Thank you to everyone for your good thoughts and wishes.
About 4AM I heard a commotion on our front porch that sounded like a cat fight and something hit the porch floor. By the time I got there, the porch was empty and the shovel had been knocked over.
I have dry food out.
What is so frustrating is that I am physically unable to explore parts of our yard.
OMG, Jan! Maybe there's a stray come round and that's why he's in hiding.... maybe you can put a chair under the window and leave it open so he can climb up and back in, but keep Topaz shut away????
Wish I was closer, I'd hop over and help you look for sure.
ARI GET YOUR FUZZY BUTT HOME TO MEOWMY RIGHT NOW!!! Im hope he comes home soon...please keep us updated..my girls kept you in their prayers at bedtime..
He's likely closer to home than you think. Are there any wells, cellars, or the like near you? Check those. Check rafters and any pipes that may have an open end outdoors. Look from about 1-6AM. Scatter soiled litter outside the house, especially near the trap if you can get one.
I have been gone for a few days and just caught this thread. I would like to offer prayers and vibes for you and Ari for him to return safely. I went straight to the end after the first page hoping for good news.
Nothing yet. The food hasn't been touched. I tried to get up about 3-4 AM but the stress caught up with me and I slept until 7.
The back window is open and I am looking for something to put under it so that the jump isn't as high. (It's about 6 foot. Past cats have used this window to get in and out of, but they were indoor/outdoor cats. Back when this area had fewer people.)