Can't find the cat...where do they go to die?

[AM1995]

Several months ago a cat showed up and starting living in our garage - we started caring for her, feeding her, petting her, etc.  We didn't let her in because we couldn't afford to take her to the vet, but we did everything else to care for her.  Obviously, I have grown quite attached to her.  We think she was an older cat and had some kind of sore on her underbelly - possibly mammary cancer?  The other night she seems to have left...we can't find her anywhere, she hasn't been around to eat for 2 days now.  We're wondering if she may have gone off to die...but if she did, where would she have gone??  I feel terrible!  I wish I could find her - at least to say good-bye and bury her.  Does anyone know where a cat would go to die?  How far could she have gone?  
Thank you for any ideas...

[puppypie]

if she is attached to you,she probily wont go very far! if she isnt very fond of you,she will probily go along ways! the best place to check is under rocks,if you have a creek then there,in trees,under logs,in small cracks,if you have holes nearby that go down far there,just check where they usaly go because that means they care for that place and probily wants to spend there last few min. there! good luck! hope she has not passed away!

[29sillygirl]

This is a cat's way.  I suspect she has not gone far, but, yes, in hiding in a quiet sheltered spot.  As you have known her for several months, you might try calling her.  

I have had many cats thru the years.  In two cases...altho' hiding was first noticeable behavior (I was working at the time...away all day)...when I took a flashlight and called the name I gave him,  he came to me.

You may not have luck with this ....she (like all of mine) came to your place...not really feral...but not completely domesticated either.  Kitties have an amazing wisdom.  You have to trust that she is doing what is natural to her...and know you gave her love and shelter when she needed it.

[melipops]

Hi Poor thing she has probably gone to hide somewhere nearby. Under bushes and in small places. Boxes. in between cupboards and walls. They can fir into amazingly small spaces. Good luck I hope you find her.