Would love some advice about the best organisation to contact about a cat which seems sadly neglected.

He's a fluffy ginger who we've seen around over the two years we've lived where we do now. He approached me when I was gardening about three weeks ago, was quite vocal and so keen to get close to me that I had to put the shears down for fear of hurting him. When I stroked him I was shocked to feel just how bony he is under all that fluff. His fur is also very patchy and there are large areas along his sides and on his haunches that have almost none. His breathing is raspy, he coughs and sneezes a fair bit, and he has dried discharge under both eyes. He was so desperate for attention and so thin that I fed him and made a fuss of him, although I know the drawbacks.

We spoke to a neighbour who said the cat belongs to another neighbour, and that he is actually looking a little better now than he did a few months ago. Apparently the cat was the neighbour's daughter's, and she moved out leaving the cat with her dad and he appears to have little interest. The neighbour I spoke to said the guy does leave food and water out for the cat, but that they'd had a word with him in the winter because the poor cat was being left out in bitter conditions for long periods of time. They did notice a note from the RSPCA on his door at that time, so he has obviously been reported before.

So this sweet cat is trying his best to adopt us. We already have a ginger boy who is suprisingly tolerant of this interloper on his doorstep befriending us, but I'm very conscious of the need to protect him from any illness this poor fluffy one may have. On Saturday I was in and out of the garden (it was dry and sunny!) and left the back door ajar. I came in to find this cat absolutely spark out asleep on the sofa. I thought the best way to put him out was to pick him up and carry him, and it was only then that the smell of him became apparent. My hands and forearms really ponged afterwards.

I just keep thinking about him all the time. If money were no object I'd love to get him to our vet's for a good look over. He has the sweetest nature, but really is in a bit of a state. Time to call in one of the animal welfare organisations, but am not sure which one would be best. I want to do right by this little guy, so please if anyone has any thoughts or advice, I'd appreciate it.

As he has an owner, RSPCA is the only organisation with any authority to do anything.

However, good luck getting one of their inspectors out. And if they do come and persuade this guy to sign him over, there is a good chance they'll have him euthanised if he is in a poorly way.

maybe tell the owner his cat has adopted you and would he like to make it a permanent arrangemet, maybe offer to pay him for the cat

he might jump at the chance - who knows

Unfortunately there isn't enough slack in our finances at the moment to take him on - I have a feeling it would cost a fair bit to set him straight. If I had the money I'd take him in without a moment's hesitation, he really is endearing.

Am in two minds now about calling the RSPCA! Although the cat is neglected, I'm not sure he is suffering to an extent where euthanasia would be preferable.

Thanks for the replies both.

could you speak to the owner before getting the RSPCA involved? If it's his daughters cat he may not realise what he needs to do, be diplomatic and don't throw accusations. Just say that you are a little concerned as he seems to have adopted you and your house.

Worth a try I guess, but I think bearing in mind that these other neighbours spoke to him a while back, and the RSPCA have been involved previously, and the cat remains in a state.....well, I won't be holding my breath.

Despite having lived there for two years I've only seen the guy once, and have heard on the jungledrums that he may have addiction troubles of some sort. Although I don't like listening to gossip, it would go some way to helping me understand how he could fail to care adequately for this cat.

If the RSPCA have been involved before I'd certainly speak to them, and I wouldn't be contacting the neighbours.

Unfortunately, it is very difficult trying to get the RSPCA to act (never had a good experience with my local branch), but they are the only ones with any sort of authority. Since the cat has been reported before, perhaps they will be more willing to pay another visit to the property and speak to the owner again. The cat obviously needs some sort of veterinary care, so if you do contact them, give them as much information as you can. Good luck whatever your decision

It might be worth contacting your local Cats Protection and local RSPCA group (if there is one) and ask them if they could fund the vet bill. A while ago I found a cat in a very poor condition and took him in. His anus was protruding and he was obviously completely constipated, as well as having a wound on one back leg, and being emaciated and full of fleas.

I knew from contacts at my local vet that both CP and the local RSPCA sometimes funded vets bills, so I asked them both if they could help. The bill came to round £100 and they paid half each. It's worth a go, as this poor cat obviously needs veterinary attention.

Don't tell them he has an owner though, say he's a stray (which, as far as I'm concerned, he is - his owner doesn't seem to be looking after him, that's for sure)

Good luck and all the best.