I knew someone whose cat ran off and came back a week or so later with a collar and their “new” people came looking.

Probably been kicking it in someone’s garden while being waited on, paw and foot.

Some strays have a fairly large "range" and will often disappear for a few weeks, or even a few months at a time. One stray I used to take care of would disappear all summer and come back in the winter. ( He was probably still around sometimes but not operating during normal human hours, but we've also seen him wandering across town on several occasions.)

Either way it sounds like you're really gaining his trust!

A few days ago I picked up my 80 year old dad and got him to the grocery store, and he forgot to close his front door.

When we got back he was panicked that cats had gotten outside. (He has four.)

We searched for about ten minutes and saw one inside, but couldn't find the others.

Thankfully they had all stayed inside.

Gotta be careful with your outdoor kitties, folks. There are risks and costs in allowing them to live fuller lives.

So so glad that Larry made it home!

I'd take him to a vet just to be safe. Not eating could be he's been taken care of, or it could be a bunch of worse things.

I'll never forget about Larry, no matter how I try.

🎵 The very next day 🎵

Friendly reminder that outdoor cats are an absolute menace to the environment, spread disease, live shorter lives, and face a high risk of being readopted by your neighbors.

OP, rescue this cute kitty! Give it a good home, and get one more eco menace off the streets!

Are they microchipped and/or tattooed? That can be a very important thing, especially for outdoor cats.