Cat keeps going awol

[FluffyJawsOfDoom]

Our cat (about 4 1/2 yo) is a keen hunter hence the username and he catches several mice a night.

Since the weather's been good (so about a fortnight), he's started just not coming home. We think he's feeding himself on mice. It rained for 2 days mid last week and he came home and barely left the house in that time, and was his usual affectionate self. But now it's nice again and I've not seen him in 3 days.

I've put a collar on him each time I've seen him but he comes back without it but we don't think he's being fed by other people as he's actually looking a bit skinnier than usual (but that just makes him a healthy weight as he was a porker before ). He is wormed and flead etc.

DH reckons the cat's just "living its own life" and I need to let him go and do that, but I worry if I don't see him for more than 48 hours!!! He thinks it would be cruel to keep him shut indoors for a bit, which I'm keen to do. I'm 33 weeks pregnant, so I'm worried if he doesn't re-settle at home soon, he might just move out properly once the baby's here :( :( :(

WWYD?

[cozietoesie]

Is he chipped and neutered?

[FluffyJawsOfDoom]

Yes to both

[issey6cats]

my ginger girl used to do this in the summer months dont know why probably because not that cold and i never got her out of the habit in twelve years

[cozietoesie]

Some cats are just hunters and roamers - even if neutered. Not much to do about it, really if he's used to going out. He'll be by the fireside all winter, doubtless.



I wouldn't bother with a collar anymore. He obviously doesn't like them and gets rid of them - and he's chipped.