I sent out a call for tips / advice on how to find a lost cat or help him find his way back home:

https://twitter.com/zoosexualfurs/status/1421539874725896195

I bought a live trap. hopefully I will either catch the stray who lurks around my front door, so my cat won't be scared off, or I'll catch him and the crisis will be over

Thank you for helping Lykon

Cat tails, I sent you a private message with tips I got from an ally on Twitter!

Thank you. I sent a reply a little while ago.

I have no tips to offer, but I hope you find him.

well I almost had him. He was in my arms and I was carying him back when he got spooked again and bit my thumb very deep

I count this as good news since he is definitely nearby. I've set up a shelter for him

once again more mixed news. I found him again, on a log several feet in the air surrounded by thick brambles for 30 feet in every direction. Did I mention it's pitch black out?

then I found the end of the log and it's close to the street. He could step right out if he were ready, but something is holding him back. Maybe he's still mad at me from holding him so tightly he had to bite to get away? I moved the shelter to that spot in the hopes that he'll come out while I'm gone.

He's home and safe!

he's home and safe!

The live trap worked. Thank you @Lovecat for insisting I try it

Thank you everyone for your kind words and advice

Glad it all worked out for you!

He is very happy to be home

I confess I felt conflicted about using a trap, rather than letting him come to me on his own terms. I was afraid it would break trust. But once I had him inside he made it clear how glad he was just to be back, and we had a lot of nice snuggles.

So I don't log on for just a day and you guys have a major Cat-astrophe in my absence! ;) Glad He's home safely Cat tail. :)

Me too, good to hear everything's well.