Will a domesticated feral return?

Hi, new here. We are the people who take care of  feral cats in our heighborhood. There are woods, bushes, and a creek behind our large yard. Started feeding one or two ferals about 1 1/2 years ago. One had a litter of 3. They were basically abandoned by the mother, so we took them in, and got them fixed, shots etc. They became part of the 5 indoor cats we have. My wife takes the cats  seriously, and she spent hours and hours with them until they started feeling safe. I can say that they have great disposition now, and are fully domesticated.

We got broken into a week ago. They destroyed the place, and one of the cats must have gotten so terrorized that she ran out. Of the 3 she was by far the one who had taken to living inside the most. Gained a little weight; slept with us; very affectionate. And she has been by open doors -  it's not like she has been wanting to break away. So, the fact that she ran out is disturbing because we wonder if she knoiws how to fend for herself outdoors.

We have a massive tribe of ferals that live in the yard and on back porch. About 12-15 of them - they all have names and interact with us. They have their feeding times, but I don't think they would let her into their tribe.

My wife saw the missing cat for a minute 3 days after she went missing. She was up on a tree, but seemed stuck in the thicket out there. Then she got lost again. She was very good about responding to her name, and  my wife has spent a lot of time calling for her. To no avail.

Does anyone think that she will come back? Does the feral inside of her take over? Any experience with this/

That is such a tough situation - sorry that happened for your cats and you.   I hope you had some insurance to help out?    Cats are such individual creatures, but I can share what my Big Guy does.   I took him in as a feral kitten at 8 weeks and fully tamed him so he might be comparable.    One time I took him to another person's house to meet a potential adopter and he got loose in the house.   He instantly hid and would not respond to his name - I was able to pull him out of his hiding place successfully but he didn't make a peep.    Whenever anything has scared him at home with me, he hides quite well and again will not make sound and has given me fits looking for him.    So my guess is that your wife will need to be vigilant looking for your lost kitty - she may be nearby and scared likely to hide out in a small niche and be quiet rather than come running to her name.   I hope you are reunited soon!

Oh, what a heart breaker. I hope your other cats are OK and that your sense of security returns soon. About your missing kitty. I have heard that if you go out after dark and sit quietly and call her name, she may be more willing to show herself. Everything you do should be quiet and soothing. Take some food with you, because that will help draw her out as well. She is probably hungry.

If you locate her and are unable to lure her to you, you may need to trap her with a humane or drop trap. You might be able to borrow or rent one fro a local rescue group.

Thank you for helping all of them.

Oh, I am so very sorry for all that you have been through.  It is heartbreaking that one of your babies is missing.  As Ondine mentioned going outside around dusk to dark is a good time.  Sit quietly and call softly too her.  She is probably so very very frightened. 

I will send good vibes your way.
 

Very nice folks here. Thanks for the replies so far.