Your kid also doesn't know when Easter is. Jesus!
<groggy voice offscreen> "Yeah? I'm awake, I'm awake."

I feel bad for you, because that's gonna turn into a maggot attraction sooner rather than later. For next year, maybe you should get some cat nip cat toys and tell your kid to hide those, to avoid a repeat.

While sardines probably weren't the best choice to hide, your son's reasoning behind it is adorable.

OP, borrow a few more cats ... or a beagle/ basset hound who love to eat stinky, smelly, dead things! Then watch each/ listen for barking to see if some fish can't be reached. BoL! :-)

This FML seems a bit fishy to me... Sorry I'll leave.

Why isn't your cat finding them?

Kitty probably doesn't like sardines, or the sardines could have been oil packed which, in my experience, most cats dislike.

This is totally a YDI because you're looking for them yourself. Quit stealing your cat's enjoyment.

Your son doesn't know either I bet.

Your kid needs smacking

Yes, because hitting someone teaches them why what they did was wrong through osmosis.

OP could instead decide to be a decent human being and a non-abusive parent by talking to their child about why hiding food is a bad idea.

i had to laugh! sorry, not sorry ;')