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Voice for Peace

(13,141 posts)
Sat Feb 4, 2012, 09:06 PM Feb 2012

Seeking advice regarding a kitty

Last edited Sun Feb 5, 2012, 04:00 AM - Edit history (1)

This is about a cat who may or may not be homeless, who
is pulling on my heartstrings so I'm looking for wise advice
& insights.

He looks (almost) like this:

He still has his balls which makes me wonder if he is
a homeless tom. He doesn't seem to be starving, but
he always comes crying for food. I've been leaving out
some dry food and water just in case. Doesn't seem traumatized,
or mean, just lonely and maybe hungry. He came in the door
a couple of times (even though I have 3 cats in the house
much of the time.) I can't let him in any more though
because he sprays; but I think he wants the warmth and
company.

I noticed his ears looked very dirty inside (he doesn't let
me touch him, but comes close to me now.

He's very gentle and non-agressive with my cats. I've seen
him touch noses with one of my (neutered) boy cats.

He comes into my porch and cries at the door. In the night
I hear him crying outside my window. So I don't know if
he has a home, or not, or if I should feed him, or not,
or if I should take him to a vet, or not, or what, any advice???

I don't need another cat but if he has nobody else I'll
take him on even though I can't afford it, but so what.
BUt if he's already somebody's cat.. and I don't know how
to find that out.

Many thanks in advance for any help.


67 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Seeking advice regarding a kitty (Original Post) Voice for Peace Feb 2012 OP
Does he have a collar? kaitcat Feb 2012 #1
no collar Voice for Peace Feb 2012 #2
That was my first thought, that you should get him de-balled at least. kaitcat Feb 2012 #6
Get him neutered no matter what. Demoiselle Feb 2012 #18
would you get it done even if there's an 'owner' in the neighborhood Voice for Peace Feb 2012 #24
That's what the photo posters are for. kaitcat Feb 2012 #28
ok ok Voice for Peace Feb 2012 #29
Lol. I can't wait for news of the ultimate outcome. kaitcat Feb 2012 #30
plastic claws? I need to know more... Voice for Peace Feb 2012 #34
These. kaitcat Feb 2012 #35
Actually, I think I would. Demoiselle Feb 2012 #36
you're not haranguing me at all! advice is much appreciated Voice for Peace Feb 2012 #38
delete (dupe) Demoiselle Feb 2012 #19
Yes, far too many still keep unaltered cats and dogs. GoCubsGo Feb 2012 #7
Yes, they do quakerboy Feb 2012 #23
that's a very good point, thanks Voice for Peace Feb 2012 #25
hope this doesn't just sink Voice for Peace Feb 2012 #3
Take him to the local shelter and have him scanned for a microchip. GoCubsGo Feb 2012 #4
thanks -- I think I will call a shelter & see what they say. Voice for Peace Feb 2012 #9
My opinion. Curmudgeoness Feb 2012 #5
thank you Voice for Peace Feb 2012 #8
He won't miss 'em. GoCubsGo Feb 2012 #10
!!! Voice for Peace Feb 2012 #14
We all feel bad about doing that. Curmudgeoness Feb 2012 #11
thank you, quality of life matters Voice for Peace Feb 2012 #17
My cat was abandoned when his owners moved Lydia Leftcoast Feb 2012 #21
Isn't that incredibly sad, and inhumane. Curmudgeoness Feb 2012 #22
ohhh.. so sad. I think sometimes it's the kitties who panic and hide when a move is happening. Voice for Peace Feb 2012 #26
On the other hand, his owners may have been like the apartment neighbors I had about Lydia Leftcoast Feb 2012 #31
Same thing happend to us Auggie Mar 2012 #62
neutered irisblue Feb 2012 #12
thank you Voice for Peace Feb 2012 #15
Get a collar and put it on the cat. Attach a waterproof note with your phone number on it applegrove Feb 2012 #13
collars worry me though Voice for Peace Feb 2012 #16
dirty ears means ear mites grasswire Feb 2012 #20
thanks for this.. trying the breakaway might work Voice for Peace Feb 2012 #27
Dirty looking ears unionworks Feb 2012 #32
You have no choice in the matter-- the cat has chosen you... TreasonousBastard Feb 2012 #33
Cat lovers are the best. Voice for Peace Feb 2012 #49
Take him to the vet to check for a microchip mrs_p Feb 2012 #37
thank you mrs. p Voice for Peace Feb 2012 #39
You have been chosen. Resistance is futile. mikeytherat Feb 2012 #40
Awww, I love your kitties! Arugula Latte Feb 2012 #43
"I understand this is that cat Shangri-La place we've heard about." Voice for Peace Feb 2012 #47
They know the good houses, and they spread the word around. I firmly believe this. Withywindle Feb 2012 #55
haha... they are smarter than we realize, our feline overlords Voice for Peace Feb 2012 #57
I think he wants to stay with you :) stuntcat Feb 2012 #41
he's very cute Voice for Peace Feb 2012 #46
Oh my, he is gorgeous! kimi Feb 2012 #42
thanks -- all your input here is helpful Voice for Peace Feb 2012 #45
In addition to the advice above, Arugula Latte Feb 2012 #44
Yes, there are some cozy places on the porch if he has nowhere to go. Voice for Peace Feb 2012 #48
OMG - 10 years ago that was my Abbott LynneSin Feb 2012 #50
ohh.. sweet kitty, great story. Voice for Peace Feb 2012 #51
Did they check for a microchip? LynneSin Feb 2012 #52
I haven't taken him in yet, but the woman at the shelter said Voice for Peace Feb 2012 #53
If a TNR group has worked with the cat they nip the ear LynneSin Feb 2012 #54
updated - but I forgot to look at his ears to see if there's been any nipping Voice for Peace Mar 2012 #61
Today's Update (Tuesday afternoon) Voice for Peace Feb 2012 #56
Oh, too bad. It sounds like he really needs help. Curmudgeoness Feb 2012 #58
already surprised! I thought he'd stay a million miles away from me Voice for Peace Feb 2012 #59
Wonderful! Curmudgeoness Feb 2012 #60
Cat injuries can and DO abscess badly. davsand Mar 2012 #63
thank you for input Voice for Peace Mar 2012 #64
You may want to see if you can borrow a humane trap hamsterjill Mar 2012 #66
thank you Voice for Peace Mar 2012 #67
Attach a note to a colar with your phone number and see if anybody responds. applegrove Mar 2012 #65
 

