I’m going out of my mind with worry....

[Ilovemypantry]

Think I just need a handhold tbh as I’m so distraught.

My cat went out last Monday evening and hasn’t been seen since (8 days today).

My neighbour passed away in July this year and I took in his cat. It was a very slow process getting him to accept that this was now his home but in the past few weeks he seemed really happy and settled. He’s never gone off like this before.

I’m in a terrible state, can’t stop crying. I don’t know what else I can do to try and find him...I’ve put loads of posters up in the area, leaflets through doors, posted on FB and missing pets sites and knocked on doors. I’ve put worn clothes on the washing line, put his blanket outside and the contents of the Hoover.

It’s the not knowing where he is that’s so upsetting for me, especially as the nights are so cold now.

He is chipped and neutered. Any ideas what else I could do to try and find him?

Oh gosh you must be so worried. Have you tried the rescues that are near to you just in case?

Do you have a Neighbourhood app or WhatsApp group that you can post a picture on as well. I know you’ve done flyers but our neighbourhood app regularly has missing pets on. Usually found quite quickly. Also people put on there if they’ve found a pet.

Any luck? @Ilovemypantry

WineOrGinOrBoth
Sadly not 😢. He’s been missing 14 days today and I am now fearing the worst. I know if he could come home he would.

I’ve checked with local rescues, put more leaflets through doors, knocked on more doors, searched more streets...nothing. My heart is breaking, he went through such a rough time when his owner died in the summer and he really seemed happy again in the last few weeks

I’m so sorry, I lost mine last week and the house is so empty without them isn’t it?.

Not knowing is the worst.

@Fluffycloudland77
So sorry to hear you’ve lost your cat too. Did he/she just disappear without trace too?
Yes, I think it is the not knowing that is the worst. If I knew he had died, been run over or something, I would of course be devasted, but would have closure. When you don’t know, you just imagine awful things.
I hope you’re cat returns home safe and well very soon 💐

Ours got run over. They leave a hole in the house.

If you haven’t found them you’ve always got the hope their still out there.

🤗 😺 Xxx

My cat was missing for 6 weeks a couple of years ago, I understand how heartbreaking it is.

I did find him - he was in the grounds of a commercial building only half a mile away but somehow he’d got over a busy dual carriageway and I guess couldn’t get back.

We didn’t think he’d ever go that way as he is so timid and there’s miles of fields near us. So my advice would be to look where he absolutely could not be as well as where you think he might have gone.

Good luck

I am so sorry to hear he hasn’t been found but please don’t give up. As I said, I found mine when he had been gone three weeks, but he wouldn’t have found his way home alone. Are you going out looking? Where were his favorite places or gardens to visit? Have the vets given any help? I hope you find him, the best of luck

@Fluffycloudland77
I am so sorry about your cat 😢. I agree, they not only leave a hole in the house but in your heart too. I hope you’re ok 💐

It is heartbreaking. You have done all the right things.
Have you been out late at night calling him when it is quieter?

@BovaryX
Thank you for your message.
I have searched the area where I thought he went, nearby gardens etc. but we can never be sure how far they really go can we.
The local vets have put a poster up in the surgery and made a missing report for their files, not sure what else they can do really.
I’m trying not to give up hope but each day that passes it’s getting harder to stay positive 😢

It’s really hard when they just vanish. I really hope you find him and I agree with a PP who said look in the places you can’t imagine him going. But don’t give up, keep actively looking and hopefully you will find him

So sorry OP. I understand. Thinking of you 🌸🌸🌸

Thank you again to everyone who has given me advice, suggestions and sympathy...that’s exactly what I was looking for when I posted.
When you’re going through something like this you can feel very alone and it’s reassuring to find like minded people who understand.

Sounds mad, but this is a pet detective agency that uses a trained cocker spaniel to track missing cats. Based in south of England, I don't know the cost. 100 cats located so far. thepetdetectives.com/molly.php

Register him missing with Animal Search UK

I’m so sorry, OP. It’s heartbreaking. But I’m on a lot of Facebook cat rescue groups and quite often see lost cats turning up safely after 3+ weeks.
Sounds like you’ve done most of or all of the usual suggestions, but this might be helpful just to double check: www.wikihow.com/Find-a-Lost-Cat

I’ve seen it emphasised that cats are often only a couple of streets away but disoriented and so can’t find their way back on their own. It was recommended to go out after 10pm and/or early morning when the streets are quiet, carrying a dish of stinky tuna and calling in a quiet, calm voice. 🤞🏽 💜

These suggestions sound a bit mad but are you on a bus route? cats get on buses and trains! When waiting for my train on a branch line station which was surrounded by houses, there was the most gorgeous friendly cat who took a shine to me and would have got on the train if I had not stopped him, so check local bus companies, also can you remember if any work vans were in your street the day she went missing? it would be easy for a curious cat to get in a van and get trapped. I know it’s a long shot but just wanted to mention the possibility. I’m so sorry you are going through this, my heart really goes out to you.

You can also register him on the Pets Located site. People register lost pets (small cost, £6) and anyone finding animals can register them for free. We registered a lovely ginger cat we found in summer (well, not so much found, he pitched up and set up home in the garden) and got emails from all over the country from people who were alerted when the cat we registered met the description of the cat they'd lost so its worth a go. www.petslocated.com

Fingers crossed for you.

I am so, so happy today...I found my cat Bonnie yesterday 😁. He has been in my neighbour’s greenhouse for 22days! She said she looked in there when he first went missing, but there was so much junk in there she wouldn’t have seen him if he was hiding.
He is very skinny and weak but vet has checked him over and other than that he is ok. Words cannot described how happy and relieved I am that he is home...what a wonderful Christmas present for me.
Just want to say thank you to everyone on here who replied and gave me words of advice and encouragement in my hour (or 22 days) of need 🥰💖

I’m very pleased for you, is he sticking close to you now he’s home?.

Great news!! I came to say check nearby sheds, garages, poor wee soul I hope he recovers well xx