My cat which I have had since 1992 has gone missing this morning. He has suddenly become very frail but has still be eating no problem. I noticed that his back legs looked pretty weak yesterday.I let him out last night and he hasn't come home this morning. He never goes far out of the garden as he is almost deaf and blind but still loves the outdoors.

I have looked around the garden this morning, poked around in the undergrowth but still haven't found him.

Do cats really go off to die? I am wondering if this is what has happened - would be such a shame to never know what has happened to him. I will be dropping some leaflets in the neighbourhood tonight but as he loves his food, and wasn't there today, I am thinking the worst.

Has he come home yet?
I've heard they go off to die but not sure if it's true. I hope you find him.

No, not found him. Husband has had a look around the garden too but still not found.

Have you tried asking your neighbours etc?

I haven't been able to as yet as I am at work but I have printed off some leaflets which I will put through their doors tonight. Fingers crossed!

sorry to hear your cats missing.
If he never goes far that to me means that he is very close.
What you need to do is go knocking on doors and ask them very kindly if you can look around their garden.
You need to look under srubs and behind shed etc.
I also put pictures around the area and one in my car and on the front door of our house.
We found our cat 4 days later in somebodys back garden about 200 yds up the road, under some conifer trees. She was very frightened but ok.

I hope this helps and you found him very soon!!

Since that happened our cats are in at night!

He has just turned up!!! BUT he has maggots coming out of his bottom!

Vets booked for 16:10 and will see what the vet reckons. If his back legs have gone to the extent he will continually mess himself, which will then attract the flies, then I think the kindest thing will be to say goodbye as that will not be any fun for him. Not sure how I feel about it right now. I haven't said goodbye to him but part of me thinks maybe its easier if I don't see him......

Nice to hear he's turned up!!
Good luck at the vets.
Will be thinking of you.

Just to update you. He stayed at the vets overnight who put him out and checked him over. They cleaned out the maggots and took his blood pressure etc. They have given him a couple of injections as well and he is as right as rain ! Picked him up at 8:30 this morning. Have to give him plenty of fluids and I will keep him in more often now but I am so pleased he is ok! Thanks for your support!!

Ahh bless him, good news!