Worried Kitty Mom

I have been on an emotional rollercoaster since Monday night, and I just needed to talk to someone. I know how all of you feel about your pets, so I came here....

I have a former feral cat, named Rudy, who doesn't seem to be feeling well. He disappeared Monday. I'm not sure what time, but the last we had seen him was mid-afternoon. We had painted, and done some yard work, and when it was time to go in, he wasn't around. Later, when I fed the cats, he had still not returned. I was very conserned, because it's not like him to miss a feeding, and normally, he like to some indoors for the night. My husband reminded me that he's still not fully tame, and we shouldn't just automatically assume something is wrong.

The next day, I got up, and fed the cats. Still no Rudy. He didn't come home for the afternoon feeding, or that night either. So that's two nights, and I'm really starting to get worried. The next morning, still no Rudy. I was trying to have faith, but at the same time, I was beginning to think I had no choice but to admit that he was gone. I switched between crying, and hoping, crying, and hoping.

Finally, he returned home last night after 6. He was looking pretty tired, and lethargic, but he was HOME. I thanked God repeatedly for answering my prayer, and decided to bring him inside. I don't know what happened in those 2.5 days he was missing, but he is exhausted. He doesn't seem to have any bite wounds, or broken bones. He was infested with fleas, but I put a spot of advantage on him, so that should help. He ate. not a lot, but he did eat something. He's used the litter box, and drank some water. So why am I still worried? I guess I just know he doesn't feel good, because he's just lying around. It's not like him to have such a low amount of energy. He's got an appointment to see the vet tomorrow, and I'm hoping it's nothing serious. I just don't like the idea of getting him back, only to lose him forever. Please, say a prayer for my boy, that he's just fine, and his protective mommy is just overreacting.

Thanks,
Jennifer