Indoor Cat ran outside- we just moved into a new house & it's about to thunderstorm outside?

Okay, this is what you need to do, file a missing cat report with your city-run animal control asap! Many of these places have a 24 hour kill policy for unclaimed cats. The one in my area has a 72 hour kill policy. It's really sad how many pet owners are not aware that time is precious. Also, place missing cat notices around your neighbourhood. Post them at your local grocery stores, banks, convenience stores, local schools, community mailboxes, etc. Places where your neighbours frequent. I don't feel comfortable microchipping my cats either, theres evidence that it can cause cancer in pets.

Do you have any scents from your old home? (Example: The bed she slept him, things she rubbed, etc).

If so, she will look for this scent and locate the house. Don't worry, leaving food or water outside will also help. Cats can withstand thunder storms, and she will find a good shelter in the thick trees. She may not return for a while because they are making sure its safe to leave.

Cats have strong noses, and there urine isn't the kind that just "washes off" with water. Surely she sprayed some around before venturing off like a goon:)

She should find her way back soon! Hope this helps.

In rare instances they will come back. The cat wasn't in the home long enough to get a feel or scent of the place. You should have had your cat microchipped because that collar is likely to catch on the brush and pull off or help choke the cat.

I didn't get to this question until you'd already posted your additional details........

I'm SO HAPPY that your cat was SMART ENOUGH to get herself back home......it could have turned out so differently!

I don't know why you don't believe in micro-chipping, because the chip is about the size of a grain of rice...easy to insert under the skin behind a head....and so much better than relying on a tag........but, if your cat gets lost, I hope you have neighbors who will help you look for her......

Good luck..........

I just hope you find her, and everything gets well for you...best of luck.