As a follow-up to my last column on preparing a pet disaster kit, I’d like to relate the following true story.

During the Jesusita Fire five months ago, Mickey and June Wilson evacuated with their cat to Motel 6 in Buellton. Just after checking in, the frightened animal made a successful escape through the open door, and was gone in a flash.

His disappearance was sudden, and no amount of searching and calling brought him forth during the brief time the owners were in residence. At last they had to leave without him, luckily returning home to a house still standing but brokenhearted at the loss of their precious pet.

Morris, the cat, had previously used up at least one of his nine lives. Owned by a woman in Ventura, he was brought to the Santa Barbara Animal Shelter to be euthanized for “domestic reasons.” Luckily the request was denied as the cat was out of jurisdiction.

The woman then tried to talk a nearby garden center into taking him as a mouser. Again she was denied, and sat in her car crying just as Mickey drove up to buy “a single tomato plant.”

Kind man that he is, Mickey asked the woman what was wrong and after listening to the tale, asked to see the cat. When the woman opened the pet carrier, a beautiful oatmeal-colored tabby jumped out and into the man’s arms, snuggling close.

“I’ll take the cat. Give me the carrier,” Mickey said.

Now, seven years later and 45 miles from home, Morris was lost.

A couple of weeks after the fire, a new cat showed up at one of our Buellton feeding stations. The animal obviously had belonged to someone as he was very vocal and sported a blue collar with tag. He was very skittish, however, and could not be touched.

Four months went by until, on October 18th, one of our Board members was putting out food when the cat walked up to her and rubbed against her legs. At last his collar tag could be read, revealing the name “Morris” and the owner’s contact information.

That was one happy phone call. Morris is now back at home enjoying his favorite sleeping spots, under the avocado tree during the day and on the bed at night. Reportedly he spends more time indoors these days, probably keeping close tabs on his people.

Cats are amazing animals, knowing when and where to seek shelter, food, and human help. Tagging an indoor/outdoor pet is important for reuniting them with their owners in the event they are lost. Morris is one lucky cat to have owners with foresight.

Tagging pets in the face of disaster is even more critical. Even if you prefer to not have a collared cat, have tagged collars prepared for each pet in your “disaster kit” just in case. A simple plan can bring amazing results.