cats in the desert or something like that

The cats are not especially happy but getting along with each other better than at home. Misery loves company? Because of the coyotes and bobcats living so close to this house, I am reluctant to let either cat be outside without us there which means only on leashes. Cats really don't care much for leashes.

The cat that was born down here (you can guess which one) is loving being outside any chance he gets. As soon as he gets out, he rolls in the dust, collecting slivers and barbs but who cares (we do the next time we pet him). He loves this dusty ground, the smells, the rodents, the birds, the rabbits. For several years of his life he had lived on this place, catching his food (finding the head of a rabbit is not high on my list of good memories). Then we began our relationship with him which led to adoption and the life of a privileged pussycat which comes with limitations.


The younger cat was born and reared in Oregon but also came to us as a stray as in he just showed up. He does not approve of this country and mostly has been spending his time wishing he was back where it's raining or at the moment frigid outside. He doesn't know that it would be cold though. He dreams of better days and imagines it all being that way.


The worst part for these boys is the knowledge (ours, not theirs) that toward the end of the month they have to make the return journey to Oregon. Basically for now they'd as soon stay here. The older one is treating the younger like a little brother. He licks him so much that the younger ends up soaking. Due to insecurity, the younger is letting him do it.

The tougher part for me is that another cat had moved into our carport. He looks exactly like the one we adopted nearly 10 years ago (although without today's white hairs in his muzzle). When I first saw him jumping down from the carport shelf, it was deja vu. I am not sure what is going on but he often sits outside meowing, wanting a combination of attention and more food. Even though he's really thin, politely he wants petting before he settles down to eat.

I don't think our male cats would take well to another male. It's not just the fighting but the peeing contests that would worry me; but I also think someone does have him but just hasn't been home or has him outside most of the time. He's neutered. I am trying to be practical. It's tough to hear a cat meowing all night outside. Would these become the Three Musketeers or would we have civil war in our house if we adopted a third black cat (photo below)?


Why do people abandon or not properly take care of their pets?