How to get a wanderer to return?

[TheTurnOfTheScrew]

We adopted two 18mo old female cats in May. They've been going out since June. The less affectionate, more businesslike of the two has not been home for a few days. We feared the worst, but a neighbour has seen her (taken a picture so we're confident it IS her) last night in some common ground really near the house.

There are several cat owners nearby, so I'm guessing she's breaking in and stealing other cats' food while people have their back doors open in the heat. We've been out shaking food and calling but no joy to date. Any tips on managing this?

?

The next time she comes home, keep her in for as long as possible. She might settle down, knowing that she can't go out whenever she pleases. Does she have toys to occupy her and places to sit up high, a cat tower? Have you tried a Feliway plugin, which might calm her down a bit. Has she lost weight? One of my old cats had hyperthyroidism and was like a lunatic going in and out all the time, before it was diagnosed and he was given medication, which calmed him down.

Thanks - the cat flap is a microchip one so we can delete her for bit. She is definitely very wired, and I'd not thought about her thyroid so we can certainly ask the vet to check.