You can always go home…if home is Tabby’s Place, and you happen to be a cat.
We’ll never truly know how it happened, but alumnus Nigel Vincent, who was adopted in July of 2016, recently surfaced in Flemington Boro. We’ll never know how this sweet boy made it over 15 miles from Somerville (his adopter’s address) to Flemington, or why, but we know what happened once he got there.
My friend Chrissy posted a picture to her Facebook page of an orange tabby with white markings, loafed on the back of her sofa, with the caption, “I do not own a cat.”
Late in the evening on St. Patrick’s Day, she had opened her front door, and in he ran, as if he was supposed to be there. Shocked at first, Chrissy soon realized the cat was extraordinarily friendly. Unfortunately, her eldest child is allergic to cats, so the unexpected visitor was going to need to make his stay a short one.
I contacted animal control, and an agent got in contact with Chrissy. Before the night was out, the cat was safely in the agent’s control. (And smartly, Chrissy wiped down every surface the cat had touched. Just because a stray is friendly does not mean he is without fleas, ringworm, etc. This is why every new arrival at Tabby’s Place is placed under quarantine until his health is fully assessed.)
There was something about this cat’s appearance that really struck me. I made a Found Cat graphic and shared it across Facebook. Other Tabby’s Place volunteers noticed it, too: this cat really did look familiar.
While speaking with sanctuary manager Danielle, Nigel Vincent‘s name came up. Once animal control had checked his microchip, our hunch was confirmed. Somehow, Nigel Vincent made his way from Somerville to the North Main Street area of the Flemington Boro, just three days after a significant snowstorm and during bitterly cold temperatures.
As of this writing, Nigel Vincent is safe, warm, and being evaluated medically. Because he was once a Tabby’s Place cat, he will always be a Tabby’s Place cat. A benefit of adopting a Tabby’s Place cat is a lifetime assurance that if somehow the cat becomes lost, the microchip he carries will contain the adopter’s information and Tabby’s Place’s information.
No Tabby’s Place cat can ever truly be lost. One way or another, he can make his way home; no matter what, he will always be welcomed back with open, loving arms.
Adoptive family no longer available?? We have somewhat the same agreement with the shelter where Greta was spotted … and walked into our hearts. Meanwhile, if she should become lost, her info is there for us to be notified first. A BIG thank you hug to the lady who cared for Nigel until he could be rescued, and … as always … a big hug to Tabby’s Place!
What a handsome boy! What a heart-warming post! Thank you Tabby’s Place – as you say, no Tabby’s Place cat (or fan) can ever be truly lost.
I wish Nigel Vincent ran into MY home – I’d never let this handsome boy go.