That's it really. We don't have a cat flap but when I open the door to the garden when I get home, she's either waiting or comes when I call her. Today she went out at about 3.30 and now it's 9 pm and I've yelled and yelled and nothing. She spends a lot of time with another cat (her mum actually) who belongs to a neighbour a couple of doors down but they haven't seen her (they don't keep tabs on their own cat who comes and goes regularly and is often she with us). Anyway it's totally out of character for my sweet little cat not to come when we call or whistle and I'm a mess. I have an important presentation I'm supposed to be preparing for tomorrow but instead I'm here feeling hellish. I love her to distraction and I'm just used to having her here, nuzzling me and purring. She doesn't have easy access to the road she'd have to go quite far so the only thing I can think of is that she's inside someone's house or trapped somewhere. 
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The litter tray
My cat hasn't come home and I'm falling apart
AuntPorridger · 12/02/2015 21:21
I can only hope that like a large number of pusscats who get posted about, she will saunter home probably when you are at your utter wits end and will be all 'what's your problem!'
Not to be blasé but the fact she is the me distant from a road - which would be my number one concern - is reassuring and whilst out of character, cats are contrary creatures so it's hopefully nothing to worry about for now.
though - I have been known to be on my road at silly o'clock, shaking dreamies and calling out her pet name (not even her proper cat name) so completely empathise.
Thanks everyone. She's chipped and wears a collar. I can only think she might be inside someone's house and they've gone out and left her inside. Of course she could be trapped in a shed but I doubt many people are spending time in the garden on a cold Thursday afternoon. I haven't seen her mum either and I'm kind of clinging onto that, perhaps they're having an adventure together. I hadn't realised how much love I had invested in her . I'm also slightly bricking it about my presentation and wondering how I will be able to focus. I meant to have it all done this evening.
Our usually reliable cat went missing for 3 days once, sauntered back in like nothing had happened. Fingers crossed she's with her mum having fun somewhere. Hope she's home soon 
... just to let you know, she turned up at 2.30 am my OH was awake and spotted her waiting outside. There was a sleepy but joyful reunion with lots of purrs. I have a feeling she might have got into someone's house and they went out for the evening leaving her inside. I feel stupid for going to pieces at least next time it happens I will be prepared. Thanks for your reassurance, it really helped 
Aunt that's great news. That feeling when they come back is brilliant.
Another grey hair....
The pacing. the checking of the back door, then round to the front expecting them to be there and they are not.
Why do they do it to us?!
So pleased for you - and of course it would be at 2,30 am... bet they sleep like a log today!
Glad puss is home
MCat stays out after his curfew from time to time, so I bought one of these to go on his (safety) collar.
I've trained him to associate the beep the thing makes with Dreamies (like Pavlov's dogs).
The other night when it was windy and he'd stayed out late, we went out looking for him, using the Loca8tor. He answered the beep and ran up to us, allowing himself to be carried home. without biting or violence
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