Dublin didn’t end up outdoors because he seized an opportunity to escape. A door didn’t blow open (though that has happened to us before). A window screen didn’t fall out. He didn’t slip out around our legs. He’s not a cat that wears a lead and harness—though that would be cool. He’s never had an indication that he’s wanted outside for any reason.
He’s a bit of a shoulder cat—hanging out and keeping watch. I often do housework while he lounges on my shoulders. He’s even been caught snoozing there once or twice. When it’s time to take out the trash, he’s been known to make the trip with me.
A series of events led up to his panicked escape. We were outside meeting a new neighbour’s kitten when something spooked Dublin. As I was taking him inside, he jumped down onto the deck, ran underneath it, and when I reached for him, he bolted.
The way Dublin ran definitely worried us—he looked absolutely terrified. We didn’t know how far a scared cat might go. We were sure he ran so fast and so blindly that he wouldn’t have a clue how to get back home.
