Cat dilemma

[PennyPenguins]

I've had a call from a vet saying they've got my cat. I haven't seen this cat for 7-8 years.

Had him from a kitten.. He kept disappearing. I kept getting calls and collecting him. Bringing it home. For him to disappear for longer and longer each time. Basically, he clearly didn't want to live with me. Went a bit feral. Wasn't friendly anymore.

I honestly thought it wouldn't have survived this long in the wild?..

In the last 8 years, I've moved. Currently got 2 cats (1 I've had 15 years & 1 about 12). I've now got 2 small kids. I honestly don't know what to do? From what the vets said he's in good health, so maybe living with someone? I've no idea where to start/what to do?

Awwww are you not pleased to have him back? My cat is missing at the moment and I’d give anything to have him back 😢
Why can’t you get him and introduce him slowly into the home again?
Having said that if he is being looked after by someone else he might be happy where he is. It’s a dilemma for sure.

So did he originally live with you and the two other cats, if they’re 12 and 15 and he disappeared 8 years ago? If he’s been feral for that long maybe he’d be happy being semi-feral under observation- if you could provide a bed and shelter, food and water in a garage or shed or something, so you can keep an eye on him, take him to the vet if he needs it, do his flea treatment, but he comes and goes as he pleases.

Erm surely you take him back?!

And yes you could always do what @Boood says if that makes cat happy

You get the Welcome Home banners out!!

I'd get him and introduce him back until the house. What else would you do?

It sounds like you and the cat aren’t overly fond of each other, so rehoming might be the way forward for both of you.

He probably found himself another home who never took him to the vet.

If he doesn't settle back with you you could surrender him to a rescue.

@Boood

So did he originally live with you and the two other cats, if they’re 12 and 15 and he disappeared 8 years ago? If he’s been feral for that long maybe he’d be happy being semi-feral under observation- if you could provide a bed and shelter, food and water in a garage or shed or something, so you can keep an eye on him, take him to the vet if he needs it, do his flea treatment, but he comes and goes as he pleases.

He lived with me & 1 of the cats. The second cat my partner had before we lived together.

@HeadacheGrey

Awwww are you not pleased to have him back? My cat is missing at the moment and I’d give anything to have him back 😢 Why can’t you get him and introduce him slowly into the home again? Having said that if he is being looked after by someone else he might be happy where he is. It’s a dilemma for sure.

Last time I saw him he was very feral and unpredictable.

How come he was feral when he was a pet of yours? I mean he may have gone a bit wild from necessity of living on the streets but I'm sure with time and patience he can adapt back into the home, especially as he is a lot older now.

Have you decided what you're going to do OP?

Maybe ask @MNHQ to move this to The Litter Tray you might get some more helpful suggestions.