HathCat missing - what do we do?

[MrsHathaway]

HathCat1 is a brave cat: a bold hunter and a tart for a head rub. He likes to follow us on the walk to school (though chickens out near the station and waits for me to come back). Neighbours from a couple of streets away recognise him from his reconnaissance missions; he protects the farmer's field from rabbit incursions. He likes Felix but not the fancy flavours. He likes to nap in the top bunk, and offers a warning claw if you dare to move him. He climbs like a mountain goat, with the thigh-spring of a pouncing leopard. He will sleep for hours on a carelessly discarded blue IKEA bag, especially if the sun is shining through the window. In summer he s t r e t c h e s out on the wood floor in the dining room where it stays cool. He can accelerate from 0-60 from an upstairs bed if he hears a Dreamies packet shaken.

And last Sunday (19th) he went out after breakfast as usual, and hasn't come back.

We didn't worry immediately: he has done 48h or so before, goodness knows where, coming back nonchalantly as though it had been twenty minutes. But when I get up in the morning it will be the eleventh without him, and that's unheard of.

We've put out the jungle drums on the village fb page and local area missing pets page. We've spoken to neighbours and other local friends. Our unofficial street grandad has encouraged everyone to check sheds and garages. We've walked round all his usual haunts with treats, calling his name and his home-name and our special "food time" call, listening for mews by garage doors and high garden walls.

What do we DO? There's stories of cats turning up after months, so eleven days is nothing. Our insurer will pay for poster printing and even a reward for return - DH is calling to discuss this tomorrow.

I've prayed, and I've never felt further from God in my life.

I need him. His Christmas present was already wrapped. There's a tag on something else addressed to the DC from him. He's family. We need him.

Wise Litter Tray, tell me what we can do. Talk sense. Talk timing. Talk best case. Please: I need you all.

[thecatneuterer]

Oh shit. It's the worst feeling isn't it. Is he chipped?

Nothing is as effective as posters and flyers through every letterbox for as far as you can manage.

Facebook and all that stuff can be helpful, but it really doesn't get anything like the results that paper through letterboxes does.

[MrsHathaway]

Yes, he is chipped.

We've very few photos of him, because he's so independent. But the one in my OP shows his facial markings really clearly and DH has a good one showing his socks so should make a good flyer.

[Allergictoironing]

Don't forget to alert all the local vets and any rescue centres - they should check for a chip anyway but it won't hurt and they'd likely put posters up for you. I'd also inform the chip company just in case, to check they definitely have all the correct info to contact you.

Good luck and I hope he is found. If something happened to either of mine I would be totally destroyed.

[MrsHathaway]

That's a really good point. Our vets have a busy social media profile so reposting our online appeals ought to be no bother. I'll call them now, thanks.

[MrsHathaway]

Vets can't do posters but talked me through the chip process and how the local vets work together to get lost pets home.

I have upgraded our chip account so he can marked as lost and all vets within thirty miles (!) will be notified.

[snorkmaiden68]

Hoping for some good news for you soon OP. Is he the type who could happily climb into a delivery van and get a ride somewhere? We had a cat turn up in our Hertfordshire town who had hitched a ride from Devon. He s back with owner now due to his chip being read at a local vets and it's the second time he s gone off somewhere apparently.

[reetgood]

Leaflets through doors had greatest success with my late cheeky wanderer. Within 20 mins I had about 5 phone calls telling me all about the lovely fluffy black cat who would come to their house . He had about 5 different names and they all thought he was their special cat!

He turned up a mile away after the guys nephew got a leaflet and told him to get in touch. He was having a lovely time on the sofa when we came to pick him up. Bloody cat. :)

[Want2beme]

Fingers crossed he'll be back to you soon. It's such a horrible feeling when they disappear.

[QueenOfAccidentalDeathStares]

have you tried putting his litter tray outside or sprinkle some of his used litter outside? some people also put the cats blankets outside..... anything that is "their smell"

best wishes and paws crossed.

[MrsHathaway]

Haven't tried litter tray. It will smell of his brother rather than him, after 10+ days: presumably that's still a v familiar scent to follow?

[QueenOfAccidentalDeathStares]

Yes, as long as he gets a long with his brother. Might be worth a go?

[Homesunderthehammer27]

Create a poster and post on Facebook with open settings. Share to every lost pets, cat rescue and local selling site in the area. Contact any local dog walkers/pet sitters with active social media profiles and ask them to share with their customers. Repost every day.

I do hope he turns up for you soon

[MrsHathaway]

Possible sighting today, but if true not good news. Someone is going to be devastated when the chip is scanned. Unfortunately the location and colouring make it reasonably likely it's going to be us.

I can't breathe.

Just waiting to hear back from the person who found the body.

[reetgood]

Oh I'm really sorry.

[MrsHathaway]

I'm here with him, 99% sure it's him. A very peaceful spot in contrast to his apparently violent end. I won't give details but it appears it was human and deliberate.

Thank you all for your kindness.

[BeetrootTart]

MrsH, no! That's horrible, I'm so sorry

I thought you were going to say car. You're not within the M25 are you?

This makes me so sad thoughts with you and darling cat

[Vinorosso74]

Oh no, that is awful. What a bastard to do that. I am so sorry

[HardAsSnails]

So sorry

[PinkSparklyPussyCat]

I am so very sorry, I don't know what else to say. Thinking of you and lovely Hathcat

[Glowbug59]

so sorry

[Stilllivinginazoo]

Im so sorry
human and deliberate makes my blood boil.evil bastards.hope karma reaches them with bells on.x

[PippaPiper]

I'm so sorry

[Ollivander84]

I am so so sorry, my heart breaks for you
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