My cat has been missing for 3 days?

It’s been 8 months since I lost my cat 🤧

Hi there, I’m replying because I went through the exact same thing with my girl last September. She’s a little sweetheart who likes to wander but she never stays out for more than a few hours. But then, back in September, she went "missing" for 36 hours! She didn't come when I called (even though I’d almost describe her as being like a dog with the way she responds to my whistles and calls). I had to be away overnight for work, and there was still no sign of her when I got back... I was totally paranoid, panicking, the lot. My lovely neighbours (who are wonderful people and always there to help) "reassured" me by saying that several cats in the area hadn't been coming home lately, and that I should consider that there might be pet thieves operating in the neighbourhood... You can imagine the absolute panic!!! There’s nothing worse than imagining your precious baby in the hands of people with bad intentions. That said, after 36 hours of terrible days and nights, I tried calling her one more time and I (FINALLY) heard the "jingle-jingle" of her bell. I eventually saw her appear in an alleyway right near the house; I was so overwhelmed I literally fell to my knees, and she came running to me, meowing like a stray kitten. I honestly think she might have been locked in a garage or a shed, or maybe even stayed with someone well-meaning who looked after her for a bit. She didn't seem traumatised, just a bit lost (she didn't leave my side for nearly a week). So, never lose hope. It reminds me of a story my parents told me about a cat we had many, many years ago. He escaped in the mountains while we were out, and three weeks later, when they went back to the same spot with almost no hope left, they found him as soon as they called his name. I know it’s incredibly tough, but please don't give up hope. If your cat loves you, they’ll find their way back. My little girl is proof of that. My heart goes out to you; I know exactly how hard this is. But keep the faith.

My cat is used to being out and about a lot. She’s very street-smart. Plus, she’s a great little hunter. But I’m terrified she’s ended up somewhere where she can’t get food or water, like being locked in somewhere... I’ve made some posters, and I’ll be putting them up around the neighbourhood tonight or tomorrow. I’m so worried! 🤦 You know your cat better than we do, so I can definitely understand why you’re so worried. Hang in there!

When my cat went missing, I asked all my neighbours and went out calling for him in the street. As it turns out, he was at my neighbour's place (she has two cats, one of which is a female). This was back before he’d been neutered. He stayed on their terrace for a week; they told me they hadn't fed him because they assumed he was coming back home to us in between... Hang in there, almost all cat owners have been through this! It’s very rare that they don't come back!

Hi, I’m going to be completely honest about my experience. I’ve got neighbours who have dogs and sometimes leave their food bowls outside. Once, my cat didn’t come back for two weeks – and no, I’m not joking! I wasn't worried sick because my cat is a real explorer; I knew he’d just gone to help himself to the dogs' food, even though he had his own bowl at our place. If your cat is the adventurous type, don’t worry too much. If they aren't, start putting up posters or even call the local council, as they might have some information. Keep us posted!

Hi there, try putting an ad on lost pet websites and report it to the RSPCA and the microchip database. If her microchip is registered to your current address, that’s already a good start. Use social media and have a good look around the neighbourhood; sometimes cats hide nearby if they’ve been spooked by something. Hang in there, don’t give up hope!