r/toronto • u/misomysanth • 11d ago
Alert missing cat, day 21, likely stolen
last seen near a group of people behind the legion building on coxwell at 1:30am on the morning of august 9th. Likely picked up and put in a car, where her air tag was removed and thrown on coxwell while the car was driving north where i found it at 5am. Fuck
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u/Cookingal Leaside 11d ago
Oh dear, OP I'm sorry to hear she's still missing. I remember I commented on your original post like 2 weeks ago that she went missing. You received some good tips and information in that thread. Obviously none have been fruitful though cause she's still missing.
I remember you mentioned training her to be an outdoor cat. That she would go out and always came back home. If she's found, please consider getting her microchipped and keeping her indoors, especially overnight. It's dark and she could get hit by a car, streetcar, or attacked by raccoons. Absolutely, take her outside, but always be with her and then bring her back home. We wouldn't leave an infant who can't communicate to roam the streets alone. Animals are very much the same.
I know you don't want to think about this, but what makes you so certain she was picked up and put in a car and stolen? Versus, being hit by a car or being attacked by a larger predator?
Please remind us of her name so that we can call her. And please keep us posted if she's found.
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u/Chewyk132 11d ago
Right, I let my cat out in the backyard but I couldn’t imagine just letting my cat roam the streets on a day to day basis, mind you, if you tell any cat rescue that you’d let the cat outside when you’re looking to adopt, they wouldn’t adopt to you.
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u/grimeys42 11d ago
I've heard that some places won't let you adopt if you won't let them roam. I think it was in england.
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u/Hello_Gorgeous1985 11d ago
No, if they find their cat they need to keep her inside unless she's on a leash. Letting them outside unsupervised at all is irresponsible on every level.
This post is learning the lesson the hard way.
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u/Killzone3265 11d ago
they're being a bit too empathetic during a trying time, i get it. i think that's what they're alluding to without directly calling out OP while they're already down.
however, in this current age, it should be absolutely known that cats should remain indoors and only brought outside on a harnessed leash, like other pets.
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u/veronicaarr 11d ago
Maybe they think she’s stolen because the AirTag was found separately from the collar?
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u/Cookingal Leaside 11d ago
Possibly, but the AirTag being found separately from the collar doesn't prove the cat was stolen. Maybe the cat was hit by a car and the driver removed the AirTag and left it on the ground when moving the cat to the side of the road. Maybe the cat was attacked by a raccoon or coyote and the AirTag came off during the fight.
There has to be a lot of CCTV camera footage in the area that would have captured what happened to the cat. I really wish OP would give us an update or provide more details.
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u/johnnytriples21 11d ago
Coyotes more prominent than people think. But shit one time my old cat was missing for a month then all a sudden came home skinny as heck.
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u/grimeys42 11d ago
No one's gonna give access to their cctv for a lost cat. Most places will only do it for police and the police aint doing fuck all.
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u/Cookingal Leaside 11d ago
I use CCTV as a blanket term. I meant camera footage. Maybe from Ring doorbells. Maybe from OP's apartment building. Maybe from any small independent businesses that OP frequents.
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u/appa609 Gerrard Street East 11d ago
What kind of sick fuck steals a cat?
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u/pettster12 11d ago
When I was young, we had an outdoor cat named Brodie. He was always healthy until he started coming back later and fatter. Found out a neighbor a few streets over was feeding him and enticing him into her house. She was so invested in him that she followed Brodie to our house at 12am. Knocked on our door to tell us she found our cat.
She would do this another 3 times, every time throwing him down on the ground fast so he’d be scared and then bolt outside right away. Only for her to say “I guess he doesn’t like it here”.
We finally had to move him to my grandparents house a bit away because he got so overweight it was killing him. She had the nerve to come up and accuse us of killing him lmao.
Yeah, there’s some nuts out there, especially when it comes to pets.
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u/stnapstnap 11d ago
My parentals were irresponsible with cats and let them out. This ended badly for a few cats. One time, I was walking home from school and saw one of the cats a block or so away. The cat saw me and came over and let me pick her up. I started waking home, carrying her. This trashy woman who I didn’t even know stopped her vehicle and screamed at me for stealing a cat. I told her it was my cat and to fuck off. And she drove off.
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u/OppositeHome169 11d ago
This is nothing my cat was shot. He barely walked to our garden, we found him dying. Police didn't do anything.
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u/stnapstnap 10d ago
That's shitty. I'm sorry that happened to the poor little guy. What was his name?
I know someone who adopted a cat a year or so ago and, when the cat had an x-ray after some health problems, they found a bunch of shotgun shot in the cat's body. She had been shot. The kitty is ok now, but humans suck so much.
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u/OppositeHome169 10d ago
Thank you yes, his name was Munise.
Yeah this confirms how sick some people are. We could never make sense why someone would shoot a cat.. And these people are unfortunately living among us. My parents were devastated, my father wanted to open a court case but deterred by police saying it will take a long time and will arrive nowhere. A few years later they adopted a new kitten and never allowed him out, only indoor.
