What a sad story

RIP Tiger, Be happy & play in RB.

I am very confused about the owners attitude towards traps, I am surprise she wouldn't make this small effort to regain her pet. IMO it sounds like this cat was unwanted....

I am not surprised that Tiger learned to fend for himself outside, cats tend to act wilder, if they have access to the outside world. He would quickly learn to hunt and a drain would give him a basic shelter from the worst weather.

For instance my playful & affectionate Milo, won't allow me to pick him up and cuddle him when he is outside. It would ruin his street cred.

Cats show their kitten side when they are inside away from other strange cats but when they are outside they become adult 'we are mighty hunters' cats.
(This behaviour does not apply to cats in outside runs, this is still classed as inside as far as this type of behaviour goes.)

You would be surprised at how many of your own cats could & would cope with fending for themselves. But no doubt Tiger and other strays must miss companionship & security that an owner 'should' offer.