Cat sittng, one cat missing

[Allergictoironing]

I'm cat sitting over the holidays for a relative, and one of the cats has gone missing. Relative went away yesterday morning early, didn't see the cat before she went away but that's nothing too unusual. But no sign of him last night, this morning or this evening, and his food hasn't been touched. The other cat is fine, comes over for a cuddle and has been eating her food.

The missing cat has to have his medicine daily or he has fits - luckily the other only eats cat food so ignores the tasty chicken or tuna with the medicine on it. Missing cat really REALLY likes his food, so seeing it untouched means he hasn't been in to eat anything and I'm getting very worried about him. A few years ago he did wander off for a day or two a couple of times, but never since he has been ill. I've searched the whole house, including places you wouldn't think he could squeeze into, and checked the garden, alley out the back, under nearby cars etc.

He's chipped, so I'm assuming that if he has been taken to a vet or rescue they will check for the chip but the owner hasn't received any calls. Tomorrow morning when I go back there I am intending to leaflet the nearby houses asking them to check their garages, sheds etc.

Any other suggestions as to what I can do? The owner knows he's missing, and I have carte blanche to do anything I need to get him found.

[Fluffycloudland77]

Facebook spotted?

Awful situation your in there.

[TrustySnail]

Oh, dear - how horrible for you. Could you affix a few copies of your leaflet to lamp posts in the area as well? I would suggest actually knocking on the door and speaking to the immediate neighbours (if your relative is OK with this) as a leaflet might get overlooked, especially this near to Christmas.

I do hope you find him soon.

[Allergictoironing]

Neither of us on Facebook I'm afraid. I walked back into my own house & immediately checked both of mine were there, even though they are indoor cats & can't get out.

[Badcat666]

Knock on all the doors!! Mine once got trapped in someones shed a whole night due to being a nosy bastard and nipped in when the personwas putting their lawnmower away.

[Merriment]

Horrible for you, he may have got wind of his owner going away and taken umbrage, I hope he returns soon.

[Snooks1971]

Second Badcat - knock on all doors nearby if you can and don't mind doing so ! He won't be far and it will make everyone aware. Good luck hope he returns v soon. They are such a worry x

[timtam23]

Sometimes mine gets the hump when we go away & our car feeder doesn't see him for days, food is left untouched. It's very worrying but he has always come back eventually. The medication is a bit more of a problem though I agree. See if neighbours would have a quick check of sheds/garages as a lot are opened up at this time of year & a cat could sneak in

[timtam23]

cat feeder obviously

[Allergictoironing]

Well the whole street was leafleted this morning (with a request to check garages & sheds) and copies put on lamp posts, plus I spoke to loads of people. The worrying one was a guy walking his dog down the alley next to the house; he said he knows the cat as he doesn't get on with his dog, and hasn't seen him for a few days.

I'm about to go back for the evening session, but to be honest I'm not hopeful. Even the other cat who only just about tolerates him keeps asking to go out of the door and stands there calling, then wanders back in.

[TrustySnail]

I'm so sorry he hasn't reappeared yet - it must be really worrying given that he's normally on medication. Don't give up hope, though - he may just be hiding out somewhere until his owner gets back.

It sounds as though you have pulled out all the stops in trying to find him - his owner certainly chose the right person to cat sit; no one could have done more than you have.

Wishing you luck!

[Allergictoironing]

He's been found! Been missing for a whole month to the day, but he's back. He's grubby, very skinny & seedy looking, but no obvious damage to him. He was found a few streets away, having apparently been sleeping rough on the marshes down by the river

Apparently it was a mixture of the leaflets posted in neighbourhood doors, and the shelter he originally came from posting on Facebook, that got him home. So people who have missing cats don't lose hope - everyone here was sure he'd died as he really isn't in great health, but he's home & has been hovering up about half a chicken

[thecatneuterer]

That's wonderful news!

[CatBallou2]

I wonder why he stayed away? So glad he's back. That's lovely news.

[Fluffycloudland77]

That's wonderful news, you must all be so relieved.