Is this feral cat sick?

Question

I've been feeding these 2 kittens for a few months--they're about 5-6 months old now. All of a sudden 1 disappeared and the other one has started coming out in the daytime(he never has before) and just sitting by my shed that he lives under and crying off and on and sleeping sitting up. He has stopped eating-and I found alot of saliva in his dish and now there are pine needles stuck all over his nose and mouth which he hasn't bothered to clean off. I only see him drinking water--I think he's sick--not sure maybe just missing his sibling-- how do you tell? I've tried animal control--spca--etc--can't get anyone to do anything-- Animal control said maybe rabies--and call him today again --now he won't answer the phone.p.s. he's not friendly--I can't get near him. Thx!

Answer 1

He's sick, but there isn't a lot you can do for him. This is the fate of most feral or homeless cats -- a short life.

The only thing I can think of is for you to call at vet, describe the situation, and see if there is some broad-spectrum antibiotic that you could mix in his food. But you say he has stopped eating.

If he isn't keeping himself clean, though, that's a very bad sign. I expect one day soon you won't see him anymore.

Thanks for trying to help him.

Answer 2

The best thing you can do for this cat is to trap him/her in a raccoon trap and take it to the vet. The other kitten might have died from a disease and the other is suffering from it as well. It could be that he is missing his/her litter mate. In alot of cases, if feral kittens are separated it may subject one to the failure to thrive in their already fragile condition. One thing I have learned is that you cannot guess what is or is not medically wrong with a feral cat if your not a vet. You can speculate, but it is better to save a kitten in poor health valuable time and take him/her to get evaluated and treated. There is rarely a feral cat that is not infested with ear mites and worms, so given this condition on top of loosing his litter mate is affecting his health and thriving ability. If he is coming out in the day he has a sense of loss and may be a little desparate. Local shelters, vets, rescue groups are willing to lend out live animal traps. Once you get the trap you will cover it with a blanket, towel, sheet, whatever you have (make sure it completely covers it). Place the food in the back of the trap and set the trap where it does not trigger at the feel of the wind, but can trigger at the weight of the kitten. If he is coming out in the day you may be able to avoid the raccoons at night and try to trap the kitten in the daytime. This sounds overwhelming, but it is worth it. It breaks my heart to hear about this poor kitten. I wish you luck and hope you do the right thing. I have 6 cats and all were feral in the same or worse condition. I

Answer 3

I can't tell you if the cat is sick or not, but if you really want to help this kitty, heres what I think you should do. first of all, dont try to get near the kitty, BE CAREFUL he could have rabies or some other disease he could pass onto you. I would suggest getting a live trap and putting some yummy food into it to lure the kitty in. then when you have the cat in the trap, take the cat (trap and all) to the vets and see what he can do. he may be able to put the cat under anesthesia or whatever and check the cat out. I hope the kitty is ok!

Sierra

Answer 4

Cats have a VERY strong survival instinct. If this one is not takeing care of itself, then it is clearly sick. Don't go near it or attempt to capture it. It MAY have rabies, or any number of other diseases that it may pass on to you from simple contact. Please, keep trying to get through to the animal control officer. The cat (poor thing) needs to be taken away berore it spreads diseases to you and other people's pets in the area.

Answer 5

i'm sorry to take heed to approximately Smokey! you will be able to desire to objective a "precise loader" kennel (Petco or any puppy-shop, i might wish) the place you open from the precise, once you're petting her have the kennel open and arranged interior of attain, scruff her the two by ability of her neck and returned epidermis just to get her interior the kennel. we've had to try this with ferals to get them the treatment they choose or for TNR, then you certainly could desire to get her to the Vet that way. yet differently is to instruct a popular kennel so the outlet is dealing with up, %. up the comparable way, and get her in there. it won't injury the cat, she would be able to conflict like each and every heck, yet you will have the skill to get her in that way, too. by ability of preserving the returned epidermis besides with the aid of fact the scruff of the neck, that's surprisingly much less probably you will get all scratched up. sturdy success and that i actual wish she gets the treatment she desires. consistent hyperventilating in cats could be extreme. P.S. TNR Volunteers do in basic terms that, seize, Neuter and launch returned into their very own territory - they do no longer seem to be fostering the cats, in many cases, in basic terms attempting to diminish down the overpopulation and euthanasia of cats that finally end up in kill shelters.

Answer 6

He sounds very sick. It could be rabies. I would call your local police to see if they can get someone to get the animal. I would also look under the shed if possible to see if the other is dead under there. If it is, you need to get it out as soon as possible. Good luck.
Bless you for caring for them.

Answer 7

Take the cat to a vet. If he or she is sick the vet can treat him, and give him the proper shots. Many feline maladies are very contagious, such as feline leukemia or respiratory infections which can be fatal.

Answer 8

if he had rabies, he would act normal and then suddenly drool a lot and attack things, then die..