Several factors influence a cat's likelihood of returning home after running away.
Outdoor vs. indoor cats: Outdoor cats are more likely to run away than indoor cats simply because they have more opportunities to do so.
Neutered vs. intact cats: Intact (unneutered) male cats are more likely to run away than neutered males or female cats of any status. This is because intact males are driven by their hormones to roam in search of mates.
Age: Kittens and senior cats are more likely to run away than adult cats. Kittens are naturally curious and may wander away from home without realizing it, while senior cats may become disoriented and lost more easily.
Personality: Some cats are simply more prone to running away than others. Anxious, fearful, or aggressive cats are more likely to run away when they feel threatened or stressed.
Distance: The further a cat runs away from home, the less likely it is to find its way back.
If your cat runs away, there are several things you can do to increase the chances that it will return home:
Search your neighborhood: Cats often don't run away very far, so the first thing you should do is search your neighborhood. Look in bushes, under porches, and in any other places where your cat might be hiding.
Ask your neighbors: Let your neighbors know your cat is missing and ask them to keep an eye out for it.
Put up posters: Create and hang posters with your cat's photo, name, and contact information in your neighborhood.
Contact local animal shelters and rescues: Contact your local animal shelters and rescues and let them know your cat is missing.
Set out food and water: If your cat does return home, make sure it has access to food and water.
Don't give up hope: Cats have been known to return home after being missing for weeks or even months, so don't give up hope if your cat doesn't return immediately.