My eldest moggy (Charlie, 14) has had kidney trouble for a few months now and a special diet. Over the last few weeks the weight has dropped off him and he's not been himself. This morning he went out as usual for a little trot round his haunts before "breakfast", but hasn't reappeared at all - nearly 10 hours later.

I can't help thinking he's gone away for good given his condition - what's the thoughts of my DS chums?

He's due back at the vets on Monday, where we might have been making the hardest decision that a pet owner can make.....

How was he getting about? I mean was he still perky and active or a bit slow and sluggish? He might just be tired and resting somewhere. My dog had kidney trouble. He was 19 and his back legs went almost overnight. He had a ferocious appetite but was losing weight badly. Chances are he's waiting for you to find him because he can't get home himself.

Try going round your neighbours and get them to check their gardens/sheds etc. When my cat went missing I got all the kids in the street out looking.

I hope you find him soon and he's well.

It's been atrocious weather all day, windy and wet, and I've spent over an hour hunting round the district both before and after it got dark but I'm pleased to say;

He's back!! Found him bedraggled and weak on the front door step about 20 minutes ago. No appetite, considering he's had nothing all day, but I've put him to bed and he's had a drink. Looks very sorry for himself and I'm sorry to say that I think we're probably talking about hours, rather than days, before he leaves us - only time will tell.

I'm so sorry for you and Charlie, poor thing doesn't sound good at all. I hope you are wrong about him not having long left. And would not want to be in your position at all if you have to make the decision. Best thing you can do is just keep showing him love and affection, and if the worst does happen always remember the good times.

My prayers are with you.

I am so pleased Charlie is back home, safe and with his family, so that his last days with you will be in comfort and love.

Give Charlie a hug from me Thinking of you all when the time does come for you to say good bye

I echo Pumpkin's sentiments

Im so pleased he came back, as many cats go away to die, leaving owners sad and wondering what happened.

Thinking of you xx

Sadly, I have to report that Charlie collapsed during the night, he slept with us all night and we kept him drinking via a srynge. Unfortunately he had no energy left and finally gave up. We took him to the vets this morning, where we made that hard decision that awaits many pet owners. He's safe and sound now in his favourite spot in the garden.

Good-bye Charlie cat, you were a very good cat and we loved you very much. RIP...

I am so sorry LCDMAN, but he knew he was much loved

RIP Charlie

Oh dear it is a sad place on Pets forum this morning.

So sorry for your loss.

R.I.P Charlie. xxx

I'm very sorry for your loss. It's really hard to see our lovely cats who were once full of life and energy so weak and poorly at the end of their lives. As others have said it's good that Charlie made his way home to you, to the place where he knew he was loved.

My cousin's cat, Susie, also succumbed to renal failure this week. She was put to sleep on Monday at the age of 17+.

I'm sorry to hear this, glad he came home for you though. RIP Charlie x x

So sorry to hear this. At least he didn't disappear as you feared and you were able to say goodbye this morning.
RIP Charlie