Cat ran away whilst I was on holiday

Question
I have a 9 yr old male cat, neutered, I rescued him from the RSPCA about 18 months ago. He settled in very well, although is a bit of a fighter! I have one other cat who is a 5 yr old girl who I have had from a kitten.

I went on hol for 2 weeks and my friend was popping in twice a day to feed both the cats, they have a cat flap and do as they please. When I got back on Tuesday morning my friend told me she hadnt seen my male cat (Rusty) for 10 days but wasnt worried as cats wander! I was very worried as Rusty is a very homey cat, never goes out much and is always nearby, sleeps on my bed every night and always comes when I call him. I spent the entire day looking for him and calling him to no avail, but then put up posters and someone called saying he had been sleeping under their car for 10 days and they had fed him on and off. I went and collected him (he was about a mile away) and brought him home.

I have locked him in with a litter tray for the time being to keep an eye on him, as he has a abcess on his neck, but am so scared that when I do let him out, he will go straight back to where I found him, and not come home. He has been very "off" with me, lets me stroke him but wont sit on me, wont sleep on my bed, and is generally not impressed that he is locked in! Has been crying at the door to go out! I feel bad locking him in, but dont know what to do to stop him roaming again. I was planning on keeping him in for a couple of days and then letting him out on Sunday when I am around all day to keep an eye on him (as much as you can with cats!!)

any advice would be appreciated.

Answer
Louise,

The cat is VERY upset at you leaving. He didn't know if you were coming back and it upset and confused him. He may have gone looking for you. Only he knows the reason why he picked that particular place to stay.

He will be upset at you for awhile. And everytime you leave he will think you are leaving him alone again. It will take time and LOTS of special kitty treats! Try some sardines (in oil), tuna, etc.

He knows you are there. Locking him up is only stressing him more than he already is, especially if he feels ill from the abscess (he needs to go to the vet for some antibiotics!). If he leaves it's because he wants to, and trying to contain him will compound the issue and not help in getting back in his good graces.

I had a cat who detested kittens. When I aquired some (not by choice) he moved to a neighbor's house who didn't have any animals. He would periodically come home for a few minutes, but only every week or so. I tried to keep him in a couple of times, but he was so adament and determined to leave again that it wasn't worth the stress that it caused for both of us. Plus he was literally screaming at my other cats. He stayed there about 7 months. Then, when the kittens were older, he suddenly returned on his own and stayed.

Cats go where they want to be. I've given you my opinion and experiences...but ultimately the decision is yours.

Carol