'Adopted' cat not been around...advice?

[Sad_CatLover]

A bit of an unusual situation, but we have had a distant neighbours cat coming around for some months now. Every day, at various times of the day he would be hanging around our garden or trying to get in. We took him to the vets for scanning ages back because we were worried he might be lost but the vet confirmed that he lived in a nearby street.

I'm not sure the circumstances but the cat spent most of his time local to us or around our garden and would be there first thing in the morning, when I got back from work, 9am, 1am...all weathers. In the end we started to let him in as he was outside in the freezing weather and became desperate to get in. Since then he has spent hours at a time with us, going off and coming back later, sometimes just for food, sometimes just to sleep.
We always make sure he does not stay in overnight when we go to bed so he is not trapped.
I always just hope in my mind that he is going to his owners at this point. He is definitely an outdoors cat, loves to chase and hunt, but mainly in local vicinities. I never intended for the cat to spend so much time with us but I couldn't bear him clawing at the doors in the early hours of the morning soaking wet any longer and we grew fond of him.

Anyway, the last time we saw him was Thursday afternoon. We have not seen him since. I know he isn't our cat but we have grown so attached to him and can't bear not knowing what has happened.

I just don't know what to do. Do I just have to hope in my mind that he has moved, or his owners are now keeping him in, rather than think of the awful alternative?
Or should I do something to find out the truth?

I feel awful, at least if he was mine I could knock on doors, but feel powerless. Part of me wants to try and track down the owners but I wouldn't want to cause upset and the owners were not happy even knowing we had taken the cat for scanning (the vet advised them), which was unfair I felt. If I had a cat I would be pleased to know that people cared if it was out wandering all hours.

Anyone have any advice? I'm guessing his vets won't tell me anything if I asked whether they had any news on him recently? I hate this feeling. It's not that I need him back with me, I do miss him and wish he was here but know he isn't mine...I just want to know he is okay or have some closure.

Anyone had any similar experiences or can offer any advice?

(Please don't hate on me for trying to 'steal' the cat as that wasn't the case at all. I would be perfectly happy if I knew he was happy and loved, but can only assume something was unsettling him for him to be out all hours and in all weather and I was concerned for his welfare as he would often be near a busy road or lie next to a drop down kerb endangering his life. Not to mention him seeming v hungry, but I know this can be deceptive as cats are v good at wolfing down extra food!)

[Kay]

how practical is it to hang around his owners' house to see if you can spot him? you might also get a chance to speak to a neighbour of theirs - just pretend you are looking for your own cat, but vaguely describing this boy

[Sad_CatLover]

how practical is it to hang around his owners' house to see if you can spot him? you might also get a chance to speak to a neighbour of theirs - just pretend you are looking for your own cat, but vaguely describing this boy

Hi, thanks for the response. It's a bit hard because it's a cul-de-sac and I don't know which number.
I wonder whether I should just say that the cat has been hanging around near our garden and I was concerned that I hadn't seen it as the last time was near the road etc...without going into the rest...then see if I can find out if they are still there or moved..or if something happened.
I'm just concerned that if I out and out lie and don't get any useful information it then leaves me in a difficult position...

I keep hoping he will suddenly scratch at the door but I have a bad feeling

[meriad]

personally, I'd go to the road and make a few discreet enquiries. If the cat has a caring owner they will (or should) understand and be grateful for your concern

If the cat does come back to you; then what about putting a paper collar on him asking the owner to call you. Again just for reassurance on both sides.

But to hopefully put your mind at ease a bit - this time of year a lot of cats that are quite OK spending lots of time outdoors will do just that. It's warming up; birds and mice are breeding - there is lots of easy food to be had... He's probably just having an absolutely party somewhere.

Fingers crossed though you find out though

[Pinkglitter1]

Hi,

I though I would post as I can relate to what you have written. I posted here recently about a cat who was sneaking in for food. I also fed a cat for 6 months, grew fond of him and desperately wanted to keep him. I stupidly didn't take him to the vets to be scanned for a chip and it turned out he lived nearby. In the meantime, his owner had got another cat and didn't want him back. I still feel guilty about it.

So, with regards to your dilemma;I would want to know what has happened too. Have you a vague idea of where he lived? You could put up posters asking who the cat belongs to and perhaps knock on a few doors. The reception you receive will be kinder than you anticipate, I'm sure.

I also agree with the response from Meriad. In my old flat I had several cats sneaking in and I was so worried that they were strays. A paper collar quickly established where one cat lived.

Can you keep the thread posted? x

[Pinkglitter1]

Hi there,

Has there been any news/developments? x