Our wandering cat is back home. He's been living with an elderly man nearby.
The cat came back to us via the vet because he had a wound in his leg that needed attention. The man's family took it to the vet. We picked him up and paid the bill. They didn't even realise he had the cat. He's been feeding it tins of fish and raw chicken. His family didnt realise, just thought he was eating a lot of fish when they were doing his shopping.
They don't want him to be responsible for the cat, don't particularly want the cat in his house in case he falls over it. Certainly they won't be paying any vet bills.
So the cat is back with us. We've kept him indoors for a week. He's been quite happy just dozing on the beds. We're happy to have him back. We've missed him.
But this morning he's so restless. He just wants to go out. It's much cooler here this morning, maybe he's been happy lazing around because it's been so warm, and now it's cooler he wants out to explore.
But I'm worried if we let him out he'll be straight back to this man's house. I don't feel like a week is long enough to break the habit.
But maybe since this other house is not far away he'll never break the habit?
Should we try to keep him in a bit longer even if it makes him unhappy? Is there even any point? Any other tips to help him settle back with us?
He can't be an indoor cat. He would hate it. We've got another cat and small kids so he's going to escape sooner or later when someone doesn't close the door fast enough. And we've never had indoor cats. It doesn’t feel right to me.