Morton Uncovers a Mysterious ‘Who?’

Cats have woven themselves into human households for millennia, with the earliest known depictions in Egyptian paintings dating back at least 3,600 years. However, DNA research pushes their beginnings closer to humans to around 10,000 years ago in the fertile crescent.

Unlike dogs, who show an overt eagerness to bond with humans, cats retain an air of mystery and independence. Contrary to popular belief, it’s argued that cats allowed themselves to be domesticated to gain benefits, rather than humans taming them.

Their enigmatic nature translates to diverse personalities, with some experts identifying up to 16 distinct feline temperaments. Yet, for indoor cats, they largely fall into three main categories.

The first group avoids the outdoors completely. The second is opportunistic, opting to explore if the conditions are right. The third cat type exhibits a clear wanderlust, always plotting their next outdoor adventure. Even so, many of these adventurous types don’t venture far and reappear quickly as if nothing happened.

Then there was Morton. Initially, he seemed to fit the mold of an indoor cat. Found as a scrawny kitten in a Maricopa Walmart parking lot, a woman named Claire took him home. Despite several attempts to locate his owner, Morton was unclaimed, and Claire decided to keep him.

Morton’s life was that of a typical house cat: demanding, food-driven, and remarkably affectionate towards Claire. Years passed without incident until one day, Morton vanished while Claire was on a business trip. The pet-sitter reported no sign of him, causing Claire concern.

In the search for Morton, Claire posted a notice online, and her mother distributed flyers around their neighborhood. Multiple sightings were reported, including one from Jessica Smith, who saw a black-and-white cat lying casually on a nearby street. Days later, another local, Robert, discovered a cat with a red collar and tag on the John Wayne Parkway overpass. Realizing who the cat belonged to, he contacted Claire.

With thanks to Morton’s collar and tag, Claire was ultimately reunited with her feline friend. The episode underscored the importance of identifying your pets, as it’s often impossible to differentiate between a wandering indoor cat and an outdoor cat.

Pet owners should be proactive to avoid such distressing situations. Keeping cats indoors generally results in longer, healthier lives, provided they are mentally stimulated and physically active. Spaying or neutering pets can also mitigate the urge to roam while preventing unwanted litters. Finally, an easily noticeable tag indicating the cat is an “INDOOR CAT” along with the owner’s phone number can facilitate swift reunions if they get lost.

Knowing your pet’s personality helps, but expect the unexpected. The world outside can be unpredictable.