cat adventure out because of new puppies?

Question
I live in a country environment, farms on the left and right and a very small street. Recently (last week on Friday) we got two puppies from the pound. I have 4 cats, 2 like to go outside regularly and mostly at night. We introduced the pups in a "sight" way. The cats are familiar with dogs as all of our neighbors have at least 1-2 if not more. We first would seperate the pups and let them "view" them while we pet the cat on the head in a "its ok" way. My boy cat, the youngest who is 2, has a purple collar and is all black, disappeared that night. It has been a week exactly now. It isn't like him to not come home and eat. I have had a million thoughts in my head about raccoons, skunks, coyotes, bobcats etc... The strange thing is my neighbors cat, who is also black, is missing too. Our cats, boy and girl, like to play. They are both fixed cats. About 3 weeks ago we had a stray wonder on our property who was really injured with infection on his front paw, something had gotten ahold of him and he was in terrible shape. That probably should have been my first indication to lock them in the house at night. However, we didn't they are really good at running out of doors when opened. I am praying he is pouting and this is because of the puppies, but in the same sense it has been a week and I am just not sure. Does anyone have any suggestions? I have a tall tree that is next to a porch with no stairs, the cats often times climb up and come in or eat. I usually take a bowl of water out. The other night I placed his favorite wet canned food out and walked away, came back 1/2 hour later and something had eaten off it. I kept spying on it all night and thank goodness it was not a raccoon as suspected. It was a farm stray. Please let me know if you have any advise, suggestions, anything. We have passed out flyers and talked to neighbors. My child has mentioned to his neighborhood friends as well.

Answer
Andrea,

Unfortunately, if you have coyotes anywhere in the area it does not look good as cat is a coyotes favorite meal. And the thing about coyotes you don't see them but they see you. I hope that isn't it but....

I would say it could possibly be because of the pups but since the neighbor cat is missing too that doesn't seem likely. Is there possibly a neighbor around who doesn't like cats or who is trying to trap the wild animals who might have traps set out? That might explain the stray's paw injury.

I would put flyers on the windows at the nearest grocery store or where most people go to shop or get gas, etc.
And call the local animal control to report the cats missing and tell them you may have some wild animals getting them. Maybe they will come and investigate.

I hope they are just scared and holed up somewhere and come back soon. Please keep me posted.

Carol