kaitcat

(193 posts)
1. Does he have a collar?
Sat Feb 4, 2012, 09:15 PM
Feb 2012

You could put a note on the collar asking the "owner" to please keep their cat at home because if they don't, you are going to call the local feral spay/neuter people and ask them to neuter this boy at the very least. This idea comes from I saw a story on DU a little while ago about someone who had a dog visit every afternoon, come in, take a nap, then go home. The note that came back said he's dealing with six children, three under the age of two, and can I come with him next time.

 

Voice for Peace

(13,141 posts)
2. no collar
Sat Feb 4, 2012, 09:29 PM
Feb 2012

that's funny about the dog. I thought of putting his picture up around the neighborhood.

I've never had much luck with cats and collars, myself.

Do people still keep cats as pets but not have them de-balled?

 

kaitcat

(193 posts)
6. That was my first thought, that you should get him de-balled at least.
Sat Feb 4, 2012, 09:34 PM
Feb 2012

The idea about the pictures in the neighborhood first, then find someplace that will neuter him.

Demoiselle

(6,787 posts)
18. Get him neutered no matter what.
Sat Feb 4, 2012, 10:58 PM
Feb 2012

I have no patience at all with anyone who doesn't neuter his pets. (Serious breeders, of course, who monitor their critters, escape my wrath.)

 

Voice for Peace

(13,141 posts)
24. would you get it done even if there's an 'owner' in the neighborhood
Sun Feb 5, 2012, 01:41 AM
Feb 2012

who hasn't given permission? I don't know enough yet.

 

kaitcat

(193 posts)
28. That's what the photo posters are for.
Sun Feb 5, 2012, 02:41 AM
Feb 2012

It gives you deniability, especially if you put a date on the posters and talk to the local retailers and so on and so forth. You can cover your butt in so many ways here when you're doing the right thing. And you are doing the right thing because you care for this obnoxious little boy who keeps pestering you and you don't know what to do about him. Cats know and sense and gravitate to those humans who will be their slaves. Get over it.

