Our boy went missing whilst we were on holiday. our friend was house sitting. He said the food was being eaten (by the other cat)
He couldn’t remember when he last saw him.
we got back and put posters up, newspaper advert, Facebook. Called day and night.
Eventually we found him in his favourite spot in a bush 100 metres from home. 19 days later.
He was emaciated. He couldn’t eat and had liver failure. We had him put down.
we deduced he had been locked in a garage or shed for a few weeks whilst we were away. It was summer and holiday season.
curiosity killed our cat. The wife and I cried for days.
New cats go in a cattery if we go away for more than one night.
I suggest going out late at night/early morning like 0300. Rattle a can and call and listen. Also I read to leave items you’ve worn and got smelly in near the home.
Good luck. Tis heartbreaking if you’ve got love for it.