Cat been gone for two days... how to comfort DD?

[tethersend]

DD1 (11) is distraught that our 18mo cat has not been seen for two days. He has never been gone for this long, and I’ve no idea what else to do. Have knocked on neighbours’ doors and posted on local FB groups, left things with scent on outside and calling him regularly.

His sister keeps meowing for him, it’s so sad.

Both DDs are upset, but DD1 particularly bad. Any words of wisdom or advice would be much appreciated

It is so hard when this happens. It is probably best to be honest with DD that you are worried too and you are trying the only things you can think of. Can you get DD making posters for shops and lampposts? Are there some local groups on Twitter that you are missing (Facebook doesn't seem to be as popular round here).

One of my boy cats used to disappear for a day or 2 at a time and then just stroll back as if nothing had happened. Not normally in the winter, but it has been mild. He also had form for falling asleep in sheds! It could be something as simple as discovering that neighbouring cats have gone into a cattery over the holidays and so there is new territory to be claimed.

If you have specific times of day when you feed the cats, try to go out calling for him.

Hope you find him soon OP.

Our cat used to disappear for several days sometimes when he was younger. On one occasion he sneaked into a neighbours house through an open door, and went to sleep on a bed without them being aware of his presence. They later went out, with him still unobserved on the bed. He then woke up and set off the motion detectors on their burglar alarm. Hopefully your cat will have got himself into a scrape like this and will reappear soon as if nothing had happened.

Go out with a torch to see if you can catch his eyes reflecting in the light. Will your other cat be able to sniff him out. (Only suggested it, because I told my cat to go and find her sister and she did!)

You’re all so lovely, thank you. Have been out looking for him, but nothing- however, did spot a fox in the neighbour’s garden which has worried me a bit, especially as a cat has gone missing a few doors away too

My other cat is looking everywhere for her brother, it’s awful. Gah. If he does come back, I’m going to be really pissed off with him for putting us all through this

Thanks again, off to comfort sobbing child.

Anything ?

Nothing I’m afraid. This has completely sideswiped me and DD1 is still inconsolable. I didn’t think I was a cat person, but you don’t realise the positive effect they have on your life until they’re gone

Thank you for asking

I can’t even imagine. I’m getting upset for you. I don’t know what I would do if this was my darling boy. I have all my fingers crossed for you.

Have you emptied your hoover bag in the garden? It’s meant to work.

Thank you @Boristhecats. I think we need all the crossed fingers we can get.

Have emptied the Hoover in the garden, thank you Fluffy- nothing yet but will keep trying.

Leave old cat litter in the garden so your cat can smell it, as well as some of your dirty laundry

Unfortunately other people often adopt and feed other people's cats. Cats aren't loyal and often turn up after days or weeks. Cupboard love. Or they often go to several houses and get fed so no need to come home for a while! Or might be locked in a shed and owners away. A friends cat got locked in a house. As we were leaving to go on holiday last year I just spotted a cat run in through the front door whilst loading our suitcases! Is he chipped? If not then ring all the local vets and cat protection etc to see if anyone reported him as found. Our local vets keeps a log book with descriptions.

As for dd sorry as that's what you asked maybe just say he's prob being looked after by someone else and will home after his holiday?

Thanks Gamechanger- I think hope is fading now. With all the fireworks tonight, I do hope he’s in someone else’s house

2 days really isn't that long for a cat OP. I know it's awful one of mine disappeared when there was heavy snow and reappeared a couple of weeks later a bit bedraggled but was OK.

Thanks Gamechanger. It’s been 5 days now, and I’m almost certain something has happened to him and he’s not alive anymore. So sad

He only bloody turned up at 5am! After six days. Like nothing had happened we are beside ourselves with relief. He came and found DD1 and woke her up, it’s like all her Christmases have come at once.

Thank you all for your kind words and support, what a lovely lot you are.

Awwww that is a fabulous update! So happy for you and your dd. What a little horror though, they do like to fray your nerves don’t they.

Great news OP. Do we get a photo now?

Fabulous news! I've hesitated to post for an update. Naughty naughty lad.

If he looks as if he hasn't eaten for a while I recommend little and often.

We do need a photo, BTW

Hope that kitty is grounded until he learns to not ever even think about doing that again!

That is totally amazing.

Fantastic!

Oh excellent! One of my bastard cats used to vanish for weeks at a time - her record was 8 weeks, after which she strolled home and sat on the doorstep to be let in as usual. (Sadly, when she finally disappeared for good at the age of about 17, we never did find out what had happened. Maybe her 'holiday home' kept her.)

So glad he's back.

I have GPS cat trackers on my cats OP. The peace of mind is immense.

Great news!! Little bugger!