well they did turn up
however I have fully explained the multitude of possibilities ahead for Toby and the great expense it could incur and advised them that we feel it would be in their and his best interests to sign him over to us and to use funds they say they could scrape together for Toby to provide basic care for the existing 2 females cats they already have.
Whilst they are cared for in terms of food and affection neither (including Toby) have ever seen a vet, nor been vaccinated, neutered, wormed or treated for any flea's etc in all the time they have had them. I have given the ' you need to be fully responsible for your pets' talk in a firm but kind manner and just hope that this has convinced them. They are away to discuss as a family however I believe I have convinced mum this is best for Toby - and her Son part of the way just leaves the daughter who wasn't there today. So have asked them to decide using their head not their heart and allow us to do the best for him though equally we are not going to hold him indefinitely and the longer he is here the more his 'care bill' increases.
As an incentive I have told them we will absorb the fees incurred to date if they sign him over and concentrate the money instead on getting vaccinations, etc for the existing cats they have. All we can do is wait and see really what happens next but have asked them to consider the possible outcomes and relative costs concerned and let me know their decision in the next couple of days.
On one hand they were surprised to see that he was happy and content and that he was doing ok and not depressed which I think made them feel better.
I know they do love him in their own way but they can't as far as I'm concerned provide him with the full care he needs just now or over the next few months - I just hope that they don't try to battle on but instead decide to do what is best for Toby and SIGN THE FORM!!!!