Our kitty, Murray, who was 14 1/2 years old, left over a week ago and has not returned. My husband and I have searched everywhere and can not find him or his remains. I've always said that I'd rather come home and find one of my critters dead than to have to make the decision to put them to sleep, but I think this is even worse. The not knowing is horrible. I've been told that sometimes animals know when they are going to die so they leave home. He must have gone a long way off to die because we've looked all over our woods and our neighborhood and can find no trace of him. I was hoping to find him so I could bury him and have some closure. I also know that another animal, such as a coyote, could have claimed him. Anyone else ever have and animal just disappear? I miss him terribly.