How long should I wait? Cat is missing :(

[mumtomaxwell]

My 16 yr old male cat has gone missing.
To give a brief background he's always been a bit 'dim' and has lots of health problems (hyperthyroidism, arthritis, deaf etc). We moved house 2 years ago and he's never really gone far away, and over the past couple of months has been almost housebound - by his own choice.
I've ring all local vets and rescue centres, he's microchipped, and I've put details on local Facebook pages.
He went out Friday evening, and hasn't come back. How long would you wait before assuming the worst?

[Fluffycloudland77]

I'd probably never give up.

Have you done leaflets?.

[NecklessMumster]

We found ours stuck in a row of garages, I'm guessing you've looked nearby etc

[mumtomaxwell]

Leaflets delivered to surrounding streets.... But no news...

My heart aches for him :(

[Idontknowwhoiam]

Mine went for two days the other day. She came back really dehydrated so I think she was in a shed or garage and got locked in... can you knock on some neighbours doors if they've got sheds or garages and ask them to check?

[ListenToYourHeart]

Our cat was missing a week when he returned and he'd never gone out for more than a few hours at a time before.

We assumed the worst when he didn't come back that evening, but went looking for him every day/night, used Facebook, vets etc.

Exactly a week later he walked in starving with a sore leg!

Don't give up just yet, hope he comes home soon

[DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen]

Any sign OP?

[mumtomaxwell]

No nothing :(

It is horrible not knowing where he is or what's happened. And I keep looking for him in his usual spots around the house and garden. Hoping he'll just saunter in one day like nothing's happened!

[DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen]

Oh you poor thing, hope he comes home soon x

[MrsOs]

Our cat went missing 2 months ago and wandered in the other day as if nothing happened and then went off again! We think she must have moved in with someone else close by. knock on doors, put posters up, ring council to see if any cats hit by cars have been picked up (sorry to suggest this!) .. Hopefully he will come back soon x