Mercury, The Cat

Mercury: 13 years old Tabby cat

(Case reported on 8th Aug 2020 and closed on 15th Jan 2021)

August 2020: Mercury left his home located in Holland, suburb of Philadelphia, one August afternoon. It was that time when the pandemic had taken over and the world was at a standstill. Mercury’s family was frantically looking for him and wanted an immediate answer when Mercury would return home. After a few communication sessions with Mercury, he confessed about his whereabouts. Mercury was safe indoors; in a dingy room with a wooden wet door. He mentioned it to be a shabby place with a bunch of youth. More like a make shift studio apartment. Mercury was a pampered and loved tabby who loved his lavish home with a sundeck in the backyard where he sat for hours sunbathing. He enjoyed the love and care he received from his family and had been with them for more than a decade. This new place was a completely new experience for him. Mercury requested his family to publicise that he is lost. He mentioned that the new family was clueless and will know that he is lost only if they see that post/ flyer/ info somewhere.

September 2020 : Mercury was still missing and the family demanded an answer instantly as to where he could be. “If he was willing to return; why isn’t he back yet” his family questioned. Surprisingly, this time, Mercury did not feel the need to return. He spoke fondly about this new family of youth. This time he clearly mentioned, I am liking it here.

November 2020 : Mercury is settled where he is now. The place is small with less ventilation but is cozy. Grey shades on the walls makes the lighting dull but food is good and water is ample too. I feel secure and happy. I understand that my previous family misses me, but letting go will make it easier for me to move on too. I will return when the time is right. My new family of youngsters have found a reason to smile now. They look at me and decide to return home early to be with me. Their focus towards life is getting clearer day by day as they realise that ‘commitment’ is not scary at all. I have become an integral part of their world now. How can I leave them now by showing mistrust. A bunch of aimless youth who indulged in a carefree life with addictions and anger, have found a reason to improve. I need to sort this out dear family. Please understand.

Dec 2020 : Mercury confessed, “It is very difficult to adjust without me; I know; but I have left the house on my own not knowing where I was headed. I'm still in my physical form and loving this freedom. I have lived an organised life with you. This time I learn; it’s okay to be a bit messy. Don’t try to find me. So chill, I am fine.” Move on for a calmer mind.

Jan 2021 : A family that was frantically looking out for their darling Mercury, made peace with the fact that his purpose with them was done with. They had to move on. And they did. Until one January afternoon, there he was trying to catch some sun by the sundeck again. It was cold and windy but he looked as peaceful as he could be. He had a lot to share. He had lived with a bunch aimless youth who only partied and drank till dawn. Mercury had a lot of sleep to catch up on. He promptly scuttled into his original home to laze around by the fireplace ready to be pampered again.

I wanted to share this adventurous & interesting case which went on for over 5 months. It was an overwhelming experience for me like it was for Mercury.