We had our first cat last year. Maggot. She was a really great cat. Not very affectionate, but she was a cool cat. She got out one night when I put the trash out and she never came back. She was a year old, and we hoped she would come back, but she hasn't.
It's been a couple of months now, and my kid is finally ready get another kitten to take Maggie's place.
I'll be much more careful this time. I'll make sure I don't leave the doors open when I put the trash out.