Lost 1 year old cat.

I have a one year old tabby cat that ran away about 26 hours ago, but hasn't turned up yet. I am avoiding putting food out to see if he will become hungry and come back. Anyone have any advice on finding him? He has gotten out of the house a few times before and was just neutered recently. Also he is very skittish.

Have you been able to stay up late looking for him? I know sometimes shy or skittish cats come out when its dark out.Any chance he'll come running if you shake a bag of food really late?

Check with local rescues, tnr groups and shelters to see if you can borrow or rent a humane trap.  Where I live, the SPCA will lend them out with a $50 deposit which is returned in full once you return the trap. 

Have them show you how to set it, and how to safely let an animal go.

Then get some really smelly food like cheap tuna, and set the trap right outside where you live.

Your kitty is probably scared but very hungry and is probably nearby but scared enough not to just come home.

Even though you might catch some other animals first and have to let them go, keep setting the trap and there's a good chance you might trap him.

You can print up fliers with his picture on it and pass them out to neighbors as well as posting them on telephone poles.  Check with local vets, humane societies, animal shelters, etc...  Also take them a flier.  Knock on neighbors doors and ask if they have seen your cat or ask them to keep an eye out for the cat. 

You can leave food out and wait and watch.  You also can get a trail camera that will snap pictures of movement during the night by the food dish.  You would know who is eating the food.  Another step is to get a trap, but you might trap other critters or other cats. 

Good luck and I hope you find your boy soon.