My kitten has been missing for over a week

[Greengrotbag]

My kitten, 6 months old, never came home last week. He's been with us for ten weeks and had been going out for six, from when he was neutered. He loved being out, and was a great hunter. We live on the periphery of an estate and I've put lots of flyers through neighbour's doors and put on social media. The other side is wooded and farmland. I've discovered he was being fed by a few people, he was so friendly and good with kids. Do I give up on him every coming home? Just feel he was with us such a short time he might have just forgotten us. Assuming he's alive. I've searched the woods for a body and the council haven't uplifted any cats. We have several foxes nearby. I'm just devastated. He was our children's first pet, and my first one in 20 years. I hadn't expected to adore him so much so soon. Any ideas if kittens ever come home or anything I can do? Thanks

Scatter the contents of your hoover and his litter outside the front and back of your house, the smell will bring him back.

Also if you have any blankets or anything he used to sleep on then hang them on a washing line.

I know how devastating it is when they go missing but don't give up, he'll come back soon

So he was just over 4 months when he started going out? That's very early to start going out alone unfortunately... Is he microchipped? A kitten found alone outdoors would be likely to be taken in by someone, if he is chipped then at least there is a chance he gets scanned at some point at vet's or at a rescue...

Have you contacted all vet's an all cat charities in your area?

He was 4.5 months when he started going out, the vet told me that was absolutely fine as he was neutered. He was desperate to get out. Yes contacted all vets and cat protection. I hope something positive happens but I fear the worst.

And yes he was chipped

E-mail the local vets and the rspca and other organisations. Attach a photo.

So sorry - this must be very upsetting.

Given the kitten is so young, it is likely someon has adopted him.

As others have said, local vets and shelters are likely your best bet.

Hope he turns up.

Thank you. I will check these, thanks for the tips. I suspect a fox got him unfortunately. I hope I'm wrong. Thanks again

Unless your cat was very small it's unlikely a fox would have taken him. My kittens started going at at 5-6 months and kittens and local fox have studiously ignored each other.
Hope he shows up - but agree with pp that he has probably been 're-adopted'.

Foxes are sneaky things. One of my cats (10 years old), recently had an altercation with a fox and had half her tail bitten off. Shes now terrified and barely goes outside - will only go out during the day, and will be out for half an hour at most. If all things have failed i would suspect a fox. They can get cats, regardless of age or size. They are predatory animals and a cat is nothing to them unfortunately. Cats do disappear and choose new humans etc, sadly its something we cannot stop. Fingers crossed for you, but sometimes its difficult to find out what happened.