Really upset and don't know how to deal with my lost cat.

[bunjies]

My gorgeous ginger tom has been awol since 21/9 and I can't come to terms with the fact that he's probably gone forever. We've only been living here for 5 weeks and we let him out after a week as he was desperate to get out. We've moved from a very rural area to a town. He often went away for days at a time but the longest time has been 5 days. It's now been 12 days. He must either have been run over or he's found somewhere else to stay. I am heartbroken and miss him so much. Am on the verge of tears all the time and keep going to the back door to see if he's there. How can I come to terms with him being gone forever?

Have you been back to your old house/neighbourhood in case he headed back there? I know how awful it feels, I had a lovely black Tom go missing over 2 years ago now. He disappeared while we were away on holiday and the Catsitter was looking after out cats. It was heartbreaking, there was absolutely no sign of him anyway and it took longer to get over, I think because there was no 'closure' and we never found out what happened to him . He was a real character as well and so affectionate. I know how you're feeling and it will hurt for a while but eventually you'll be able to think of your ginger boy without crying and start to remember the lovely times with him.

Thanks for the kind words Peggotty. We moved from France so I'd be amazed if he found himself back there...although I did entertain the thought in one particularly low point! I know what you mean by closure though.

Have you checked with vets/ cat rescue centres to see if he's been brought in anywhere?

I wouldn't completely give up hope yet either if it has only been 12 days. What have you sone so far - leaflets, posters on trees, phoning vets etc

Don't give up hope yet.
Years ago my timid cat vanished when we moved. A guest decided to leave a door wide open and off he went. 9 weeks later a rather thinner cat appeared at my door, miaowing to be let in. I'd spent weeks searching for him locally and scanning the roads when I was driving in case he had been knocked down.

If he can come back I have faith that yours may not be far away.

Put flyers everywhere and through everyones door, you never know who might be feeding a stray they have found.

Thanks for the messages. I have been in touch with the local vet to see if he had been brought in, registered him as lost with the rspca, put up posters and leafleted local houses. It is heartening to hear that cats do return even after a long time but I can't help thinking that if he was still in the area he would have come back.