 

Voice for Peace

(13,141 posts)
29. ok ok
Sun Feb 5, 2012, 03:59 AM
Feb 2012

have to get my camera and get to kinko's.
I think you are spot on about the posters.

Now it's a very cold and windy night and he is nowhere to be heard..
maybe he does have a warm home.
A song started running through my head:

I'm just a lonely boy, lonely & blue
I'm all alone, with nothing to do
I've got everything you could think of
but all I want is someone to love

So his nickname is now Lonelyboy (till I find out his real name).
 

kaitcat

(193 posts)
30. Lol. I can't wait for news of the ultimate outcome.
Sun Feb 5, 2012, 04:38 AM
Feb 2012

From what you've said, sounds like you're his.

Love the pic you posted on what he could look like. I just spent the last few minutes putting plastic claws on my enormous boy, then acceding to his demand that he be put outside right this instant so that they be unceremoniously removed. I can't wait to find out my ultimate punishment for this impingement on his kittyness. I'm sure it will be creative.

Demoiselle

(6,787 posts)
36. Actually, I think I would.
Mon Feb 6, 2012, 11:26 PM
Feb 2012

I'm a bit fanatical about it ever since a handsome grey feral tom cat set up his harem under our front porch.
I captured, spayed and released all the breeding females, found homes for all the kittens ( roughly twenty in all) except the five who are still, years later, in my house. They're all utterly tame, neutered and are never allowed out of the house anyway. And I love them all.
I have no idea what happened to their feral parents. I could never even trap the tom, so he wandered off when the action stopped to make trouble elsewhere.
There are so many feral cats struggling to stay alive around here....the thought of anyone allowing a tame UN-neutered "pet" to wander loose makes me very upset. Yeah, I probably would neuter him...it would be better for him than being hit by a car.
I'm sorry...I don't mean to harangue you.
Of course you should do what you can to find the owner.

 

Voice for Peace

(13,141 posts)
38. you're not haranguing me at all! advice is much appreciated
Tue Feb 7, 2012, 01:26 AM
Feb 2012

especially with emphasis on keeping the population down. I worry he would be traumatized, if he's homeless, by loss of his balls & think I really need to be prepared to take him in long-term... so I want to do a poster first to try and find an owner.

I spoke with someone at a shelter/clinic today, and she also strongly advised the neutering, among other stuff. He does look well-fed, and doesn't hang out here all the time, so I hope I can find an owner and encourage them to do the dirty deed. Otherwise, I'll take it on.

Thank you for all your good input, it is much appreciated.

GoCubsGo

(32,061 posts)
7. Yes, far too many still keep unaltered cats and dogs.
Sat Feb 4, 2012, 09:36 PM
Feb 2012

My area is full of them. I even know people who don't get rabies shots for their pets, even though it is state law that all dogs and cats get vaccinated.

Putting up signs with this poor bugger's picture is a good idea.

quakerboy

(13,901 posts)
23. Yes, they do
Sun Feb 5, 2012, 12:19 AM
Feb 2012

Often enough due to financial concerns. It costs cash to end the family line. And currency deficient people still want companionship, especially when it can be so often initially acquired for the cost of a belly rub.

Ive seen this happen with family. They take in an animal, intending to get it neutered when they can afford to do so. But months later, nothing has been done about it because paying the minimum to keep the electricity on was more important than the $25 to deball an otherwise healthy kitty.

Others I am sure want to breed for some reason. Still others may not know, and finally there are those who just don't care.

But yeah. People keep pets without spaying or neutering.

 

Voice for Peace

(13,141 posts)
25. that's a very good point, thanks
Sun Feb 5, 2012, 01:44 AM
Feb 2012

I noticed looking on Craigslist one day that there were tons of kitties in this area to be given away, more or less no-questions-asked, no fees or signed agreements.

I don't know if that's common elsewhere where but back east I had to sign in blood that I'd do right by the kitties.

