He's hanging round my overgrown garden, which has lots of brambles arched over to form little nests underneath. There seem to be lots of ferals living there, maybe because a neighbour has been feeding them. They have a certain resemblance to the original colony. This morning I saw Fred hanging out with a young tom my neighbour has called Socks, because he's a tuxedo style black and white with white socks. Fred was aware of me, and the house and took advantage of the munchies I was trying to lure him with, as was Socks! I wonder if he prefers being part of a colony than being a house cat?
Victoria seems torn. She loves her brother, but has also become fond of the comforts of home life. She's going out regularly to see him and staying out longer and longer. I'm wondering if I should shut her in. The trouble is, this would prevent Fred from getting back in if he wants.
Samantha and Polly are being kept out of the way in my bedroom, with food and litter. I think Sam may have been playing a part in this.
Fred isn't chipped, though I've had Vic done recently. I'm a little concerned about what would happen to him if the colony move on in the autumn/winter when the brambles are less lush and the students return.
I appreciate the comments about using a trap, but I think I'd catch every member of the colony except him. (Thoughts of TNR are popping into my head...but this involves so much complication. I've been down this train of thought before and chickened out.)
Cats! You feed them, take them to the vets, get them neutered and vaccinated, give them lots of love, and what thanks do they give us? They go out and play with the boys!