What to do about Ex-next door's cat

[Sprogonthetyne]

Our neighbours moved about a week ago, but their cat is currently in my garden, we've seen him around a few time but he's skittish so can't get a proper look at his condition. I think it was a council house swap, and the new people's kid is in the local school, so possibly they're still in the general area. Possibly options I'm considering are:

They left him behind 😠

They took him, but he came back and is now lost

They live close by, and our house is still in his ranges

Not sure what, if anything I should do. We would happily have him if he's been abandoned, or could try to track them down, don't want to just leave it if the cat needs help, but also don't want to steal someone's pet.

Take him in the house if you can and then contact them. Sometimes cats make their way back to their old house and then get confused.

Just look after him till they get in contact that's all you can do really

Or if (as I assume) you don't have their details, catch the cat and take him to a vet to check for a chip. The vet can then contact the owner. If he doesn't have one then you may as well keep him until (just in case) the original owners come looking.

I don't have their contact details, but possibly could get them from the new neighbours. How would I go about catching him? He runs when we approach, but will eat food if I put it down then back off. So far he's just had a few pieces of ham, but could go get some cat food.

Feed him and he will start to trust you

He is lucky to have you looking out for him. ❤️

Too many people consider pets disposable and leave them behind when they move. If your neighbors did not, and are indeed looking for him, they will post flyers and come around to ask if anyone has seen him.

In the meantime, I would feed and water him and try to gain his trust to take him in if they don’t come looking.

Option one would NOT surprise me.

If you put food out while he’s there
and stand back he will eat it. He won’t know how to hunt to survive if he’s domesticated.

I would ask new neighbours if they have a forwarding address or contact number.
If not go to the estate agents and ask them to pass on a message to former neighbours or try landlord if rented property.
If you can entice the cat in, attach a message to its collar (or buy a collar and attach message).