OK, here is the set up. We moved into this mobile home about three months ago. The family who lived here before is renting it to us. They only moved about a quarter mile away, but across the other side of a busy street. They have a cat, to my knowledge an exclusively outdoor cat, which still wants to live here apparently. He has been back a few times, but about a week ago has just made this his home. I have called the family to tell them their cat is here, but they only laughed and said he'll come back. There seems to be no concern, or interest in coming to get their cat. I did find out it is a male and has been neutered. He has no rabies tag or anything else on him, and judging from their lack of concern probably hasn't been to a vet for vaccinations or prevention medication. This cat is a very sweet cat, a black and white medium haired kitty. It is still well into the 90s here in Texas, and it kills me to see him outside in the heat with all that hair. I've been feeding and watering him, and letting him in during the afternoon. My problem is I already have a cat, and I'm afraid of possible diseases from this other cat if I bring him in full time to live. Due to lots of expenses, I'm really short on cash and just don't have the money to take a cat which isn't mine to the vet for testing and vaccinations. I also feel like I'm stealing a cat by bringing it indoors and taking care of him. What I can't do it just blow it off and let him be like his owners.
I could pull off the vet visit around the first. How likely is it my kitty could get something from the outdoor kitty? What would you all do in this situation? The cat doesn't seem too big on staying in doors with me, but I've never had an outdoor cat, and I don't think I want too. Maybe I'm being paranoid about the dangers outside, like the highway and the dogs off leash despite the leash laws. Anyway, just any input you have would be greatly appreciated.
I could pull off the vet visit around the first. How likely is it my kitty could get something from the outdoor kitty? What would you all do in this situation? The cat doesn't seem too big on staying in doors with me, but I've never had an outdoor cat, and I don't think I want too. Maybe I'm being paranoid about the dangers outside, like the highway and the dogs off leash despite the leash laws. Anyway, just any input you have would be greatly appreciated.