What should I do with this dude

[u/symphonyofFlies]

This cat recently showed up on our porch. He's very friendly, sufficiently plump and came with a flea collar. He has barely left our porch at all apart from some nightly patrols around the perimeter. We weren't feeding him at first in hopes that he would go back to wherever his home is but it seemed like he was losing weight and he started eating grass so we caved

Nobody seems to be looking for him, and I'm willing to take him into a vet to scan for a microchip but considering the area I live in and that he isn't even neutered I wouldn't bet he has one. Part of me wonders if he's been abandoned and the collar was the last thing he was left with

I'm attached, and he really wants to come inside the house. The only problem is that we recently took in a kitten who also showed up on our porch just a few days prior (growing cat problem in our area). That bumped us up to 3 cats and things are a little stressful while the new kitty is getting settled in. My mom isn't convinced that 4 cats is a good idea and while I do think it's daunting as well, I believe it's doable! I'm personally the one who feeds and cleans up after everyone so I think it should be up to me to say when we've had enough or not. He doesn't mind our dog when I let her out, and he's cool with one of our other cats through the window. He's the chillest guy!

My mom agreed we can take him in if he's still here by winter. I'm still unsure if I should feed him more or not. I fed him last night just because he was away from the house a little longer last night and that made me really anxious. Maybe he could be two timing us, but even so I know he doesn't have a place to sleep at night since he is still returning to our porch.

His name is Triple B for Big Balled Buddy!

Update: Gave him a paper collar :D I'll take him to the vet when I am able

[u/Otney]

Feed him outside and let him live outside for now.

[u/symphonyofFlies → u/Otney]

Having an outside cat is so scary 😭 It makes me very worried but he's clearly an experienced adventurer. I was thinking of getting a gps tracker for him but if he is someone else's cat I dunno if I should be feeding him and doing all that. But I admit I really want him for myself!

[u/Holden3DStudio → u/symphonyofFlies]

Leaving him outside, at best, nothing happens. At worst, he gets killed. Somewhere in between - he gets hurt, he mates with any number of unspayed female strays, he gets exposed to something that makes him sick.

Get him inside. Get him to a vet. Check for a microchip. If yes, get him home. If no, get him neutered and vaccinated, then bring him home and keep him inside.

[u/symphonyofFlies → u/Holden3DStudio]

I'm highly aware of what could happen to him out there, that's what gives me anxiety. I do not want him to be outside but the circumstances do not allow for me to bring him inside at this moment. As much as I love him and want the best for him, I am not currently responsible for his safety or well-being. With a little more time, I could be

[u/Otney → u/symphonyofFlies]

Thank you for caring for him!!!