Well, look at that; wrong cat

Upon further review, Salem’s whereabouts remain unknown.

That’s the cat an Arizona family came to Tucumcari to pick up on Dec. 1, five months after losing her in a cross-country move. Wayland Labhart confirmed Salem via a birthmark in the mouth with Tucumcari’s Paws and Claws Animal Rescue, and the cat had even acclimated to its new house in Precott Valley.

But a veterinarian’s office check revealed the cat the Labharts picked up was a male. Salem, also known as Bitey, is female.

“I appreciate everything Paws and Claws has done and continues to do,” Labhart said. “I would appreciate the community’s assistance in locating our cat.”

Attempts to contact Paws and Claws Animal Rescue regarding the incorrect identification Tuesday were unsuccessful.

Linda Sills of Tucumcari, who donated a trap that safely captured the cat, said the Labharts first made contact with her about the situation. She said the situation is saddening and unfortunate, but she still believes Salem is out there somewhere.

“When she was lost, she weighed 14 pounds, but that was five months ago,” Sills said. “She’s black, but she has a mane around her head that was brown.”

As for the cat the Labharts now have, Wayland said the family is talking with the local Humane Society to find another home for it.