Followers of the neighborhood search effort turned to drinking to calm their nerves. They deserted their nightly television programs in favor of social media. One supporter even purchased Wi-Fi on her international flight, just to get updates in real time. There were multiple false reports that the mystery had been solved, putting the community on edge.
The 70-day ordeal became the focus of meetings, backyard chats, and barroom banter. It drew the attention of kids and adults, as well as the ward’s alderwoman, who drafted an official city resolution. In short, the residents of Tower Grove South were enthralled by the story of Matt the Cat—a fluffy orange tabby who escaped from his home last November. “I want to get the point across that it’s not just a story about a cat,” says Matt’s owner, Maire Murphy. “It’s about a neighborhood coming together.”
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The day Murphy noticed that Matt was missing, she posted photos and notices on the neighborhood’s Facebook page and began hanging bright-yellow posters featuring his adorable mugshot everywhere. Her grassroots approach inspired an outpouring of passion from Tower Grovers who, by the end of it all, had made more than 150 calls and sent dozens of messages to Murphy with information regarding the possible whereabouts of Matt the Cat.
Murphy, impressed and humbled by the neighborhood’s concern, thinks the overwhelming response is part of a bigger picture that “symbolizes what we want in a community,” which is “people going out of their way to help one another.” She scoured the alleys at night and struck up conversations with strangers, who jumped at the chance to become communally invested in something.
Matt the Cat survived through Thanksgiving, December’s record-breaking rains, and January’s snow, only to return from his journey 2 pounds lighter and a little bit wiser. He was found just across the park after a man managed to snap a photo. Murphy pursued the tip and discovered Matt dining with other strays on the porch of the man’s neighbor.
Matt the Cat may be home safe and sound, but Murphy doesn’t see this as the end. “I hope to use the same momentum behind Matt the Cat to have other neighborhood initiatives,” she says. “It’s never just about a cat.”
