Hi everyone - I’m currently on a sit and would appreciate some advice. I’m looking after two cats and one of them has been missing since yesterday afternoon - they’re both very easy-going, affectionate, no health/mobility issues, and I believe they usually stay close to home. It’s a large home with an equally large garden, and they can easily access the neighbours’ gardens. Up until now, they’ve always been around for breakfast and dinner and always come running back to the house when I call for them and shake a little tin of treats.
They don’t wear trackers and can come and go as they please as they have several cat flaps. I’ve tried calling him back, had a good look round the house (checked cupboards and closed off rooms, in case they’ve somehow gotten in) and the garden, but still no sign. I’ve informed the owner and she said she’ll ask the neighbours to check their sheds if he doesn’t show up by the end of the day. I’ll also be knocking on their doors later on.
This is the first time a cat has gone missing on one of my sits and I am pretty worried! My own cat went missing years ago and unfortunately it turned out she was fatally hit by a car, so I’m also inclined to think the worst because of my own experiences. Is there anything else I should be doing at this stage?
I recommend walking around the neighborhood and listening for meows coming from garages and sheds. Also, a call to the local shelter may be a good idea.
There really isn’t much more you can do that you haven’t already done.
The unfortunate reality of indoor/outdoor cats.
After one sit where the cat was shot when outside (she recovered after an emergency vet visit) we now ask HOs if the cat goes AWOL at what point should we
A . Inform them
B. Panic.
I know it sounds insensitive but we now suppress our emotions and do the “all care taken , no responsibility” mantra. I truly hope the cat comes back but these are the risks owners take with indoor outdoor cats. Most importantly whatever happens. IT Isn’t your fault.
One thing is certain, as the cat is indoor/outdoor and you have been given permission by the owners to let it outside, regardless of whether or not it returns this is not your responsibility and as a cat owner I would not hold a sitter at all responsible for this sort of thing.
Although they’ve been around on a daily basis during your sit, perhaps there are times when they disappear for several days, why not ask the owner if this is typical or at least an occasional thing that they do.
I also wanted to add (I can’t seem to edit my recent post) that although this may be stating the obvious, pets don’t always act the same with sitters as they do with their owners.
The cat could easily disappear for a week and suddenly waltz right in as if it never left.
Thanks all for the advice and moral support - thankfully he’s just strolled back in! @Kelton I was worried he had scarpered off because of some sort of change in routine, but turns out he’s absolutely fine. Phew!
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