Have I lost my cat forever??

Its upsetting when cats go on a walkabout, my tom used to do this all the time (Sometimes for weeks) and I would be Sooooooo worried. Give it till tommorrow and if he's not home, start asking about to see if anyones seen him. I take it he usually comes home every night?? If no one knows his whereabouts then you can report him to the RSPCA who will keep a check on all the resue centres and wardens to see if he has been picked up. I hope this helps and I hope he returns to you soon. Cats are so and they like to scare the living daylights out of you!!!! But try not to worry x