But they rarely voluntarily leave their home, even if badly treated. It is imperative when a cat turns up missing to begin an aggressive search immediately. Your cat's life could depend on it. Try to think like a cat, your cat specifically. Look around and try to imagine what could have happened to account for the disappearance and help you look in the right places.
Cats are excellent hiders.
Look first in your immediate area. Check the house carefully. If there have been changes in the environment lately, with new places for a cat to explore, look there. Don't forget to look in your own back garden in case the cat has been injured or got stuck somewhere. Ask your neighbours to look and listen for a cat in their area.