Should I continue to feed an 'abandoned cat'?

[user1471867483]

My neighbours recently moved out two weeks ago, leaving behind one of their two cats. The abandoned cat has been seeking shelter in my back garden since they left, and the property owners have closed off the cat flap. Despite not having a forwarding address for the owners, I have been caring for the cat by feeding and watering him these past two weeks. When I contacted the letting agent to express my concerns about the cat's welfare, the owner messaged me asking not to feed the cat and that he would collect him when convenient. However, the cat is still without a home, without food except from me, the cat still hasn't been collected and is solely reliant on me for food. I feel torn and unsure about what to do next. Should I continue caring for the cat (because without my care he wouldn't eat), or should I wait for the owner to make arrangements? Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

If you can, keep him. 💕

It’s head vs heart….the first day he came through window and my daughter woke to him curled up under her chin. His whole being screams he has been so lonely and just wants some love. He is so friendly.

the head says we already have two cats, can we afford a 3rd especially not knowing if he has some lurking medical condition. I wonder how it works - I surely couldn’t insure him because I have no idea how old he is but if I have a vet check and they find anything it would be pre existing…..

the existing cats, one has hissed a little. The other pretty much not. He has just ignored them. Never known a stray like it - the ones we had before were afraid of people and just snuck in when no one around.

My heart would rule my head!

I'd take him to the vets for an age assessment
'& anything you need to take out the insurance.

get him chipped.

get him a separate litter tray

if he's eating/drinking & peeing/pooping & is a healthy weight I don't think you need to look for problems 💕

it seems like the cats will sort themselves out.

Little dribbling which could indicate teeth but only occasionally. We think maybe about 4/5. Litter tray been in room but he goes outside for toilet so never used. Eats fine. Bolted it down first couple days now more relaxed as he knows more is coming.

Oh he has a 'yes, I know I'm handsome!' Look about him.

id get the insurance sorted than take him to see about his teeth if he's still dribbling in a week or so.

hes slim but not skinnny.

he'd be staying 💕😊

London.

Oh, how can people do this, it's heartbreaking! I can understand that they might not be able to take the cat with them to their new home, but rehome the cat responsibly, for goodness sake.

What a shame the homeless cat doesn't get on with your resident cat.

You say you are in London, there is or used to be a poster here @thecatneuterer who was involved with Celia Hammond, if they're still about they might be able to help you find a rescue with room - I have tagged them.

Poor baby. Yes absolutely look after him and feed him- you’re being very kind OP.

@Promblesi am around but unable to help. All rescues are having to turn away around 90 per cent of calls for help as the situation is just so out of control. Of course the OP should feed, but I don't really have any solutions for the long term.

Do you have a local pet alert type group on facebook, I'd put him on there first. And take him to the vets to see if he has a chip.

If nothing from those, then it looks like he has moved in for good.

If nothing else, I would buy the cat equivalent of a kennel to give him shelter from the weather, take him to the vet’s for a check up, microchipping, worming, etc and put food and water out.

My mother took in two stray females by first of all, letting them shelter in the shed with food and water; then gradually got them into the kitchen and finally integrated them with our other house cats. It took about a year to convert two terrified strays into affectionate house cats. You have the advantage, he’s not a stray.

Oh, dear, what a sad situation. Thank you for replying.

In an ideal world I'd have a houseful of rescue cats but I simply can't afford to look after more than the two I already have 😿

@Shedmistresshes been on Facebook, general area group plus specifics cat group, next door. I’ve look led on the animal lost website. Nothing. Not chipped.

What I can't understand is why did the owner text, "Don't feed him or he might get confused". He hasn't any human decency. How can I stop feeding a living breathing being? Isn't this animal cruelty? Even my own environmental health dept at my council (yes, I even contacted them!) said thank you for continuing to feed him. I am not allowing this horrible cat owner dictate to me who to contact either. I've even emailed his letting agent head office! Anyway, it's day 16 and I've given this cat his 'breakfast'. Bless him, he's eating in front of me now in my garden, where before he waited until I came inside before he ate. Do you know, the owner has even taped up the cat flap this poor cat used to use when the owner lived there? Disgusting. I even attached a photo of this poor cat huddled against my back fence on the other side in the pouring rain this week to the letting agent HQ as well!

Feed the cat. Then take it to a local vet if you don't want to take it in. Poor thing it sounds like it is better off with you.

You know, deep down, that the 'owner' has no intention of collecting the poor cat. It's not like you messaged him on the day they moved when they might not have realised the cat was missing. You said you are in day 16. And 30 hours since your message.
If you can keep feeding it, I would. We had a similar situation about 15 years ago. Our elderly neighbours had been feeding a stray for a couple of years but then both died quite close together. We began to feed the cat because we couldn't sit back and let her starve. No cat rescue charities had space. We are still feeding her now! She was a true stray, so although she will allow us to stroke her, she won't come in the house so we have a cat house outside the back door where she sleeps. She was poorly last year and DH somehow managed to get hold of her and get her to the vet. Vet treated her and said that considering her lifestyle she is very healthy. He put her age at about 17.

You can't just dump cats at vets. What do you think the vets will do? They aren't a rescue and they wouldn't be able to pass to a rescue as all rescues are full. Their only option would be euthanasia.

The owner came to collect the cat yesterday just as I was going to give the cat its dinner for the night! He collected him from the garden from the maisonette he used to own. He picked him up like he was his long lost friend all fake smiles and only collected him because I ratted on him. I only observed all this because I heard his voice call the cat's name and noticed all this from my window. Whilst it was a joy to feed him, the owner didn't even knock to say he's collected him, thank me or reimburse any costs. I only hope the cat will be ok moving forward.

On the basis you know the cat is abandoned it is fine to feed. Normally I would say no, let it return home
...We lost a beloved family cat this way when someone decided to feed her a diet which didn't agree with her, just because th cat kept popping into their garden to say hello, but I digress....

Edited to say I read your update after posting. Here is hoping the cat has a good life, and you did the right thing.

If the cat is a house cat and used to being with people then take it to the vets and find out if it's chipped. The vet might be able to suggest a home or another shelter. You could then try Nextdoor to find a new home.

Keep on feeding in the meantime and provide somewhere for the animal to sleep. Your ex neighbours are arseholes.

Oh. I hope he looks after him ok. Presumably he dud before he moved?? Do you know how far he's moved? The cat might come back...

bastard not even letting you know he collected him, thankfully you saw him so you know he hasn't just gone missing x

Try reading the OP's posts.

Contact them now, they should log it as abandonment of an animal.

And please don’t ever advertise a pet on Nextdoor

Sorry for a third post but have you tried Celia Hammond Animal Trust? They’re in East London.

ETA: Sorry OP, just read your update. I hope the kitty will be okay 💐