My cat has been missing for over a month

Hi everyone, I’ve done almost everything you mentioned. I’ve also reported her as missing on the microchip database and posted on various websites and groups. We always said that when we moved, we wouldn’t let her out straight away. That we’d take our time. But she was used to going out on our balcony, so she was constantly begging to go out. And like I said, she seemed really settled and like she’d adapted quickly. Ever since she went missing for 24 hours shortly after the move, she hadn't been very confident and stayed in the garden quite a lot. I’m still trying to call for her every now and then, though not as often as when she first went missing. I know cats can come back after several weeks or months, so I’m hoping that’ll be the case. As I said, I spent a fortnight doing quite a lot of searching on foot over a fairly wide area. The only thing I haven’t done is put flyers through the letterboxes in my town. But there are 4,000 residents, and if she’s gone to the other side of the area, it’s a bit tricky... Thanks everyone.

Hi there, Did you let her out as soon as you moved into the house? You really should have kept her inside for at least a month to allow her to get her scent everywhere and familiarise herself with her new surroundings. Cats rely heavily on scent to navigate, and it’s very likely she felt disoriented if she didn't have time to "claim" the space with her own smell. Ideally, it’s best to take them to a new home as often as possible beforehand to help them get used to the place—it acts as a bit of a transition. Regarding the search: I’ve read your original post. You’ve already done almost everything (contacting the vet, the RSPCA and local rescue centres, the local council, and putting up posters in shops). You could perhaps put up even more posters with her photo if you haven't already. You should also make sure to contact the microchip database (like PetLog) to report her missing if you haven't done so yet. This is where all chipped pets are registered. You can also use sites like Animal Search UK or "Pets Located". Once she's reported to the database, she’ll show up on their lost and found systems. And let me tell you what someone told me last year when my kitty went missing—once for three weeks in the summer and a second time for four months: get the whole neighbourhood involved! You should also post an advert on local "Lost and Found" groups on Facebook. Walk around the area every day—early in the morning at dawn and late at night when it’s quiet—calling her name loudly and listening out for any sound. Do this every single day! It helps to take a bowl of dry food with you and shake it so she hears the familiar noise. Whatever you do, don't lose hope! I found mine after four months the second time, and there are cases where owners have found their pets after five years. So please, don't give up! I think it would be wise to keep her indoors for at least a month if you find her, for the reasons I mentioned earlier. I really hope you get her back soon!

I agree, our furry friends can wander a long way... I’m going to try and get in touch with the local vet where I used to live. But it seems strange to me that she’d have headed back after four months. It’s not as if I’ve only just moved into my new place 😌

I forgot to mention she’s microchipped but doesn’t have a tattoo. I haven’t actually gone back there; it’s an hour’s drive away and she’d already been in the house for four months. She’d already settled into her routine and seemed really happy there. She adapted so quickly. Especially since our old place was a flat and she never went outside, except for the little balcony. She didn’t really have a territory to speak of back then.

Yes, have you tried checking to see if she's actually gone back to your old neighbourhood?

Evening, could she have tried to head back to her old territory?