GoCubsGo

(32,061 posts)
4. Take him to the local shelter and have him scanned for a microchip.
Sat Feb 4, 2012, 09:31 PM
Feb 2012

Explain to them what's going on. They will probably have some good advice for you on how to proceed. I doubt he's chipped. If he has owners, they couldn't be bothered to neuter him, so they very likely also couldn't be bothered to have him microchipped. But, you won't know for sure without a scan. If you decide to make him your cat, your shelter may have a low-cost neuter program. They might even cut you a break on shots.

 

Voice for Peace

(13,141 posts)
9. thanks -- I think I will call a shelter & see what they say.
Sat Feb 4, 2012, 09:39 PM
Feb 2012

Others have advised me not to be 'taken in' by such critters.

I'm easily manipulated by plaintive cries outside my window on
cold nights.

Curmudgeoness

(18,219 posts)
5. My opinion.
Sat Feb 4, 2012, 09:32 PM
Feb 2012

An intact cat and running the neighborhood at all time means that even if this cat has a "home", the people who he "belongs to" are not being responsible. If you give him a home, that would not be the wrong thing to do. I would at least get him fixed if he is going to be free to roam.

But it sounds to me like he may be homeless. You would not believe the number of cats who are without a home, and survive because of people like you making sure they have food. People move and just leave the cat. Some get tired of the responsibility.

But if you worry about the owners missing him, try putting some posters up around the neighborhood or an ad in the local newspaper. Personally, I wouldn't worry about them, I would worry about the cat....but that is just me.

Curmudgeoness

(18,219 posts)
11. We all feel bad about doing that.
Sat Feb 4, 2012, 09:56 PM
Feb 2012

But as you said, he can't come into the house because he sprays, and this gives him a better quality of life. Along with not wanting to get into fights over ladies anymore, the de-balling has advantages. I just hope that they really do not have as much attachment to their balls as a human seems to.

 

Voice for Peace

(13,141 posts)
17. thank you, quality of life matters
Sat Feb 4, 2012, 10:26 PM
Feb 2012

As aloof as many cats are, I have never met one
who down deep wasn't longing for snuggly contact
of one sort or another.


Lydia Leftcoast

(48,217 posts)
21. My cat was abandoned when his owners moved
Sat Feb 4, 2012, 11:21 PM
Feb 2012

My cousin found him crying at her door.

I can't fathom anybody abandoning him. He's one of the sweetest cats I've ever known.

Curmudgeoness

(18,219 posts)
22. Isn't that incredibly sad, and inhumane.
Sat Feb 4, 2012, 11:57 PM
Feb 2012

I could never abandon an animal. He is lucky to have found you. Life on the streets is a hard way to go, and there is way too much of this happening. I cannot understand it.

 

Voice for Peace

(13,141 posts)
26. ohhh.. so sad. I think sometimes it's the kitties who panic and hide when a move is happening.
Sun Feb 5, 2012, 01:57 AM
Feb 2012

not necessarily that they've been intentionally left behind.

Lydia Leftcoast

(48,217 posts)
31. On the other hand, his owners may have been like the apartment neighbors I had about
Sun Feb 5, 2012, 11:05 AM
Feb 2012

25 years ago. They got a beagle puppy, and after six weeks, I didn't see him anymore. I asked what had happened, and they said, "Aeh, we got tired of him and sent him to the pound."

Auggie

(31,058 posts)
62. Same thing happend to us
Tue Mar 6, 2012, 02:51 PM
Mar 2012

Neighbors down the street moved and abandoned two cats. One of them adopted us. What a sweetheart.

irisblue

(32,828 posts)
12. neutered
Sat Feb 4, 2012, 09:57 PM
Feb 2012

he won't miss them, and the unknown of number of kittens that won't be born b/c of no balls is a good thing. i think taking him to the shelter, checking for a chip, neutering him then bringing him to a local cat welfare is something you might do. i cannot stand the wails of a cat and the barking of a dog not in the house in a cold night

 

Voice for Peace

(13,141 posts)
15. thank you
Sat Feb 4, 2012, 10:20 PM
Feb 2012

it's possible they're just driving him crazy anyway, maybe it would be a relief.

