Anyone with information about Zeus’s whereabouts can call 905-685-5185.
