Can this cat story have a happy ending?

[likesmountains 52]

I was out of the country for several weeks and my house sitter let my 15 year old, indoor cat out...by the time I got home he'd been missing for a week...now 12 days. He has had several teeth pulled and has not been outside in over a year. I left info at the Humane Society and placed a lost ad in the paper when I got home but no luck yet. Is it very likely that he's ok and going to show up? Thanks...be honest.

[NV Whino]

1. Not likely

Sorry, not good news. Cats usually show up withn three to four days. That seems to be their tolerance span for hunger. Hang the housesitter by his or her toenails.

I hope yoru kitty is an exception. Good luck.

[joeybee12]

2. I hope so--cats have been known to show up after longer stretches...

...but I'd have to say that considering your cat's age, the chances aren't so great. Has it ever been an outside cat? The chances are probably a little better if it was--it could be visiting its old haunts--cats have very good memories.

Have you slapped your baby-sitter around yet? I would!

Good luck.

[joeybee12]

5. I must add that while growing up one of cats disappeared for over a month.

...only to come back! Of course, he was an outdoor cat (which, I think was pretty stupid of us), and used to roaming on his own.

[CatWoman]

14. Male used to do that

but she's an indoor cat.

She got out a few times, and the longest she stayed gone was a month.

[aquart]

3. I do not believe a word your housesitter told you.

Housecats come home.

True, sometimes the walkabout is a little longer than one would like, but home is home.

Is it possible your cat went looking for YOU?

[likesmountains 52]

7. that's what I think

he probably just was freaking out and ran off. The worst part is, the house sitter left the door open for the dog to go in and out...eventhough I told them I don't let the dog outside if I'm not home....go figure..

[aquart]

12. The dog?????

Are they friends?

[likesmountains 52]

15. sort of

mostly ignore each other...but the dog is definitely acting like she knows something isn't right in our house!

[iconoclastic cat]

4. I'm so sorry.

That is truly an awful way to lose such a loving friend. Miracles do happen, but if I were in this position, I would allow myself to grieve. Fifteen is a ripe old age for a cat, and it sounds like he led a wonderful life with you. This will hurt for a while, so please do not do it alone. We're all with you, my friend.

[Red_Viking]

6. Has he disappeared before?

I have an old male cat myself, and he used to go on jaunts that would last 10 days or so. He's 19 now, and not as spry as he used to be. I recently moved to Oregon from Texas and left him behind, because I knew the trip would be too hard on him. He's still chugging right along, living with my dad out in the Texas hill country. He ventures off now and again. Cats will be cats.

Don't give up hope; maybe put some food outside to draw him back home.

If he doesn't come home, keep in mind this is what cats do when it's their time. They go away somewhere to be alone. If that's the case, remember you took wonderful care of him or he wouldn't have lived 15 years!

But, I'll keep hoping for the best. Sending good karma your way.

:dem:

RV

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

8. If he's been outside before,

its likely that he can handle himself. I've also read that indoor cats who get out usually are hiding someplace near the house, and that they tend not to mew. If you can get a humane trap, put some cat food in it and set it. Kitty will likely come to the trap to eat, and you'll have him back.

[likesmountains 52]

9. thanks

Yes, he used to go outside once in a while, but lost interest in the last year or so. When he was young he did go missing for a few weeks once, and turned up having lost 3 pounds...thank you all for your help and support. I will put food out for him and make a good search around my yard.

[Boomer]

11. That's no so grim then

>> he used to go outside once in a while, but lost interest in the last year or so <<

Sounds like he didn't like your sitter and decided to go walkabout for awhile. Going outside is always a risk, regardless of age, but if he's done it before the chances of misadventure are less.

If he returns, please post on DU and let us know!

[Pithlet]

10. I hope it does.

:hug: 12 days is long, but it isn't unheard of. In addition to leaving food, take a t-shirt you've worn recently but haven't washed, and put it in a box, and keep a good eye on it. And keep checking the local shelter to see if he shows up there.

[aquart]

13. Good idea about the t-shirt.

[Zuni]

21. or even some of her cat toys that have her scent on them

They know their scent and their home territory

[flvegan]

16. Territorial

12 days is like the adventure you might've taken out of the country, for him. He's probably stalking small prey and enjoying some fresh air freedom in the grass and bushes. He's probably close by and will come back soon. The t-shirt and food/humane trap ideas are very good.

Without knowing where you live, I'd also suggest calling the Animal Control/Animal Services in your area, and maybe calling a couple animal rescue groups that might specialize in cats, too.

Best of luck you you and your boy...

[OnionPatch]

17. My heart goes out to you

and I can totally relate....my cat is missing too! It's been almost a week. I've been walking around feeling like someone kicked me in the stomach. So I guess I might know how you feel. I'm so sorry.
I really hope for your sake he comes home. I'll be thinking of you. It sounds like you gave him a good life. My mom told me today that it's better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.

[likesmountains 52]

18. I'll keep my fingers crossed for both wayward kitties

to find their way home. Thanks

[Pithlet]

22. I hope yours returns, too.

I remember that kicked in the gut feeling when Harriet, the first cat I ever had out on my own, was missing. My ex and I were in the process of moving, and the last day at the old place she disappeared. We figured she got out while the door was open during the moving process (she was indoors only). Our next door neighbors were moving as well, which added to the confusion. We kept going back to the old place looking for her, for days.

The last day our lease was up, we were hopeless. I couldn't enjoy my new place without her. My co-workers sent me home because I was useless. We went back to the empty apartment one last time, just in tears. Harriet came padding out of the living room looking at us like, "Where have you been?"

[Zuni]

19. I'll say a prayer for you and your cat

I would be devestated if my pets disppeared. God Bless

[Zuni]

20. buy food your kitty likes

and stash it around your house (stinky stuff like fish or poultry or even a few open cans of Fancy Feast leading back to the house). Their sense of smell is amazing. Go out around the property and call her or talk like you would normally. She will recognize your voice if she hears it. (Cats can hear 5X better than us)

Put up signs, and check out local animal shelters.

The best after that is to just pray. And we will pray with you. God Bless.