But if I do all that I would just care for him here, I think. He knows the neighborhood and could gradually start feeling at home here.

applegrove

(118,006 posts)
13. Get a collar and put it on the cat. Attach a waterproof note with your phone number on it
Sat Feb 4, 2012, 10:02 PM
Feb 2012

so if there is an owner they can call you. I got handed a non fixed male cat by some university student. I had him fixed and put a photo up at the vets offering him to a good home. I got a phone call from a nice family right away.

 

Voice for Peace

(13,141 posts)
16. collars worry me though
Sat Feb 4, 2012, 10:22 PM
Feb 2012

I've always had the 'breakaway" collars because I worry about strangulation or getting caught somewhere outside.

Every breakaway collar I've ever put on a cat has broken away.

grasswire

(50,130 posts)
20. dirty ears means ear mites
Sat Feb 4, 2012, 11:11 PM
Feb 2012

I would be careful about letting him near your other cats unless they are fully protected against feline HIV and other illnesses.

From what you say, he's either homeless or owned by thoughtless people.

I hope you can help this boy get some TLC and good living conditions. If you have to spend a couple of bucks on a breakaway collar a couple of times, it will be money well spent if you can get an answer back. If the cat comes back with the collar and no answer, well you will know he has no home.

Thank you for caring. That means a lot.

TreasonousBastard

(43,049 posts)
33. You have no choice in the matter-- the cat has chosen you...
Sun Feb 5, 2012, 11:56 AM
Feb 2012

same thing happened to me a while back when some local cats hung around looking for some winter goodies, but one ended up living in the garage, apparently otherwise homeless. Then she started coming up to the window making friends with my other cat.

Yeah, you gotta neuter him and have him checked out by a vet (some shelters have deals with vets to save a few bucks-- at least on the neutering) but you have been chosen and have no choice in the matter.





 

Voice for Peace

(13,141 posts)
49. Cat lovers are the best.
Tue Feb 7, 2012, 02:04 PM
Feb 2012

"no choice" "chosen you" --- hahaha many say this.
What can you do? Cat looks at you and it goes straight to the heart.
"helpless, helpless, helpless to resist"

mrs_p

(3,012 posts)
37. Take him to the vet to check for a microchip
Mon Feb 6, 2012, 11:31 PM
Feb 2012

Most likely he is a homeless/abandoned boy. The vet can get you some meds for the ears and a quote for a neuter (that might help with the spraying). They may also be able to help you find him a home.

 

Voice for Peace

(13,141 posts)
39. thank you mrs. p
Tue Feb 7, 2012, 01:29 AM
Feb 2012

I spoke to shelter/clinic today about him. They said he's probably not chipped since he's not neutered, but they do advise bringing him in and getting all things taken care of.

mikeytherat

(6,829 posts)
40. You have been chosen. Resistance is futile.
Tue Feb 7, 2012, 07:28 AM
Feb 2012

All of our cats have come to us as strays, and all of them chose us - two of them literally showed up on our doorstep as if to announce "I understand this is that cat Shangri-La place we've heard about."

Crosby:
Showed up last winter, demanded to be part of the brood


Charlie and Weird Harold:
Charlie was rescued from the middle of a bridge during rush hour, Weird Harold ran right up to us and said "Take me home!"


Hannah:
Curled up on my chest one day as I was working under my car


Charlie, Little Man Tate and Hannah:
Tate was a feral from a horse farm - ran right to us


mikey_the_rat

 

Voice for Peace

(13,141 posts)
47. "I understand this is that cat Shangri-La place we've heard about."
Tue Feb 7, 2012, 01:57 PM
Feb 2012

hhahaa I am a little afraid the word will get around the neighborhood: "hey they have sardines over there, anybody can just walk right in..."

You have such a beautiful family of felines. They are the best. Thanks for your message "resistance is futile" -- isn't it true. Cats.

