Sunday, March 9, 2008

Hamster 1, Cat 0

It was a traumatic Sunday afternoon for our family. 

Since the cat arrived at our house, we have been battling to keep the cat away from Abby the hamster. The kitty is very interested in the hamster (duh!) and we have to shut the door to the office where the hamster's cage resides. Long story short, the office door was left ajar today. We left to go to lunch and shop at Target and, by the time we arrived home, the kitty had noticed our mistake and found her way into the office. Cailey noticed the door open right away and ran upstairs. Suddenly, we heard Cailey screaming and crying that the cat ate the hamster!!!  She was so distraught and so upset and could barely get the words out. I just kept saying, "I am so sorry, honey...I am so sorry..."  Then, I went to investigate the carnage, only to find the hamster cage lying on the floor, split open, and hamster bedding/food spread all over the floor.  But, I quickly realized there was no trace of blood or hamster bits...thank goodness...my stomach couldn't have taken that...and I am sure Cailey would have fainted at the site.  I told Cailey that the hamster must have gotten away...at least at first...because there would surely be blood if the cat got her.  We started a search-and-recover effort...although, truthfully, I wasn't confident that we would find the hamster...especially if it was still alive...it could have gone ANYWHERE in this house. Then, we realized the cat was awfully interested in something behind the couch.  Scott grabbed the cat and put her outside so we could search for the hamster.  Scott pulled the couch away from the wall and...voila...the hamster, alive but in shock, was huddled under the couch.  The poor thing didn't even move when Scott reached down to grab her. She just sat in his hands for a short time...I thought maybe she was injured. But, alas, Abby the hamster is alive and well. No injuries, as far as we can tell.  I have no idea how she got away or how long she was being chased by Mary.  

After a quick clean up of her cage, she is again eating and running on her wheel.  Although, she now hisses and screeches whenever anyone sticks their hand in the cage. We are going to give her a few days alone to recover.  Also, we are definitely going to be more diligent about keeping the office door closed!

2 comments:

Terra said...

I don't know how you held it together, I am afraid I might have reacted just as Cailey did thus making the situation even worse! Congrats on a healthy hamster, Hope you don't need to visit the pet shrink for the trauma though!

Anonymous said...

such a cute cat!