Haven't read all the replies but this has worked for 3 friends who lost card....go out at night when it's very quiet.... And call your cats name using what sounds you would use for him. This way he can hear you from a farther distance and can find you. It does work... Good luck!
I had an experience similar to this....male feral given to me by owner who seemed to handle him like a normal cat.
I had cats all my life... and never saw this timidness, once she left him.
The cat stayed in the cabinet in bathroom ....and would hiss at me even when I fed him.
I let him stay...
