four days ago i was getting my cat(alfie) ready for the visit with the vet to me nutted, but unfortunatly my youngest son left the front door open and alfie escaped and has not been seen since, we have been round the estate calling him but to no avail. he is a stunning black male cat and its breaking our hearts to think we might never see him again. How long will cats stay away from home for? and do they eventually turn up?. just after some comforting words.