Worried! Will he come back?

[FlowersAndShit]

I've had my cat for a month now and kept him indoors. He's a 2 year old neuteured male and I just let him out for the first time. At first, he was a little unsure but then he bolted into the garden once he saw a bird. He was sniffing around a bit and I went to call him back shaking his treats, he ignored me. Then he jumped over the fence and I can't seem him. I'm really worried now that he won't come back. This is the first time he's been out with me. Previous owner said he didn't go out much and would usually sit by the window waiting to come back in. Will he come back?

[cozietoesie]

If he sees you as his home, Yes, he will. (It helps that the weather is lousy - if you're in the UK.)

It's awful though when you first see that tail disappear over the garden wall. I wish I could say to you that it goes away with time but I'm afraid it only eases. You can have a mature streetwise cat but if they delay beyond their usual return by a significant time then you're back to pacing again. (At least I am. )

[cozietoesie]

PS - how long has he been gone?

[FlowersAndShit]

This is why I wanted an indoor cat He's been gone 15 mins. I live in a first floor flat so no catflap. Keep going downstairs to open the door and shake his treats but no sign of him.

[thecatneuterer]

Yes he will. They often disappear for around 12 hours or even 24 the first time they go. I think they like to get a good feel for the territory. They are almost never gone for so long again.

However he may well appear any minute now. Whatever try not to worry. It will be fine.

[FlowersAndShit]

He's microchipped and has a collar with Id tag, has my number and address on it.

[thecatneuterer]

Ah, it's more awkward in a flat admittedly. He will still come back but you will need to put more effort into checking if he's there.

[Fluffycloudland77]

Don't worry. I cried the first time the cat went over the fence.

They come back.

[choceclair123]

He'll come back try not to worry. I've had loads of cats and it's so scary when you first let them out. In some cases mine have been gone for half a day before coming back.

[FlowersAndShit]

He's back! I shook his treats and called him and I could hear the bell on his collar. He was next door! He came straight back in and did a really smelly poo in his litter tray. I've just fed him his dinner, he seemed really hungry from all that adventuring. Thank you all!

[cozietoesie]

There you go.

[MEgirl]

I've recently been through the same thing. Apollo has been with us since just before X-mas. First time out was on a harness, second time in my arms and then a harness. After that I let him go. He went behind the shed then through a hole in the fence and was gone for a while. I kept him in for a couple of days before trying again. Then he disappeared for 24 hours. A few more days and we tried again. 48 hours gone. Seems he has the hang of the cat flap now and goes for an hour or so and come back. He's not yet allowed out overnight but he certainly know where home is now.