Oh Richard, every pet owner in the world has done something like this. I once accidentally locked my poor girl Missy outside for the whole of a cold winter night. Thank God she had the sense to stick close to the house.

Cats are quick to sneak in (or out) and we don't always see them. And then we feel so terrible when something like this happens. At least you found and released the cat before she could come to any harm.

Always remember that cats are survivors and can withstand a brief period of lockdown. And remember to do a head count when leaving the house!