Do colony cats have feelings for their caretakers? Yes! They absolutely do, and here’s one example featuring a colony cat named Spot. This story also shows how caretakers get attached to and know the purrsonalities of each cat in the colony.
Philly rescuer Bob Lynch cares for upwards of 90 colony cats. Late nights, he’s often “hanging out with the Clowder,” and one of his favorites is the black and white cat named Spot.
Picture of Spot from 2020 via Facebook/Cowboy Cat Wrangler
Lynch was deeply concerned after Spot suddenly disappeared though, asking followers for prayers for his safe return. The friendly kitty rarely missed a meal since 2018, loyally showing up daily. It “ripped his soul out” and was the “worst feeling ever” because Spot was so special to him. He had gone missing once before after New Year’s Eve fireworks in 2022 but turned up a week later. Hopefully, he’d return again this time.
Search Party for the Missing Colony Cat
After two weeks missing, he went on search parties with some help from the colony cats, who tagged along.
Patches the senior cat follows Lynch on a search for Spot. Images and media via Facebook/Cowboy Cat Wrangler
One helper who joined the search party was Patches, the senior matriarch of the group. But sadly, there was no trace of Spot.
Spot Appears Late at Night a Month Later
A month later, Lynch had almost lost all hope. But that’s when Spot showed up, casually strolling up at two in the morning! In the video below, you can see that this colony cat was overjoyed to see his caretaker again and vice versa!
There was much rejoicing and many head butts.
Where Was Spot?
As it turned out, Spot may have been luckier than anyone could have guessed. He is thought to have possibly gotten stuck in a building near the colony. Without access to food or water, he somehow thankfully survived. Fortunately, other than appearing thin, he was healthy and had a ravenous appetite.
After new tenants moved into the building, Lynch showed them pictures of Spot. They kept an eye out, left food in the basement, and propped the door open after hearing noises. The open door may have allowed Spot to make his escape and have a joyful reunion at his familiar colony. But it may always remain a mystery what really happened.
“When I pulled up tonight, out he came,” Lynch explained.
That’s when both cried at seeing each other again.
“I missed you Spot! I love you, buddy. Where have you been? You’re going to get super-extra treats tonight. You missed me just as much as I missed you, buddy.”
You can see the reunion with Spot, the missing colony cat, below:
A Buffet Bonanza for the Colony Cats
Spot was treated to a giant buffet of treats and meowed his thanks in return as Patches joined him.
“Wherever he was, he’s super hungry,” Lynch said.
It was then the Cowboy Cat Wrangler announced plans to make Spot an indoor kitty for good. Although the cat doesn’t like being held, he’s so friendly, and the odds are he could adjust to indoor life with time and patience.
“We’re going to have to discuss bringing you inside. I think it’s time. That’s my decision, no one else’s. We’ll figure it out,” he said.
The outgoing kitty also encouraged the other colony cats to come out of hiding and partake in the happy reunion feast.
The story is a great reminder never to give up hope if a cat goes missing. Sometimes, they suddenly appear and act like nothing ever happened. Cats are incredibly adaptable and resourceful like that. But with a caring human also looking out for him, Spot won’t have to be on his own ever again.
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