How to look after a cat that was shut in for 18 hours

[Mumdiva99]

Our cat went missing yesterday after lunch. We knew she was missing as she doesn't go far and comes back regularly.

Last night our neighbour said she had been in his house, he tried to get her out but she ran off. They assumed she left.

Last night my husband went in calling for her and she didn't come. So again they assumed she left.

She was in the house. I had a message over night and will be going to collect her as soon as they tell me they are awake.

Is there anything I need to do to lower her stress when she returns? How can we help her?

(She and her sister are supposed to be going to the cattery tomorrow while we go away.....I'm so worried about stressing her further.)

Poor poor thing. She must be so scared. Should we keep her in today?

I think you have to look into why she wants to go to another house instead of staying with you. We found a cat sleeping in our shed every night, we asked neighbours if they knew the cat, nobody did. We started feeding cat and letting him in our house. Turns out he lived across the road, the family had 2 small girls who pretty much screamed all day and he wanted some peace and quiet. I’m sure she’ll be ok, but yes keep her in before she goes to cattery, feed and make a fuss of her.

She should be fine. One of mine has spent many a night and some of the following day locked in our shed. She doesn't respond when you call her before locking the shed and it is only as the following day goes on that you realise she is not around. I usually just make a fuss over her and feed her straight away. She never seems too traumatised as it doesn't stop her going in again.

Thanks @mysweetaudrina. I hope it does stop her. We've all be so worried.

@mindymomo as I said - she usually comes back regularly. She often pops into their garden for strokes or to snooze on their comfy cushions- I found out yesterday. I think she was just being nosy as the neighbour said his door had been left open. She has a lovely life here and is the happiest cat.

Depends on the cat. Nervy ones might be upset and hiding but will be fine after a day or so.
Others its just what they do day to day so unbothered by spending time elsewhere.
Just keep things normal and plenty of fuss if she wants when she's back.
My childhood cat was so nervy and I was the only one who could handle her for treatment etc and she was hiding in a shed for 2 days as wouldn't come out and the owner of the garden was afraid of picking her up, she was only small bless her! Had to go round with a carrier and discovered it was only the other side of the fence but a mile away by car, presume she was just too scared to leave the shed or thought she was lost!

Our cat went missing for 24 hours (shut in somewhere). When she got home she was mad and hungry, but after a meal and a sleep she was back to normal. Don’t worry - your cat will be fine x

She's back. Just had a wander and is now in the litter tray. Phew. We can sleep tonight.

Thanks for the reassurance.

I was meant to do a flea treatment yesterday....obviously didn't get around to it. Don't want to do it now. X