I've lost my friend's cat!

[AndroidSheep]

We're kitty sitting until Thursday night. Cat arrived at 9:30. Bolted from his box upstairs. All doors and windows upstairs are closed.

Where's the cat?!? Unless he's gone into kitchen and under the floor boards, he is definitely in the house. How do I tempt him back into sight? He's never stayed with us before. I'm terrified I've actually lost him somehow.

Should I put his litter tray and bowls upstairs? His blanket from home? We've looked everywhere we can think of, but can't see him at all.

Make sure his litter tray and food/water books are both close to the point his box was and that all your internal doors are ajar. He will find his way to them. Cats can hide in plain sight...he will turn up tomorrow, don't worry.

I'm surprised anyone would think this is a good idea! Cats generally dont like to be moved around like this

I've never had a cat. Plenty of dogs, but never cats, I didn't know to object to him being moved about. I know he stays with other friends though.

Thank you. His litter tray and dishes are out. I'm worrying there's an escape route I don't know about. Hopefully he'll reappear soon.

Shake the biscuit container/dreamies packet.

Or use a tin opener. That should have him legging it out to say hi.

Yes, It would be better if you and others who are cat-sitting went to her place, feed, water, clean litter tray if necessary and a bit of attention twice a day and he'll be fine.
Assume doors and windows shut downstairs too? So he can't have got out.
Cats are great at hiding. I lost one of mine when I first got her. She was lying on furry boots on my shoe rack He'll appear eventually. Yep leave food, water and tray nearby.

Are the windows downstairs also shut? Cats are amazing at hiding.

Found him! Dont know where he was hiding when we looked behind the sofa, but that's where he is now. Ive closed living room door and left him to get comfy. Doors and windows are closed, litter tray and water dish in there.

Thank you for listening and your helpful suggestions. Can he be confined to our living room for his stay? We're in there until bedtime every night, so plenty of attention. I'm wary of giving him too many hiding places after tonight's drama.

Confining to the living room is a very good idea. Confining to one room is usually what's recommended when people bring a new cat to their home as it helps them to feel more secure.

I'd confine him to the living room.

How long is he with you for? I ask only because he'll become braver as the days go on and may well try to get out of the room to go exploring.

Glad to hear he'll be okay in the livingroom. He's with us until Thursday. He's been up, had breakfast and a run around with his toys, come over and sat beside me. He's already trying to get out of the living room to explore, but he can't get to the door handle. Looks likes he's decided that spot behind the sofa is his, he's back in there just now.

Yes, keep him in one room and keep the windows closed. I've heard of so many escapes lately through what people thought was too small a window for a cat to fit through...

You can't really lose a cat. They are temperamental little so and so's will go where and when they please. Humans love cats. Cats hate humans.