Lost my cat but someone may have him

My fourteen year old ginger tom hasn't been seen by us since 5/5/2013 and we've looked all over for him. He's usually found in our immediate block but no matter how many times we call him around this block, he's not appeared nor has he replied (he's quite vocal and answers when his name is called). I've put flyers in the houses on the edge of the block and one neighbour called us and said she'd seen him the day after we last saw him. But today, 13/5/2013, another neighbour has told us that the lady who called us has a few cats including strays.

What are the chances she's got my cat? And if so, why hasn't she told us or why hasn't he managed to get out and find his way home? He's a very nervous cat and freaks out if he thinks he's trapped. He also runs away from people, surely he'd run from this woman.

I did make the mistake of putting his name on the flyers but he's not the type of cat to approach anyone who calls his name and he doesn't know them. Any advice would be great.

Do you honestly have reason to think the woman who called really has your furbaby?  If so, then I would go over and tell her you understand she has rescued a few strays and wonder if you could take a look and see if your lost cat happens to be there? 

As to why, if he IS there, he hasn't managed to "escape",  maybe she simply keeps the doors closed?  Or maybe he isn't there at all.  If your old boy isn't fixed, then he just may be out sowing his wild oats and will be back when he's good and ready.  It IS that time of year, isn't it?  (kitten season). 

I sure hope he comes home soon, and even though he's 13, I would suggest you neuter him so he doesn't wander from home and not only cause you worry, but get in fights at his age, AND make more kittens that will need homes

I, also, would just go and ask this person if she may have seen your cat. Tom cats will roam and breed . Please keep your cat indoors OR get him neutered when he returns.

Just to clarify, he's been neutered since he was old enough to have it done.

I just needed people's opinion on the situation so thank you

I will keep you all updated

Great on the neutering.  (technically he's not a tom ...that's where we were confused)

Hope you find him .  We once had one of our slip out the door and was missing for 3 weeks.  Turns out she was under the deck next door.  Not sure if she was there the entire time or not, but she NEVER tried to go outside ever again after that experience

OH! I assumed he was unneutered because of the term "tom" that was used to describe your ginger cat. I certainly do hope that he is found soon. Mega vibes for your kitty. Please do keep us posted. :cross: