Anxiety attack over letting cat out

[JennaJayJay]

Hi everyone!

I need a little advice. I've always been a little attatched to my cats, one in particular (Ezio) we've had since he was a kitten and has always been very attached to me, following me around at home etc. The other cat, Athena, is very independent and incredibly street smart, we adopted her when she was 2 years old and was found as a stray.

About a month ago, Ezio went out one morning and didn't come home when he normally would at around 5pm.. After hours of calling, my partner walking the streets shaking a treat pouch and a few hysterical tears from me, he finally came home at midnight. He was very shaken, scared and didn't leave the house for the next couple of days. I've no idea what happened to him to scare him, but since then I've found it very difficult letting him out for any length of time, even though he's completely fine now and not scared or nervy at all.

I suffer quite badly with anxiety and a week ago me and my partner found out we are pregnant! Yesterday the cat was out for about 8 hours and I literally spent 3 hours of the afternoon (on my birthday no less) bawling my eyes out, convinced he'd dissapeared again! The anxiety/crying attack was worse than the time he actually wen't missing, so I'm putting it down to the hormones. He ended up sauntering home himself in the late afternoon, but I was terrified!

Do you guys have any tips for coping? I know I probably sound like a crazy person! :P

I understand as have a cat who wanders. However, I don't let myself panic too much as he's never not come back. It is an awful worry though.

Most outdoor cats will have times when they stay out longer. This is usually in the summer - it's warm and they are probably enjoying some hunting. The fact that your cat goes out and comes back is excellent. He knows where he lives and can find his way home.

Does he come to the sound of food? Such as biscuits shaking or a clicker? It might be an idea to train him if not. I presume he's neutered and chipped? Does he wear a collar?

Keep your ear to the ground about people who feed other people's cats. If there's one in your area your cat could go wandering there. You can get a 'do not feed me' collar.

Thanks Nancy..

He is chipped and Neutered with a collar on. It's not a bad idea to get a 'do not feed me' collar actually as he has quite a sensitive tummy anyway and so gets special food at home. His sister is far better at coming home to the sound of a pouch shaking, he is not as great but will come in when he hears his treat pouch if he's within earshot.

He's quite a scaredy cat at home, always running away if someone knocks the door or if there are people in the house he doesn't know he'll hide upstairs. Which makes me hopeful that he wouldn't go wandering into another house for food/cuddles. He has bolted into our next door neighbours house once though when he was afraid of her dog and ran in the wrong direction, so he's not exactly the most sensible of felines :P Interestingly his sister can be out for 12 hours of the day and I don't worry about her! I think it's because she is very good at handling herself and as I said she is very food oriented and comes running at the sound of a pouch.

After my meltdown of yesterday I managed to let him out for 2 hours this morning and let him out for several hours when we went to the gym a little while ago.. I can't bring myself to let him out in the dark at the moment though so he is back in for the evening now! Baby steps! I'm hoping that when we actually have a baby in the house I'll be less precious over the cat! Just have another 8 months to wait for that! :)

With regards to people feeding others cats, that's probably my house at the moment! We rent and don't have a cat flap so when I'm home I prop open the patio door resulting in about 3 local cats who come in for second breakfasts and dinners!