Bit of a long story. A few years ago I moved in with my dad who had dementia, to look after him. My mum was in a nursing home as she'd had a severe stroke. When she was alive, there was a timid little black and white cat who used to hang about outside the back door whom she encouraged to come in, but was too nervous to do so. When I lived there, this cat would come in occasionally and sit on my knees, padding and purring loudly. My sister started feeding him and now he comes round here all the time, we feed him and he sleeps on my bed. I know he does have other owners as a few years ago he was injured by another bigger cat who slashed his face and I could see the wound had been treated.
I'm living in my parents' house as my dad is now in a care home and my sisters want to sell the house as it's a 3 bed with a big garden and too much for me on my own.
My dilemma is, this cat feels like it's mine and is obviously very happy and comfortable here. He was very timid initially, would crouch down if you went to stroke him, as if he was anticipating being hit, and is still pretty jumpy but will now comfortably sleep on my bed. I love him dearly but have no idea who his owners are or how they treat him. So, when this house is finally sold, do I take him with me, or just accept that he has another home, despite the fact that he spends most of his time here? I'll miss him but I just want him to be happy. Should I try and find out who his real owners are? And if so, how could I do that?
And btw I haven't ' stolen' someone else's cat, this whole process started before me, but I have encouraged it. I wish I could just sell the house to someone who would love him as much as I do but that's not going to happen is it?