DCat didn't come home today

[violetbunny]

My one-year-old male cat left at 5am, it's now almost 10pm where I am and he hasn't been home.

His usual routine is to pop out early in the morning then back for breakfast and a nap, in and out all day, then dinner and curling up in my lap for a snooze. I knew by the time he hadn't been back for breakfast that something was wrong, he's never even missed a meal let alone not come home for the evening.

I've been out for hours and hours today calling for him, I'm absolutely beside myself with worry. I know he's just a cat, but he's my absolute best friend in the whole world, he's like my little shadow and always wants to be close to me. He hasn't even been gone 24 hours but I just know something terrible has happened, otherwise he'd have come in by now 😭

Not sure why I'm posting really other than to try and reassure myself that I'm not crazy for being an absolute wreck.

[Icequeen01]

Oh bless him he does look thin. I am sure he is traumatised and it may take him a little while to go back to his old self poor thing. He will soon get his old smell back and his sister will hopefully accept him again. Let us know how his x-ray goes and enjoy a good night's sleep!

[cautiouscovidity]

So pleased to hear he's home

[Toddlerteaplease]

Fantastic news!

[bravotango]

So so pleased! Give him a cuddle from me! Best of luck at the vets.

[coastergirl]

This is Bertie, who I mentioned went missing for two months during a house move. When I got him back he was stinky, my other cat just hissed at him constantly. It took a while but we're back to normal. Here he is, snuggled up to my legs tonight. The other photo is him and Walter cuddling. They love each other again!

[violetbunny]

@coastergirl So pleased to hear they are friends again. And gosh, 2 months is such a long time, it must have been agony.

My boy went to see his regular vet today (he saw an A&E vet yesterday as it was out of hours). She thinks muscle or tendon is the issue causing the limp, possibly caused by him twisting his leg or something like that.

We decided not to do the X-ray for now because at the moment it wouldn't change the course of action, plus it would be a lot of stress to put him under (including sedation, not having food etc), and he's been through such an ordeal that we thought he would be best for now just to let him eat and get some rest. He has to stay inside and then go back in a week for another check up.

He's still eating like a horse and wanting to sleep on me constantly. I actually had my team meeting today from home with him asleep in my lap (luckily my boss is mad about her pet so understood!). I have a lot of work commitments the rest of the week so can't be around as much as I'd like, but will try to be here for him as much as possible. He still wants me close by all the time right now, and is currently asleep in my lap as I type.

[TroysMammy]

So pleased you've found him. I expect he won't go wandering again.

[Igmum]

So pleased you found him ❤️❤️

[bebarkered]

Oh OP, I couldn't be happier for you both. Happy days! Your sweet fur baby won't be able to believe he's back with his mummy again xxx

[Papergirl1968]

Oh thank goodness.
I am so pleased for you both. It must have been your instinct telling you to look there.
I hope he is ok.

[StrawberryFizz26]

What a great ending! I'm so glad he came back.
My Bobs is a homebody but on Thursday he didn't come home till 1pm, he's usually on my bed all day, Friday it was 11pm!!! I was so worried but he came strolling in like nothing happened, he was home at the weekend but same again today.
I'm sure he's got a girlfriend.

It's been really hot here the past few days so maybe he's just sunbathing somewhere.

Good job we adore the little buggers

[violetbunny]

Just a final update to say Dcat has perked up considerably now he's had time to settle in. He's eaten and slept so much, and although not quite his active self he has shown signs of wanting to play etc which is good.

He still has a bad limp and the vet is considering whether he might need Physio in the long term. He is indoor-only for the time being which he is hating.

He has also calmed down a bit, those first 24 hours after he was back he got so upset every time I wasn't close. He is still wanting to sleep on me a lot, but has definitely relaxed since that first night back. I know it sounds weird, but I think on some level he definitely understands that I saved him 😥

We are back in lockdown in NZ after several months of normality, but the upside of this is that I can spend more time with him and take him on lots of supervised walks in the garden on a harness. Just so thrilled to have him back 💕

[Fluffycloudland77]

Of course he understands, he got lost & was starving then mom appeared out of nowhere.

[RosieCockle]

Only just saw your thread. So glad you got your kitty back. Hope he recovers quickly xx

[Papergirl1968]

Aww, he's had a shock - and you have too - but he sounds like he's doing really well.
i think you'll have an extra special bond now.

[Icequeen01]

That's a great update. How's his sister with him now? Are they friends again? So pleased this had a lovely ending.

Stay safe now, both of you!

[Xmasfairy86]

so pleased you found him!!

[violetbunny]

@Icequeen01 Sister stopped hissing at him after the first 24 hours, they seem back to their normal relationship now thankfully. He gets jealous of any attention I show her (so will try to sit on top of her, pounce on her etc if this happens) so she basically just regards him with disdain 😂
Otherwise, they're generally happy to sleep on the same bed, share food bowls / litter trays etc,

[Bargebill19]

Brilliant update. So very very pleased for you.

[SirVixofVixHall]

So delighted for you Op.

[Ibizafun]

I am so so very happy and relieved for you. We have a kitten and story has convinced me to keep him as an indoor cat, only out on a leash in garden. I just couldn’t cope with what you went through. He is a beautiful boy. He looks like an Ocicat?

[violetbunny]

@Ibizafun Its interesting you say that, a few people who have met him have asked what breed he is, or said that he has ears like a lynx (like someone else already said upthread).

He and his sister were rescues so we know nothing of their heritage other than that they were rescued from someone who was giving them away on the side of the road.

He looks like a bog standard domestic shorthair tabby, but has really pointy ears and he and sis are both very long and languid. Sister's coat is also quite spotted (pic below). Pretty sure they are just moggies but have wondered if there is a little something "wilder" in there further back in their bloodline.

[Ibizafun]

He has the markings on his head of an Ocicat and a long lean body. They are descended from the Ocelot but have no wild genes and are living and domesticated. He could well be a mixture! Either way he is gorgeous.