Our three cats are outdoors and have been alive for four years now by pure chance I think. Cats before them came home with terrible wounds, shot with guns, mouths burned with chemicals, probably put in food. All these cats treated by us then disappeared, even the sister of the current three cats also disappeared. We only have these left. They also come home with wounds, but they proved to be very strong, resilient, and terribly lucky.
It is also possible that years ago there was some wave of violence against animals. During covid and after that, even recently it happened again, that people die often, ie. the church bell rings often. It's possible that the one who shot them with a rifle is gone, or the one who put acid in food. Maybe that's why they're still alive, I don't know.
I remember how in the past there was no one available to take care of pets. Yes, there was a cow vet who was called in to help deliver calves, but when a dog got sick or a cat, they just died. No one castrated cats or dogs either, and then people did even more cruel things to get rid of the offspring. They still do. But now other people are starting to appear who treat their pets responsibly, and vets are now giving home visits, they even come to the house to neuter a cat for example, this is something that did not exist before and I am very pleased with this turn. For the moment, the progress here in this direction is positive. Or at least that's how I perceive things...

However, I wish the best for your cat - the best for both you and him. Whatever has to happen, let it happen, in the best possible way. 🙏