Feral Cat Territory

I am the caretaker of two female feral cats that I have trapped, neutered and returned. They mostly live on our property and are fed twice a day. One of my cats has been missing for 5 days, which she has never done before. She has left for two days in the past, but never this long. We live in an area where feral cats are not uncommon. There are presently two feral males who come around...one is new. The timing of this new cat’s arrival seems to coincide with the departure of my cat. These two male cats fight...perhaps for the territory. I am wondering if my female cat who is spayed, and missing, would have fought with this new male cat or leave in fear of him? Also, would a spayed female cat leave because of non-neutered males trying to mate with her?

Your help would be very welcomed, as I am very worried for our sweet cat.

She very well could have been frightened off my the males.  Non neutered males will go to great lengths to take over territory.  They will not stop with the fighting either.  It would be best if you could trap, neuter and return these cats as well.  The fighting will stop and the males will calm down. 

I am sorry you are having to deal with this problem.  Yet it will not go away.  Once the males have found you, they may stay.  They too will want food.  They may leave in search of a female, but once mating season winds down, they will need food and shelter too.  Neutered males can be wonderfully gentle once the coursing hormones are out of their bodies.

Thank you for caring for the females.  I hope your sweet on returns soon.