Missing in action

Well, hmmm.

Things went really well with our new kittens last night. We brought them home, set up food, water, and litter boxes, and let them out of the cat carrier. Simon turned out to be much braver about exploring the basement, but eventually both of them ate, drank, peed, and played. Later, they both came to us and were petted. We left them in the finished basement last night, so they could explore on their own and we could get good sleep.

This morning, Simon was waiting for me on the other side of the basement door. I sat on the futon and both Simon and Rabies came over for some love. I think that was probably the first time I've petted two cats at once, because our two other cats, Pig and Butterscotch, came together in one house later in life and they wouldn't have both been on a couch at the same time, let alone asking to be petted at the same time.

So we decided to let them into the largest part of the house, but still close off the bedrooms upstairs. Simon was once again the brave kitty, and Rabies came up and then rushed back downstairs a few times. Simon explored everywhere, including behind the dryer (don't have to try to get the lint out of there, now!) and settled down in the window, enjoying the sun and getting petted every other minute.

Now, it's been about 3 hours and Simon is stretched out full-length in the middle of the girls on the couch, sound asleep. Rabies, however. Rabies we have not seen for about 2 1/2 hours and we have no idea where he is. I mean, no idea. We've looked everywhere we can think and a few places that seemed impossible for even a five-month-old kitten to get into and we can't find him.

We've heard some indistinct noises from the basement, so I'm convinced he's down there somewhere. And since his brother is now napping, I'm guessing he's sleeping and we won't see him come out again until late afternoon. Greg is going absolutely bonkers. The only time anyone opened a door to outside was when I went out to get the newspaper, so he's convinced I let Rabies out then.

It's about 5 degrees outside, however. Plus, we got fresh snow this morning and there are no pawprints on the doorstep or front porch. He's in the house; we just have absolutely, completely, no idea where the hell he is.

RABIES! WHERE ARE YOU????