outdoor cat disappeared

Our cat has recently disappeared and it has been about 5-6 days since we've seen him. He's about 13-14 years old and was found at age 2 as a wild cat. He's adapted over time really well to the life style of living around the house and eating when he wants. He usually never even leaves the yard, however he's no where to be found (checked under decks, porches, etc.) Recently we got a new kitten and the cat really dislikes her. Every time the kitten goes up to the cat he hisses and slaps him (about 2 years ago we had a small dog who couldn't get along with the cat, they stayed together for about 6 months until we ultimatley found a new owner for the dog). I didn't think the cat would run away because of the kitten, but now I'm starting to wonder.

The cat knows my neighbor leaves cat food outside (he sometimes will wonder over there and help himself.) however she claims she hasn't seen him the past few days either.

I'm mainly wondering if the cat ran away because of the kitten, or if he left to die in peace.

Also can cats survive outside without food for more than a few days?

Hi AriG,

I'm sorry to her that your cat is missing. I know how you feel, my cat George has been missing for 5 months now. He was also a feral cat that I took in when he was about four months old. He retained a lot of his wild behaviour though, he used to regularly stay out all night and only come home to eat and sleep.

Was your cat sick? is there any reason he might have gone off to die in peace? 14 seems a bit young for a healthy cat to just die. He might have been upset over the new kitten. I took in George's four little sisters about 6 months before he left and I think he may have been feeling a bit jealous about them being there.

You have to remember that cat's are really well equipped to survive on their own. He's probably quite capable of finding food by himself.

There are some good tips for finding a lost cat here.http://www.thecatsite.com/t/248019/tips-for-finding-a-lost-cat

I recommend buying a trail camera and putting food out to see if he is still in the neighbourhood.He may still be around but has decided to hide from you for some reason.

Good luck, I hope you find him.