Withywindle

(9,988 posts)
55. They know the good houses, and they spread the word around. I firmly believe this.
Tue Feb 7, 2012, 04:33 PM
Feb 2012

The classic old-school hobo sign for "Kindhearted Lady" is a picture of a smiling cat. Coincidence?

http://www.worldpath.net/~minstrel/hobosign.htm

 

Voice for Peace

(13,141 posts)
46. he's very cute
Tue Feb 7, 2012, 01:53 PM
Feb 2012

and actually kind of goofy looking, in a cute way
but.. I would adopt every cat and dog and baby in the
world if I could, save 'em all.

kimi

(2,441 posts)
42. Oh my, he is gorgeous!
Tue Feb 7, 2012, 10:05 AM
Feb 2012

I strongly second what others have said. In the past, I've adopted 5 rescues from my neighborhood back in MD. I always wondered why no one came looking for them - but it's a sad reality - some cats just don't have servants who care. One was living in a sewer after her "owner" moved away. Two I just had to take in because they were toms and having fights with other cats and raccoons. Another I trapped using resources from Alley Cat Allies (check to see if they're in your area; they are a wonderful source of info). Took 3 days to trap him, I had him neutered (at a discount price) and then released him but he just hung around till I eventually took him in. He's the biggest and funniest reformed tomcat you could meet. Brought all of em to Iowa with me.

All that said (I tend to go on about my babies LOL) - neutering is a good idea - and if there is an owner I doubt that they care so much that THEY would miss HIS balls. Meanwhile you're doing something good for your community. Kudos! - and let us know what happens. I personally love cat stories!

 

Voice for Peace

(13,141 posts)
45. thanks -- all your input here is helpful
Tue Feb 7, 2012, 01:50 PM
Feb 2012

DU is such a wonderful resource for cat lovers.

First thing I want to do is make a poster and put it up, try to find out if there's an owner. If no response, I'll most likely take him into the animal clinic for care.

 

Arugula Latte

(50,566 posts)
44. In addition to the advice above,
Tue Feb 7, 2012, 01:33 PM
Feb 2012

I'd say give him a nice warm soft shelter/bed on your porch. If he stops spraying after being neutered, you can let him inside.

 

Voice for Peace

(13,141 posts)
48. Yes, there are some cozy places on the porch if he has nowhere to go.
Tue Feb 7, 2012, 02:00 PM
Feb 2012

I have a feeling he has a 'home' or at least other places he's getting food & shelter. He's definitely not starving. Has such a sweet humble face. AAAAAAGH I love cats so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LynneSin

(95,337 posts)
50. OMG - 10 years ago that was my Abbott
Tue Feb 7, 2012, 02:04 PM
Feb 2012

In fact he looks just like my Abbott.





I found Abbott about 10 years ago in November of 2002. It was a cold and rainy night and this poor cat was stuck out in the cold. Now mind you, there are feral cats in the area but they usually run when they see humans. This guy clearly once was indoors because he came right up to me. Feeling bad for him I ran in and grabbed a can of tuna for him to eat (I didn't have any cats at the time). After he ate the tuna he followed me into my house and well he didn't leave after that.

Like your cat he was unneutered and oh, he was horny as hell too. He could smell all that 'pussy' out there with the number of ferals in the area. I tried to clean him up and like your cat - his ears were dirty inside too. I put him in the bathroom and shut the door then ran over to the local Walgreens and got some cat supplies that I hope would tide him over while I found his owner (litter, litter box, food and flea spray since my assumption was that he had fleas.)

I did put signs out for him looking for owners but no one claimed him. So a week later he went to the vet where he was left for neutering. I had to clean up the flea mess - that dirt in the ears was because he had mites too. Luckily none of those pests took hold in my home!

Ten years later Abbott is just a big furball of live and he was joined by Evita - pure evil in a fluffly grey cat. Can't imagine my life without either of those cats.

Having 3 cats is tough but if you can bring in a 4th do it. If your cat gives you even half the love that Abbott has given me, you'll have the absolutely best pet ever!

 

Voice for Peace

(13,141 posts)
51. ohh.. sweet kitty, great story.
Tue Feb 7, 2012, 02:12 PM
Feb 2012

I'm going to make a poster today with his picture, see what I can find out. Spoke to a shelter yesterday about what to do.

I have two cats of my own.
Then there's a cat who belongs to my landlady next door, but basically lives here, eats and sleeps here, most of the time.

So this new guy does make #4, more or less. I want one of those farms that have cat houses for all the stray cats who want to live there.

