My cat Douglas is one year old and he has gone astray. The last time I saw him was last night, and today there's no sign of him. He's been going outside for a while and he loves it. It is most unlike him to miss a meal, he's the greediest cat in the world! Any ideas, I'm worried!

Has he been neutered. I wouldnt worry though i sure he will come back when he is hungry. Have yous asked around where you live somebody could have taken him in because its cold. Please let us know when he turns up.

Yes, he's been neutered. I've knocked on a few doors and nobody has seen him. I wonder if someone gave him some food, he's good at pretending he's starving! Will keep you posted.

I'm starting to get really worried now. I haven't seen him since about 1am last night. I suppose there's nothing to do but wait.

Where would people take a lost or injured cat? He had two collars but managed to lost them both. Thanks for your help.

Contact vets and RSPCA and any other animal shelters - if he has been found someone may have handed him in. But you are worrying very early - many cats wander, our worst was away for several days at a time - not saying we didn't worry but he did always turn up. Neutering helps and is he microchipped ?

This is a good place to look for help too http://www.catchat.org/lost.html

What's the environment like where you live? Are you near traffic?

Given that it's very cold then I would be worried too.

Sorry I know none of this helps.

If he's microchipped then if anyone finds him they should take him to a vet where he can be identified.

The other thing I did when my cat went missing was to put a picture on the Missing Pet Register. You can upload a photo with details about the cat (any feature colours, collars etc.). This is what I did when my cat went AWOL and the people who found her googled "missing cat in xxxxxxx" and up came the link to the Missing Pet Register so its worth a go.

I also put flyers around the immediate neighbourhood and you'd be surprised how many people you bump into say "oh I checked my shed/garage" or "I keep an eye out for your cat"

I hope your cat does come back and if so, please come back on and let us know as I know exactly what you're going through. Its the not knowing thats the worst.

he's not microchipped. If he's not back by tomorrow morning I'll put up a poster in the local shop, etc. Fingers crossed he comes back!
It would be quite difficult for him to get out on to the road here. There are lots of gardens for him to explore, though.
Thanks for your help.

That's what we did, put posters up and got a few calls, one of which led us to the location (hiding in a garage). She was gone for 10 days and a bit thinner and scruffy when we found her but fine apart from that ...... don't give up hope.

Sorry he isnt back yet. Is a good idea putting posters up. When one of mine went missing even though its was only a few hours i got my local shop who we live next door too put a advert up the owner even wrote it. Within 30mins he a woman knocked on my door he was hiding in there garage and wouldnt come out. So i would ask neighbours to check garages as well and sheds etc. Ask all the rescues you have around and also all the vets in the area. I would also go out at the same time he went out and shout his name out.

No news about Douglas yet?

I hope he turns up soon

I hope Douglas comes home soon.

I have the same problem.

My Impossible Princess has not been seen 2am this morning. She didn't come in for breakfast (usually she in my bedroom scratching the bed) which she has never missed before and I am home from work and still no sign. Usually she would want lunch by now.

Somebody will probaly have taken them both in i think.

Any news yet ?

Not yet. I have walked down two alleys. One was impassable with brambles.

Snow is falling and she usually indoors asleep in her basket by now.

I am getting worried as she never misses meals, she likes them too much.

One thing to remember cats are not stupid in this weather I am sure he has found somewhere safe and warm. Perhaps posters round the area may help ?

The council here fine you for putting posters up. So I can only do online at lost pets.

How churlish and petty is that? The council I mean. Dear me.

No sign of douglas. I've been out calling, phoned the RSPCA, vets, Cats Protection, etc, put a poster up in my local shop, knocked on doors and put leaflets through doors. Very worried.

No sign of Douglas. I've been out calling, phoned the RSPCA, vets, Cats Protection, etc, put a poster up in my local shop, knocked on doors and put leaflets through doors. Oh and put an ad in the local paper. Very worried.

Honestly I can't imagine how you must be feeling right now, I'd be going spare too. In the summer my sisters cat, went missing, she put up posters and asked around everywhere, she was worried sick, 3 days later he strolled in proud as punch. I know it probably won't help much but the odds are Douglas is safe and sound, I bet he'll be back soon xxxxx keep us posted.

Thanks very much for your kind words. This forum has been very helpful to me. Thanks all for your very useful suggestions.

Hope both cats come home soon, it must be horrible. Actually, having been through it before I know it is!

My former cat would disappear for days but this is very out of character with the new one.