missing indoor cat

Question
I have had Macy for about 4 years now and she has always been an inside cat.  Well on 4-1-08- she escaped to the outside.  She has done this before but she never leaves the carport. I live in a small community with lots of neighbors.  I have checked everywhere.  I have made flyers, went door to door, etc.  Checked under storage sheds, brush, etc.  I can not find her anywhere. I have called the local animal shelters and animal control but to no avail- notified vets offices etc.  She wasn't wearing a collar but she is a well fed long haired cat.  I have alot of feral cats in my neighborhood and I believe she is hiding.  However, I am running out of places to look! For the past two days I have searched and walked the streets in a 7 block radius. For the past two nights I have left out food and water and drove around the blocks at strange hours during the night. Any ideas??I love my cat!!

Answer
Morgen,

I am sorry about your cat. It is always heartbreaking to lose a loved pet.

I imagine she is scared and is hiding or up a tree. It sounds like you have done what you can.

The only suggestion I have is NOT to leave food out, you might be attracting the feral cats that may be chasing her. She should meow at the door when she comes home. Also try calling her at night around the area when it is quiet so you can hear her if she meows. If it is warm enough and safe, leave the door cracked open so if she comes home she can run in.

I sincerely hope for her safe return. Let me know. And when you find her please put a collar on her with your address and phone on it in case it happens again and someone finds her and takes her in because they thought she was a stray cat.

Carol