My new cat has escaped :(

[AnnaBanana333]

Just posting for hand holding really, not that I deserve it. I'm the shittest human ever.

I only adopted him on Saturday and today he got out. I've searched everywhere in the garden and all around the surrounding roads. I've put out everything in the garden that might have his scent (his carrier, bedding, litter tray) and left out some heated chicken. But he ate just before he got out. :(

I don't know what else to do. I'm sitting here looking at pictures of him and crying like the useless idiot I am.

Minor setback, he’s probably scared himself a bit.

Don't forget that happy, settled, well adjusted cats also hide and only come out for food.

I would stop trying to touch him, unless he comes to you for cuddles. It may be that he doesn't want fussing and is being scared by you reaching out to him every time he comes out.

We had a cuddle last night after he'd eaten and he was purring and flopping around. But I suppose he feels more secure in the dark, so I'll leave him alone in the day.

He’ll come out. Natural curiosity will get the better of him.

You know how they can’t stand being the centre of attention.

He's still very new to his new environment. Each morning he wakes up he'll be starting afresh until he's more settled.
I agree his adventures would have confused him.