Feeling guilty about returning him outside

A couple of weeks ago, we noticed a small gray and white kitten was hanging around the feral colony at our church.  My husband noticed a large (1" x 2") abrasion on his back (it looks to me like he got caught in the fan belt of a car engine).  He was so friendly that we didn't have to "trap" him, just pick him up and put him in the cage.  He has since been neutered, received all of his shots, and been checked by the vet and given penicillin to help prevent infection.  He is currently convalescing in our guest bedroom (aka, the cat room), where we are currently treating his wound (Neosporin and bandaging), which should be healed in a few weeks. 

My husband wants to let him begin to socialize with our cats (our big boy and the two one-year old kittens - Casper and Abby - play with him under the door), but I'm afraid that would just lead to my husband wanting to keep him inside with us for good.  THAT CANNOT HAPPEN!   First, we already have five inside babies, which is technically two over the limit for our city.  Second, we are still renovating our house (something my husband is procrastinating about), so we basically live in a two-bedroom house ... with five cats.  Third, our two big girls are increasingly stressed by the kitten's presence, and they are taking their stress out on Casper and Abby.  Fourth, I am the one who does most of the work with the cats.  I'm the one who scoops all the boxes twice a day, cleans the boxes completely once a month, cleans up most of the messes.  I'm the one who has to change the little guy's bandages every day.  I work full-time and go to school half-time and don't have the time or energy to deal with one more cat. 

I've contacted the local rescue organizations, but they are pretty much all full and cannot take him.  What are we going to do with this kitten in 2-3 weeks when his wound has healed???  I feel so guilty about returning him outside to be "feral" again.  He is so trusting of us (and probably all humans) that I'm afraid someone might do something bad if we return him to the church colony.  I wouldn't mind him staying around here and being one of our "outside kitties", but I'm not sure how the established colony cats would accept him.

What should we do with this little guy???





(video from his second day in our home)

Thank you so much for helping this little kitty.  He is adorable!

I actually agree with you--I think this cat would be an excellent candidate to go into a permanent home, as long as it is not yours. 

I would continue to foster the cat, meanwhile start looking for a permanent home.  First place I would advertise is in your Church bulletin/email server list (maybe name him Job?)  Ask your friends, post on your employer's intranet or equivalent, Craigs List (if the latter, might want to charge an adoption fee to weed out the weirdos), etc. 

Also, when you called the shelterrs, did you emphasize that the cat had all his shots, was neutered, and super friendly?

In so far as returning him to where you found him:  probably not advisable but perhaps better than going to a kill-shelter.  If you know of an established feral/stray/abandoned cat colony, the other cats may or may not accept him depending (mainly) on availability of food.

Keep us posted.

Definitely find this little fella a home!   You can advertize in many ways and like Ritz said have an adoption fee to weed out bad folks and you can also ask for a vet reference.   It might take a while to get him placed but I think you'll feel easier in your heart about it in the long run.  

Agreeing. Try to find him a permanent home, in your neworks. the church group (you do belong there yes?), work, school, neighbours.

With such a beautie and quite young, shouldnt be impossible.  Or rather, shouldnt be difficult.

If it feels awkward to ask money, come agree with the adoption home they do pay in a donation to some nice, worthy cause, in the cats name.

I agree also with you, you shall not try to yourself adopt more cats. Not only the reasons you already gave, but good rescuers shall be careful not to be also adopters. Adopting they have less place to be rescuers.

The scarcity of dedicated, warm hearted rescuers is bigger, than the amount of good adoption homes.

Good luck!

StephanZ has a great suggestion--ask for a donation to the church/SPCA in the cat's name in lieu of cold, hard cash.  (I'l have to remember that....)

What a cute cat!

Everyone is so very right. It would be best to continue to try to find him a good home. It can be difficult at times for rescues.

I have eleven (all rescues - vaccinated, spayed/neutered and regular wellness exams). Seven of them are mine (basically, not fosters). I have some (even mine) that are outdoor cats because that is where they want to be and some are indoor cats because they would NEVER do well outdoors due to their personality or street-smart ignorance.

My property is like a small local park with about twenty or more trees. I made them good solid shelter outside and they stay right here (never leave) constantly monitored, very petted and spoiled. I have some that would NEVER stay inside at all. They always tried their best to run out and tried their best to stay out all the time. So, that is where they have been with great supervision.

The best possible solution is always to find a good home for him. If you cannot, you have still done a great wonderful deed for him and you deserve to be commended for your compassion.

If you cannot find a home for him immediately, cautiously see if he would be able to be outdoors with proper protection and maintenance from you. You just do not want him to roam away and into trouble or death. It also depends how safe it is for him where you live.

It is ALWAYS best and safest to keep him indoors in a loving home. However, if you are unable to do that, there are other ways to let him live out a good quality life outdoors until you can find someone to take him but, it would have to be greatly assessed first for safety. There are dogs, wild animals, mean people, weather conditions, traffic and other strays that may be ill to carefully consider.

Lastly, he should be neutered, have ALL of his shots, regular flea prevention and parasite treatment and very good shelter if this is what has to be. This provides protection for him physically. You can also buy enclosures for cats to be outdoors online and warm already-built outdoor housing.

He probably would be so lonely outside by himself missing you, though. :-(

Best of luck in whatever you decide!

I am also going to agree with everyone here! I would try to find this adorable little guy a permanent home and I do not think it will be too hard as he is a very, very handsome kitty. His story is heartwarming and someone will open up their heart to him. A donation in the cats name is a brilliant idea from Stefan. He is too sweet to return back outside and I will say some prayers that you are able to find him a loving home quickly. :cross:

Cindi406 said:

Lastly, he should be neutered, have ALL of his shots, regular flea prevention and parasite treatment and very good shelter if this is what has to be. This provides protection for him physically. You can also buy enclosures for cats to be outdoors online and warm already-built outdoor housing.

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They already did get him neutered and all shots, etc. The enclosure is another great idea if they can't keep him indoors until a proper home is found.

Thats not a feral kitten a feral would have hissed ran away from you doing some damage along the way to itself or to you. Sounds like and looks like it was lost or abandoned. It could have travelled in a car bonnet to you or it could be a neighbours. Do not let it back outside. Find it a forever home.

I have friends who live in your area. I can ask them if they either know someone who is looking for a kitten or if they would like to adopt them. Message me with your contact info.

This little guy looks highly adoptable....and lots of fun!!

~Amy~