Last week, a local stray somehow managed to get through our microchip catflap while we were out, and proceeded to eat our cat's dinner and then strolled into our lounge and sat himself on our sofa, all while our cat looked on in what I can only imagine was shock!
When I discovered him, he was under our bed, refusing to come out, but had obviously got some wounds on his face. After failing to tempt him out, I shut the door and left him in there overnight. The next morning, I managed to get him into a carrier and took him to the vets. They confirmed he was unneutered, unchipped, and that some of his wounds had turned into abscesses. I paid £100 for him to have an antibiotic injection and a checkup, and they suggested I release him with a paper collar on with my phone number in case he had an owner. Ideally he needs an op to sort out the abcesses, de-fleaing, worming, vacs, chip etc etc).
I released him in my garden and have been worrying about him ever since! He's visited us a few times since (although no more break-ins), and I understand a local lady has been feeding him for about a year.
My gut instinct is to catch him next time he comes over, take him to the vets, get him sorted, and try and gently introduce him to my cat and see how they get along. Has anyone had any luck doing this? My DH is not convinced and thinks it's unfair on our current cat (a rescue we got 6 months ago). If it didn't work out I would happily rehome him (the stray that is) - although that's probably easier said than done! Cats Protection have already confirmed they have a waiting list.