to be really upset by this?

[theworldisoutthere]

I popped to my car outside work today and a cat walked towards me. It was white but VERY dirty, and it looked like its ears were sore. It started meowing at me, sounding quite urgent, but as soon as it clicked in my head that it must be a stray a passing car spooked it and it ran off.

Now I feel like it was asking me for help and if I'd just been quicker thinking I could have picked it up and it could be safe in a shelter with it's owners on their way by now :(

I'm going to have a look for it after work tonight, OH is bringing the cat box in case I find it, but I'm really worried about it and can't help feeling really upset...

aw, you big heart you You're lovely.

I don't think that cats think like people and it is unlikely that it had approached you to ask for help. Try to not anthropomorphise, you'll just upset yourself.

Keep an eye out, maybe you can help. perhaps carry a few cat biscuits in your pocket. Take it slow. If a car spooked it, it's probably very timid and therefore it is not likely to come straight up to you.

Aww that would upset me too and I would go looking for it too.

Yanbu!

I'm going to bring some biscuits to work tomorrow in case I see it again, trying to to over-worry myself but I know if I don't find it I'll never be able to forget about it! Just hope luck is going my/the cat's way...

Dont Beat yourself up about it. You weren't able to get it.
It's likely that the cat isn't far. Once stray cats pick an area, they tend to stay for a bit if they have previously managed to find food. And will move on when there is none.

Can you ask OH to bring some food and a dish with him as well, If you cant find it this evening, leave some food down and you will likely see it again if the cat thinks it's getting fed.

Also keep the carrier in the car just in case