how to tell if it is indeed a stray or just an indoor/outdoor with ID

About 2 months ago I saw this little guy wandering around the library where I work. Then about one week later a garbage bag on my fire escape was torn with food/etc scattered everywhere. At first I thought it was a raccoon or something, but the very next day I made the connection and his acquaintance. I've been feeding him ever since. He's very very sweet. He sleeps on the bed I made him for most of the day and night He follows me around when I try to go places. He loves to be petted. Here's the rub though.

I want to find him a nice home but how do I decide whether to make a poster that reads "Lost kitty Found" or "Please Adopt Me"? He isn't neutered nor does he have a collar. He was skinnier when he first started coming around but since I feed him twice a day, he's bigger now. A friend of mine told me that getting him adopted was all well and fine but only if he didn't already have a home. It didn't even occur to me. But's its November, its getting cold and it will soon start snowing. I don't want anything to happen to him because it took me a whole winter to figure out that he was indeed homeless. I would like to keep him but hubby said 'no' when I started feeding him.

How do I figure out whether he already has a home or not-- or since he's un-neutered, without ID, and always outside my fire escape, can I just assume I'm saving him from at the least a neglectful home and at most a harsh death in 10 below?

so this is the area I've thrown together for this cat thats been coming around my building. He has a play-thing, a box, a bed, and water/food.

Put a bit of elastic around his neck (or a spare safety collar if you have one) with a note attached asking his owners (if he has any) to call you. I've done that a few times. . .nobody ever calls .

Have you tried taking him to a vet or the humane society and having him scanned to see if he is microchipped? 

AWWWW He is absolutely gorgeous!!! :love: I am pretty darn sure that he is homeless ...... I would take him to see if he is chipped. If not, he is YOURS to keep or find him another home at this point. He certainly deserves a chance to find a loving, indoor home. And loads of for taking him in and making sure he is safe and sound :nod: