We have a neutered male cat. We got him when he was about 8 months old. He is an indoor/outdoor cat. We live in the country. During his younger years, he would take off for days at a time. The longest time was 15 days. I thought he was gone for good that time. Now he is old, about 14 years. He no longer roams about the countryside, he stays home. The only other pets I have lost is to old age death and it's always dreadful, sorrowful, time.