 

Voice for Peace

(13,141 posts)
53. I haven't taken him in yet, but the woman at the shelter said
Tue Feb 7, 2012, 02:16 PM
Feb 2012

he probably doesn't have a chip since he's not neutered.

She said they don't chip the strays, but they do a cut in one ear,
I think to show the cat has been seen by a vet and maybe had shots?
Or to indicate he's a homeless cat? Not sure...

LynneSin

(95,337 posts)
54. If a TNR group has worked with the cat they nip the ear
Tue Feb 7, 2012, 03:01 PM
Feb 2012

that way if the cat is captured again they know the cat has been neutered along with shots. With a female cat you have no way of knowing until you open the cat up again.

 

Voice for Peace

(13,141 posts)
56. Today's Update (Tuesday afternoon)
Tue Feb 7, 2012, 05:47 PM
Feb 2012

Last edited Tue Feb 7, 2012, 09:01 PM - Edit history (1)

Mister Lonelyboy just came by and he looked quite awful.

He seemed scrawner than the other day, but more than that
half his face/neck is all swollen up. No sign of outside injury
but maybe an inside growth or infection. No obvious sign of
being in pain. He came and I gave him some delicious wet
food so he'd stay still a little while I looked at him.

Well, he looked awful to me. And I decided forget the owner
I'm taking this boy to the vet. So I readied my cat carrier
and met up with him out in the yard.

OOPSY

I was able to pick him up and grab the scruff, but I was
worried about the swelling in his neck and I lost my grip,
at which point things started getting kind of nuts.

Long story short, I may not see him around for a few days.
I'm scrubbing my scratches and regrouping. Going to
call someone shortly, see about getting help for him.

Thanks everyone for advice, encouragement, interest.

Curmudgeoness

(18,219 posts)
58. Oh, too bad. It sounds like he really needs help.
Tue Feb 7, 2012, 09:32 PM
Feb 2012

Hopefully you will be surprised and he will come back soon. I guess next time, if you get a chance, don't worry about the swelling, just get him.

 

Voice for Peace

(13,141 posts)
59. already surprised! I thought he'd stay a million miles away from me
Tue Feb 7, 2012, 10:09 PM
Feb 2012

but he showed up at dinner time, meowing and acting very humble and gentle towards me, even let me pet his head a little. He doesn't seem at all sick, or in pain -- so now I'm second guessing myself about the swelling, wondering if it's something I just didn't notice before. Hard to get a good steady look at him, or feel what's there. He doesn't act like a sick cat. And that's a big relief to me, I was so worried all afternoon today after our scrabble.

My instinct for the moment is to keep giving him really delicious wet food so he keeps coming and trusting me, till I can assess things better or get him into a carrier for the vet.

Curmudgeoness

(18,219 posts)
60. Wonderful!
Tue Feb 7, 2012, 10:19 PM
Feb 2012

I am sure that you will be able to get him to trust you. It is obvious since you can get close and touch him that he is not far gone to the wild. I hope you can do something for him, even if it is just to have a vet look at it....you do realize that cats will not show weakness, even if they are in pain, until it is very bad. Please watch over him.

davsand

(13,420 posts)
63. Cat injuries can and DO abscess badly.
Tue Mar 6, 2012, 05:38 PM
Mar 2012

Try putting that yummy food inside the pet taxi and see if you can catch him that way. I'd be worried about that swelling, and I'd suggest s trip to a vet as soon as you can manage it. He may be a sick kitty and not show signs of it because that is cat nature--weakness is something they hide as a form of self defense.

Good luck to you and to that kitty!



Laura

hamsterjill

(15,214 posts)
66. You may want to see if you can borrow a humane trap
Wed Mar 7, 2012, 12:16 PM
Mar 2012

First, thank you very much for trying to help this guy. With the swelling, etc., he obviously DOES need your help.

You may want to ask the group you've contacted if they have a humane trap that you can borrow, and then put some enticing, smelly food in it. If he'll go in the trap, you'll have the confinement issue handled, AND you won't be risking any injury to yourself should he become frightened and scratch, etc.

Also...you may very well find that once neutered, this guy won't continue to spray. Just a tidbit in the hopes that he might fit into your household at some point.

Again - my thanks for your interest in him. Too many humans just look the other way!

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