Free-living cats wander.... I am glad Reilly came back. If you live in a relatively safe environment, he will probably continue to come and go and have a home with you. Outdoor cats have lives that humans only share part of. I grew up with outdoor cats and the neighboring farms barncats coming over for tending and love. Bless you for loving him on his own terms.

These days all my cats live indoors and there are no strays letting me know they are around (the weather-proof shelters are still on my land, but only a family of (wild) bunnies lives in them at the moment. My county adopted the law that it is legal to shoot free-roaming cats, and, as I have a neighbor that is nasty, I no longer put out food unless a cat is letting me know he/she is there and then I begin the taming process. Being a free-roaming cat is no longer an even relatively safe way to live here any more.

There are many dangers out there for cats, but many joys too...

For those who have wanderers, never give up. My dear Sooty was gone on "business" for a year, came home (two-homed for a time) and then lived the remainder of a long life with me. Others used to only winter with me or only show up if they were sick or hurt.... funny how they knew.

Good wishes for all who wander and for those who offer comfort and homes.