Out of all the strays and ferals Shadow is the only one that goes for months and then comes back. Although my neighborhood is a bit different as there are at least (if not more) then 10 colonies with caretakers in a 16 block radius because of 80 plus TNRd cats due to a hoarding situation so I suspect that some of the cats I started caring for have decided to visit old friends as well as test the smorgasbord. Maybe that's what is happening in your case as well? We have good neighbors, somewhat, that will mention on Next Door if they find a sick or dead animal although no one reveals location of their colonies for the safety of the cats.
Last year Shadow disappeared in mid May and returned first of November. Ambrose disappeared a year ago but I have since learned that someone took a liking to him and gave him a home inside. That could also be a possibility and to be honest, as much as I love my little colony, I would rather the cats have homes (either with me or someone else who is responsible) then living outside. Check websites to your local shelters; post in Paw Boost (they don't care if feral or not), ask on Next Door. Hope this helps.
Last year Shadow disappeared in mid May and returned first of November. Ambrose disappeared a year ago but I have since learned that someone took a liking to him and gave him a home inside. That could also be a possibility and to be honest, as much as I love my little colony, I would rather the cats have homes (either with me or someone else who is responsible) then living outside. Check websites to your local shelters; post in Paw Boost (they don't care if feral or not), ask on Next Door. Hope this helps.