Moral dilemma

Artytarty

Hehe, yeah.
I'm a bit reluctant to put him in a shelter because he's a black cat, hard to home apparently and is not possessed of a gentle, loving nature.
He could end his days there, but perhaps that's not a bad thing,though as he is prone to wandering I think he'd hate it.

The owner is a man in his early forties at a guess. He came, saw the cat and was "fairly certain "it was his! I ask you. To be fair , he knew it's name, cat responded and man was able to put him in carrier whereas I have never been able to touch the cat.
If it wasn't for the presence of his nuts and his scabby skin and balding fur, I would do nothing, just feed him if he seems to want it.

Dymphna60

I know sometimes the surgery staff will take the ‘ less lovable ‘ ones because they are hard to home . Lots of staff at our vets have several such cats that people have handed in .
I know black cats can be hard to home but some people like a less needy cat . I once re-homed a cat that bit everyone and swore a lot . Couldn’t help but admire her . She was a great cat .

hb2

Cat will be less likely to want to roam without his nuts (and a shelter would certainly neuter him).

We have 2 black cats and really can't understand why they are so hard to rehome

SensibleSarah

I don't think you're on dodgy ground at all - I think you're great for wanting to help this cat and do what is best for him.

Many 'stray' cats that have previously had an owner are perfectly fine living outdoors permanently if provided with food and shelter (a small kennel?) and the odd vet trip needed. As other's have said Cat's Protection are usually happy to help with neutering as he's essentially a stray now and will provide a voucher for the vet to do him - any other treatment, like fleas (which is probably the cause of the skin problem) and worming etc, will probably be down to you on a long-term basis. If you're happy to take that on then go for it. The neutering will help him no end!

TBagpuss

I would contact your local branch ofCats Protection.

Explain the background and include the fact that you have tried to contact the person who got in touch before and thye haven't responded, so you belive that the cat may have been abandoned or that the person was mistaken and it wasn't their cat after all.

Given them the cotnact details you have and if you fell that you want to, text the gut and say that the cat has been collected by Cats Protection as it appeared to be a stray.

oystercatcher

How long have you been trying to get hold of 'owner' ? Could they be on holiday perhaps and a neighbour is feeding and they cat doesn't like that so has come back to the nice person he knows ?

I think it's worth waiting longer before taking action but if they are still uncontactable after a month I would go ahead and take to the vets or a rescue.

Artytarty

I'm not just about to jump in , I'll hold off for a while.
Owner has seen the WhatsApp I left a couple of days ago, its got two blue ticks. I said - Hi x, can we please talk about***? I have not had a reply.

gettingready

Please do not wait as next time you see this cat it may be dead on a busy road and how will you feel then?

I am sorry but your son's attitude is completely weird, why did he become a vet?

This aside - please do not contact RSPCA but do contact Cats Protection. I do not know where are you but if in London - also please contact Celia Hammond Animal Trust. One or the other ill help.

In the meantime, please take the cat to the vets to be checked over and treated - if you can afford it. He is coming to you for a reason - he chosen you to help him. He could have picked up any house on his way between his idiot owner and whee you are yes he still comes back to YOU so please help him if you can.

I understand you have 2 cats but is there is any way you could keep him in separate from yours in case he is neutered at the vets and needs to be kept in for a bit before any rescue can pick him up?

I have 4 boys of my own and now 2 girls that are my daughter's so 6 cats all together (and a large dog) - it can be managed, really.

All the best xx

gettingready

Newcomer1234 wrote: »

Personally I would say that your own pets needs should be put first. If that means ignoring/shooing away the other cat then so be it.

Taking the cat to the vet is you starting to take ownership of the problem - is that what you really want?

And no, I am not a pet owner although I do like cats and may get one when I retire.

Please - do not comment on issues you have no idea about. One either cares about animals or does not. That extends to animals that are not "owned".

I currently have 6 cats, large dog and a visiting fox girl with her 2 "teenagers" - all peaceful and happy.

Perhaps reconsider the boards you visit and comment on.

Elika0215

You're obviously a decent person who wants to help a cat in need. Follow that instinct as you'll be giving it a better chance in life than by simply delaying the decision.

Take control of the situation, message the guy and tell him that you're going to contact cats protection - then do it. He'll get treatment, shelter and will be in a safer environment.

Good luck - I'd be interested to hear what you decide to do.