I've not been able to come back to this thread until now.
Marley wasn't "officially" my cat. She lived four doors up from me, but she was a regular visitor at my home. I was concerned about her and called the relevant authorities to assess the situation a couple of years ago; they assured me they'd checked and she had access to her home, and they'd discussed adequate cat care.
Just before she passed away, she started visiting me three times a day. She practically lived outside the house which worried me a great deal.
I've since found out the "access" to her home is a small hole (I knew it was a hole, but not how small it was. As an inspector had seen it, I naturally assumed it was plausible) she'd have had to squeeze herself through every time she wanted to get in her home. But she'd have had no reason to go in her home, because her owner worked away - sometimes up to five days a week - and never organised any care for her while he was away.
I am remarkably saddened and angry by this. I will be reporting the inspector that dealt with the case.
I loved Marley as much as I was "allowed to" - the circumstances made it very difficult. But I made sure those three times a day, she got food and a quick fuss. (Sometimes a longer fuss if it was possible.)
She was an adorable girl, I miss her. And I will always regret not being able to do more for her.
