Worried about a cat living ALONE!

So today I got really worried about my friend's cat. About 2 years ago he rescued a kitty he found abandoned in the street. At that time he was just living on his own in an attic his family has, so he was living with the cat. But after a couple of months he moved back to his family house. But he couldn't take the cat with him, his family didn't want it and that he can't afford to neuter it and the cat is spraying everywhere. So basically the cat lives on its own in an attic where he visits it everyday though, to feed it and change the water. Today I went to the attic with him and I saw the cat and it looked really lonely, when we were leaving he was meowing so loud like he was crying, a very sad meow. I'm really sad about this cat, told my friend many times that the cat can't live like this and get it to his home but he says his family doesn't want it and that the cat is OK because it learned to live that way (on its own) since very young. I don't know, I feel like I need to do something I'm very sad about this cat. This cat never went out, never saw another cat. Is there anything you think I should do or tell my friend to do? Is the cat OK living on its own? Thanks and sorry for the long post!

Before you suggest anything else, you may want to do some research on programs that can help neuter the cat.  No matter what, a tomcat alone is going to get into trouble.  He will smell a female in heat and do everything he can to get out of that attic, possibly injuring himself in the process.

As to the question can the cat live alone - once he is neutered and his hormones calm down, that's a possibility.  If he's got a feeding routine and socialization with your friend, he may be OK.  But I doubt that will happen.  I have a feeling your friend is hoping the cat will just disappear and he won't have to worry about it anymore.

Do some research and see if you can find some info that will help.  Once you have that in hand, talk to your friend and make suggestions.  Thank you for trying to help!

Picturing an attic here and my feeling is this. Cruel. Especially when the weather changes and summer comes - the heat will be the end of this kitty. This is not right and I am glad you are trying to do right by this cat. Is there anyway you can take the cat from them? At the very least, this kitty needs a rescue situation asap. Please do what you can to convince them to give you this cat or that you may have to report them if they don't. That is not a safe place to keep any cat - an attic. Shame on your friend. Keep us posted and THANK YOU for helping this poor cat. We are here to help you in anyway possible. You are doing the right thing for this cat who desperately needs rescuing.

I agree that is not at all very good quality of life for that poor cat locked up in an attic all day neglected, with no stimulation, no care, no love etc. Unfortunately, there are many abandoned pets and animals homeless everywhere and not as many good people willing to take them in. Perhaps the cat can be adopted by somebody if you do some research that could offer it a better home? If the cat was taken to a shelter it's fate and life would be probably even more compromised. I hope that helps.Good luck!

Are you able to visit the cat regularly and give him some love and make sure he is well fed and has fresh water each day?  That would go a long way toward making his life better.   Even if you could just play with him and give him some pets for ten minutes or half hour or so a day that would be huge. And maybe bring him a few toys to play with, a blanket to snuggle in, a portable CD player or radio to leave him some music?  Any chance you could adopt him or find someone who would?

CatOni - been on my mind this week and hope you come back to update your thread. for the attic kitty.

Me too. Hope doing better!