Cats going out

[Mimipoo]

I have already posted about my missing cat twice so you can probably guess my state of mind at the moment!

I want to ask about your cats going out. Do they how often what times, do you trust them.
My cat was young only aloud out in the day at quite times when we are around. She went missing on a quiet very hot Sunday morning the cat was desperate to go out. Dissapeared without trace and I can't cope with the not knowing.

I feel terribly guilty and don't know if I should ever even consider owning a cat again.
I am a lifelong cat owner and truly loved and needed my cat.
What do others do? Our garden isn't the type to be cat proofed and a pen seems cruel. ???