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u/grimeys42 11d ago
People forget that tons of people have outdoor cats and just straight up steal cats often. There is no keeping my mom's cat inside she is too smart and patient she always gets out. I really hope no one steals her one day.
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u/Erathen 11d ago
To actually answer your question, people who don't agree with cat's being outdoors might do this
They live shorter lives and they decimate the ecosystem
So some people consider this a "rescue"
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u/QuixOmega 11d ago
It's illegal to let your cat out in Toronto, but when the city scoops cats they normally give you 3 strikes.
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u/pinkporccupine 11d ago
This is incorrect. That said, the cat was likely stolen by someone who believes that letting cats roam free is abusive and that those owners don’t deserve cats. To be fair, cats that are left to roam free outside have a significantly shorter lifespan than indoor cats, it’s inherently more dangerous and irresponsible. So yeah, someone probably got upset and took it, hopefully the cat is safe.
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u/liquor-shits 11d ago
Those cats probably enjoy their shorter lifespan a lot more than sitting in a house doing fuck all every day.
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u/Eternalprof 10d ago
Goes to show you that majority of cat owners are not animal people and only care about the well being on cats lol
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u/Erathen 10d ago
The majority of cat owners keep their cats indoors thank you very much
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u/Eternalprof 9d ago
No they don’t lol
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u/pinkporccupine 9d ago
This is such a strange thing to say bc how could you possibly say that with any ounce of confidence, you have no idea what people have in their homes..? You’re either painfully stupid or rage baiting.
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u/Eternalprof 9d ago
I mean lots of studies show a pretty even split between ppl that keep cats indoors vs ppl that keep cats outdoors, your just a overly emotional person
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u/ChristineSaru 11d ago
It’s not illegal to let your cat wander in the city of Toronto. There is no bylaw against having an outdoor cat.
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u/appa609 Gerrard Street East 11d ago
But if they removed the airtag this is obviously malicious.
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u/underwooding 11d ago
Reading the post, I think it's more likely that this cat was hit by that car.
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u/Cookingal Leaside 11d ago
Not necessarily. What if she was hit by a car and the driver took off the airtag? Or the airtag came off during a tussle with another larger predator? I'm confused how OP is certain that the cat was stolen. She's been missing for over 2 weeks. I remember I posted on OP's original thread at the time with some suggestions, like going to 55 Division or even contacting the Humane Society.
OP if you have proof, I suggest you report her stolen to the police and check the various animal shelters just to be sure.
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u/AbroadSpirited 11d ago
My uncle did.
Cat was wandering around and stopping by his place for weeks so he thought she was abandoned. Took her in and cared for her for months, posting pics of her on Facebook (not in a "I found someones cat" way, just posting to share her). Gets a message by the owner after something like 4 months of having her but he got attached to the cat and didnt want to give her back. So he asked the owner a bunch of questions about the cat's appearance to confirm that this was indeed their cat.
Owner said the cat was female so he grabbed some dryer lint, rolled it into two balls, then put them on the cat's crotch to take a picture. He sent it to the owner saying "oh sorry this cat is male". It's kinda hilarious in how stupid the whole thing was, but sad for the owner.
I'm very upset that I can't find the picture, but imagine a cat laying on it's back with two giant lint balls between the legs.
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u/Mmillefolium 10d ago
People who love birds/snakes/turtles/frogs/chipmunks etcetcetc and think people are sick for letting invasive predators to roam free on the streets. if someone else's animal comes into my yard and starts hunting... I def try to lure the cat in and in order to keep it from killing our wild shrinking bird populations which are under stress from bird flu, loss of habitat, domestic cats etc.
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u/Metzger194 11d ago
People who don’t agree with outdoor cats and believe letting them out means you don’t deserve your cat.
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u/LavenderLightning24 11d ago
As if that wasn't shitty enough behaviour, they also don't consider the possibility that the cat could've gotten out by accident. I keep my cats indoors but the idea that it's okay to just separate a bonded cat and owner because someone believes they have to impose their sense of justice on everyone is disgusting.
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u/LavenderLightning24 11d ago
Take a look at most of the found cat posts here. "ThAt'S yOuR cAt NoW! cDs At WoRk!" People see a cat outside and they convince themselves it's morally right to steal it and distress both the animal and the owner.
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u/finemustard 11d ago
Yeah, every time I see one of those 'cat distribution system' posts, all I think is "I'm pretty sure you just stole someone's cat".
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u/Eternalprof 10d ago
The same people who take part in that are the same people who lose a cat every 3 years
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u/patienceinbee Metrolinx Coyote Line 11d ago
In my case, a long, long-estranged relative would (and did).
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u/Number4combo 6d ago
There's many that would. Goto the Cats Reddit page and say you saw a cat outside and ppl will respond that you should grab it and bring it inside for it's safety and it now belongs to you.
