Missing blind deaf cat

Question
QUESTION: My 16 y.o. cat wandered out of the house 5 nights ago, has never been out in 16 yrs...In searching all day, every day I would like to know what the behavior would likely be and how far she might wander...what she might do for food and water to survive.

ANSWER: Jay,

Fortunately, most cats do not wander very far from their home territory.  Also, they are very, very good at hiding in plain sight.

You can put posters with your cat's picture and particulars up around your neighborhood, at the local veterinary offices, at the local shelters.

You can leave your garage door open just enough for the cat to wander back in and provide some food or water.

The biggest problems your cat will face are humans, automobiles and predators.

If you do spot your cat, but she will not come, you can also go to your local shelter and get a "have-a-heart" humane trap and see if her favorite food will attract her.

Good luck, and, please let me know if she turns up.

Concerned regards... Norm.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: What would you expect of her because she is BLIND and DEAF?

Answer
Jay,

Cats are incredibly resourceful.  I would expect she would know her territory by her sense of smell.  I would further expect, she will stay very close to home.  That is not to say she won't be taken in by someone in another household.  I would expect, as I said before, she is hiding somewhere close to your house!!!!!

She may not be able to forage as well, being blind and deaf, but cats often scavenge a meal as opposed to catching it!!!!

Concerned regards... Norm.