Bengal cats

I dont think this is something exclusive to bengal cats, most cats do this type of thing.

Unlike dogs cats dont have a loyalty to their owners, they are independant creatures who can be very selfish, and will quite willingly take up residence with other families, simply because they see an advantage for themselves in doing so,

Do your cats come home exceptionally hungry? Do they look as if they have slept rough?

Unfortunately there are plenty people out there who will take pity on a cat and feed it because they think they are lost or a stray, when most cats do have adequate homes to go to, but choose to spread themselves about

You make a very good point about cats' independent natures.

My worst offender comes home after about 6 days hungry but not thin, which makes me think she travels for a day or so to somewhere she finds food. She then stays home, mainly sleeping until disappearing again after about a week.

The cats wear collars with phone number, I have even added a tag asking for info, but have only been notified when collar only was found, several miles away, over farmland.

I had a Bengal, he ruled the neighbourhood!! he was a law to himself. He would visit a number of homes in the street and either get told to clear off or welcomed in. I worked and he would find a friendly warm place to spend the day and then return to me in the evening. As he was so beautiful i forgave him.