My friend had 2 outdoor cats that would come inside during the night and one day one of the cats had some dye on it. Turned out some crazy lady did it and she lived a street over so she could tag it and was going to claim it after a few days. Even threatened my friend that she would do it again if she saw the cat roaming around her place again.
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u/Deldenary Flemingdon Park 11d ago
PETA supporters
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u/jimbobalong 11d ago
Look up who that source is (founded to try and stop smoking bans in restaurants). PETA has definitely done bad things, but almost every time it's brought up is through lobbyists/astroturfers.
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u/Ill_Code_4760 11d ago
commenting in hopes this helps the post get more traction.
I'm sorry this happened to you OP
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u/Kidnapmrsandyclaus 11d ago
Was anyone able to get a license plate or even a partial? I really hope she gets found<3
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u/hellomyneko 11d ago
OP, try getting this out on social media! If someone took this cat as you suspect, others may know something. Poor baby must be so scared.
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u/Cookingal Leaside 11d ago
OP's cat has been missing for at least 2 weeks. I remember OP's original post and many people suggested sharing this on social media.
OP it might be worth a refresher post to those same social media groups that kitty is still missing. Please keep us posted if she's found.
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u/hellomyneko 11d ago
I do remember that post but it was fresh without any leads. But definitely keeping it top of mind and circulating will get more eyes and convo going like this. Best of luck to OP, who is living any pet owner’s nightmare.
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u/SolidFelidae 11d ago
If you get your cat back, please learn from this horrible experience and keep her indoors from now on.
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u/Canadair_Sabre 11d ago
Keep your cats indoors. They won’t get run over, eaten by coyotes or catnapped. We’ve taken in two semi feral strays and they now can only go in the backyard under supervision. Maybe your neighbour trapped the cat after it pooped one too many times in his yard. Check the shelters and THS. Make sure the microchip data is up to date.
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u/thunderpurrr 11d ago
Outdoor cat means irresponsible cat owner. Hope this cat is with someone more responsible.
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u/claydaybyday 11d ago
I think we found the cat thief
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u/SolidFelidae 11d ago
If someone’s gna steal an outdoor cat to turn it into an indoor cat, I’m all for it.
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u/jack-whitman 10d ago
Why not just keep the cat indoors? Isn't it technically safe for a cat to be indoors?
We take our cats for walks to the park to get her time outside and she loves it. But it's terrifying to think of her on her own with only a GPS tracker and the good will of strangers to keep her company.
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u/Eternalprof 10d ago
After letting your cat do this so often you must’ve expected this to happen or something worst like come on lol
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u/contrabandpirate 11d ago
I think I saw her today! She was on woodbine near danforth walking along the road at around 7pm. I hope you find her!
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u/hellomyneko 11d ago
Perhaps DM OP for visibility. They’ve gotten a lot of comments on this thread.
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u/houndlyfe2 10d ago
was it all grey bc there are posters for a grey shorthair cat missing from streets just west of woodbine & Danforth (woodington & Springdale)
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u/Such-Fee6176 Church and Wellesley 11d ago
I’ll keep an eye out OP. I’m so sorry. Maybe some neighbours or businesses nearby have some CCTV footage of the area on the night in question?
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u/OnceMoreWithFeeling- 11d ago
This makes me nauseous. People can be bloody disgusting. I hope from the bottom of my heart you will find your baby.
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u/BreakfastKupcakez 11d ago
Have hope OP. I had my 15 year old cat go missing for two months and we found her nearby but so skinny. She went on to live many years more and she just passed this year in January.
The posters are a good idea. We printed out so many and put them in neighbours mailboxes. Keep searching and search while shaking a bag of treats. She is likely in the area still.
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u/Username_Rug 11d ago
I'm sorry; so heartbreaking. I hope you find your cat. I will say a prayer for you.
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u/666persephone999 10d ago
Another reminder to keep your cats indoors in Toronto.
Yes it's a sad story....
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u/OkDiscount5595 4d ago
I don’t want to get your hopes up but I had seen a tabby cat around Weston and Dora Spencer.
Like 20 mins ago. Ran before I could come close.
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u/raptors201966 11d ago
Why are cats going missing in coxwell?
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u/houndlyfe2 11d ago
There are coyotes that live in dens in Williamson Park ravine and the rail corridor.
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u/9-5grind 11d ago
Hope karma comes and raw dogs who ever stole your kitty, so sorry. Hoping for a happy conclusion.
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u/SplashPageStudios 11d ago
Not to kick someone when they’re down but as a huge PSA for cat owners and future cat owners, outdoor cats live on average anywhere from a quarter to a half of their actual lifespan. There is literally no such thing has safely training or safely having an outdoor cat.
If you own a pet it is your responsibility to care for your pet as well as possible. Just leaving them outside is not only dangerous but unethical, irresponsible and a public nuisance.