Please reassure me....or what to do now about cat who hasn’t come home this evening

[Alakazam7]

Hi my cat always comes back home at 7 ish after his last wander outside of an evening. He hasn’t appeared despite me calling him.
He was out for longer than usual today but came back at 4 for his tea. I let him out again afterwards but really wish I hadn’t now.
Any advice please for things I can do before I go to bed for the night or if I need to just get a grip and keep a window open!

Go and call for him again. Leave a bowl of water out for him (but not food, as you will just end up feeding the whole neighbourhood)

If there's a window that you can leave open for him that he is likely to and able to find, then that's a good idea.

Try not to worry - easier said than done, I know. He will probably be on the doorstep tomorrow morning crying for breakfast

Thanks, will do that now, there is a window so I’ll leave that open. He’s never stayed out so long before but seemed fine at tea time. Hopefully he’ll appear overnight. So worried but need to try to sleep!

He's probably lost track of time. Put his litter tray outside and if you have a blanket with his scent on, put it outside, as well. Hope he comes back to you very soon.

Tray, water and blanket outside.
He's normally as regular as clockwork but hopefully it’s just the weather/timing issue. Will update if/WHEN he turns up (later tonight fingers crossed)

Just strolled in to ask for his breakfast as if nothing had happened! Humppphh!
Thanks for the advice as I think I might need it again!

Aww, he's a naughty boy . So glad he's home.

Our dcats only get fed at 10pm. Can't remember how this came about but it means they def in for the night every night!! Over 6 years old!!

We feed our guy very late in summer and don't allow him out afterwards. Otherwise he won't come back till morning & will wake everyone up yowling outside the window at half five.

glad he is back, wee bugger!!
The better nights appeal to their inner lion and they can pretend to be SImba or Scar prowling the Badlands, instead of idiotcat in a suburban garden with only a compost heap for excitement!

Both of mine were out until 11 last night but as pp said, don't feed them too early on a summer evening,and they'll be back

They came in as the dog was out for his pre bed wee, he was so excited he "found" the cats he celebrated by nearly eating a slug, so apols to any neighbours who heard me! "eeewww no no NO! that is disgusting, filthy beast!" "LEAVE IT!"

I’ve been feeding him usual time, about 4 ish but will make it a bit later from today and he can be in after that. Thanks for the help and suggestions.
He’s only 2 so still learning that he’s not as big and clever as he thinks he is!

He stayed out again until 12.30 last night and didn’t answer when called and have so far only managed to put his food back by 2 hours.
Any tips other than doing a rain dance?

2 hours in just a couple of days is good going - I have to start slowly moving supper time a week before clock changes!

You're just going to have to start shutting him in after supper, and be careful about opening windows or doors I'm afraid.