If you are close to coyotes that is probably what happened!!! I NEVER let my kitties out no matter how much they meow!! I have big windows they can sit in, ceiling to floor kitty condos and PLENTY of toys!!! You just never know what can happen to kitties outside!!!
It could be that a coyote got him. The neighbor’s dog has been hanging around too. He doesn’t seem too friendly.
The only cat we have now is a yellow feral cat, whom I call “Handout”. He only comes around to eat.
We keep our dog on a tie out cable. He won’t stay home, although he has 5 acres to run around in.