Cat first time out since move- now missing. Feel sick

winterlover

My 11 year old beautiful cat has been shut inside for just over 2 weeks. This morning I released him because he was absolutely wailing and trying to escape and it felt cruel to keep him cooped up. Although an amazingly loving affectionate cat, he is fiercely independent and likes to be outside. 

He slowly wandered in the garden and then went straight over the neighbours fence and out of sight.
I have not seen him since. It is now nearly 10 hours. 

He’s moved with us 3 times before and has never gone far for the first day, but this is the first move in 7 years 
I have a special bond with my cat and I’m feeling sick and am convinced I’ll never see him again which is absolutely breaking my heart. 

I’ve spread litter around the garden, left some tuna in two separate places and I guess I am just looking for any tips to help him find his way back ? 

clive0510

how far have you moved from your old place? he may go back there. usually if they know where the food n shelter is thats where they go. 
but you are correct, they do break your heart. I can not understand people who have a dislike of animals.

winterlover

@clive0510 we are about 3 miles away as the crow flies. He is a very smart cat and very street wise but I can’t see him heading back there. I wish I’d not let him out. I’m feeling so guilty. Love that cat so much 

clive0510

are you able to walk those 3 miles to where you lived. you may well pick him up on route. 

winterlover

@clive0510 yes I am although there are any number of routes. I will drive over there tomorrow. The house is empty and he may well have gone in through the cat flap. I can also get a set of keys to look inside (old house owned by my boss)

debsy42

Try going in the garden and shouting his name as loud as you can whilst either rattling a box of cat biscuits or banging his food bowl, chances are he just doesn't know where you live with just moving and hopefully just needs a bit of guidance home.

[Deleted User]

Hope he comes home soon.

When my cat goes off for a while I take a bag of treats out and give them a shake, she usually turns up within a minute, along with every other cat within earshot.

sheramber

My aunt's car travelled 23 miles  back to their old house.

[Deleted User]

Any luck finding him?

tealady

Vac the house (especially where the cat and you go to sit / sleep).
Sprinkle the dust around the garden so it smells of home.
Contact local rescue /vets (I assume the chip details have been updated).
On a bright note one of my hairy horrors escaped the day I got them, empty belly brought them home.
Fingers crossed for you.

winterlover

Thanks everyone. He did come home after my husband shouted for him over and over very loudly! I do think he was lost because the next day, he didn’t go too far from the garden. Today (day 3) he’s gone further and I’ve not seen him around but I’m more confident he’ll make his way back now that he’s had time to suss out his surroundings