Cat got out when not well- what to do now?

[Alakazam8]

Just as title says really. My cat was sick 3 times this morning, didn’t eat or drink anything and then had a bit of diarrhoea on the floor which is very unusual for him. He seemed very unwell as was thinking a vet trip might be needed. He has somehow got out at about 10am and I thought he was in and under the bed. Didn’t check for an hour and then realised he had got out somehow. My little girl had left her bedroom window open so probably through there which he wouldn’t ever do normally. We had a problem with the smoke alarm this morning too which might have further unsettled him.
Been out to call him quite a few times and he’d normally be in as it’s pouring down. What can I do next to try to find him as I think he’ll be hiding somewhere.
What are the chances of him coming back?
He’s 5 years old and the only thing that got me through shielding so I’m really worried!

Are you completely sure he's not in the house? When cats think they're dying they hide. Have a really good look everywhere - under things, behind things, in drawers, the back of the cupboard under the stairs etc - not just the places he would normally be. Also, in your garden, if you have plants - look under them all. Search really well, everywhere. Then knock on neighbours' doors and ask if you can search their gardens - but search properly - not just a glance around.

Oh that is tricky as they sometimes tend to hide when they don’t feel well. The usual advice is to go out with an open tin of sardines as the smell is so strong and tempting for them. Worth a try.
Also post a photo on your local FB groups and Nextdoor asking people to check their gardens/sheds/garages.

I’ve looked as much as possible inside the house. I’m a wheelchair user just to complicate things. Will get sardines later and ask neighbours to look out for him. I’ll keep calling regularly as well.

I really wouldn't bother with FB, Nextdoor or any of that. He won't have gone far. You need to knock on doors and ask to look in gardens. At the very least ask them to look in their gardens for you. But you are probably only talking a maximum of 8 houses in total. You don't need the internet for that, you need to actually speak to them.

Failing all that then do leaflets through letterboxes. But that is the way to reach a very limited, targeted number of houses, not by posting on FB.

Cross post about being a wheelchair user, I can see that will make things more difficult. Is your child old enough to help? Is there no one else in the house who can help?

I feel so guilty. Should have made sure he didn’t get out- will check under beds again

Will knock on doors, leaflet later on

Definitely not in house- have checked everywhere again

I feel for you, Alakazam8, it’s so stressful. 🤞

If he's still missing overnight go out in the small hours and call him. We found my cat that way as that we could hear her (from inside neighbours shed) when it was really quiet.

Thanks - will do that tonight. Hope he’ll be back by then though. Going to make leaflets to put through doors

Given the circumstances, this might be helpful, @Alakazam8.

Thanks @SparklingLime

Any news?

No sadly- still looking. It’s cold and wet here tonight. Poor little thing. Just hope he’s ok wherever he is…

No sign yet, @Alakazam8? Here’s another list of tips with a few extra ideas on it.

He came back, late last night at his usual window. A little skinny and a lot grubby, otherwise ok and back home where he belongs! I’m over the moon- sat on my shoulder as I’m writing this!

Yay! 🐈‍⬛

YAY!!!!! Hopefully, he is grounded!

Oh definitely grounded!! He’s got to apologise too!

That's good news 👍🏻👍🏻