How can I help a sick, stray cat?

Question

There was a cat outside my work place today with messed up fur, and some substance on it's face. The cat couldn't open his eyes because they were sealed shut. I called the APL to have them pick it up, they came by but apparently didn't see the cat and left. By the time I discovered the cat had just moved and wasn't taken by the APL, it was after 5, and every animal shelter that could help was closed. I am so worried about the cat. What can I do? I want to call APL back tomorrow if the cat is still alive. What could I have done differently?

Answer 1

You did eberything you could. Cats are very timid and elusive, especially when they are sick and definitely when their vision is affected. I would've thought that the APL would have tried a little harder to locate an animal in obvious distress.

There may be specialist cat rescuers in your area - try looking in your local phone book under "animal rescue" or just under "cats".

If you have animals of your own at home, I'd strongly recommend against handling the cat yourself if you can possibly avoid it because of the risk of transmitting disease to your own animals.

If there's no other way, be sure it does not come into contact with your pets and be sure to wash your hands & remove & wash any clothing between handling it & touching them.

Sounds like it needs vet. treatment ASAP

Good luck - and much kudos to you for being a caring and responsible human being.

Answer 2

You pretty much did all you could do, so don't feel guilty or sad (heck, you did more than most people would!). If the cat is still there tomorrow, try to see if you can get him in a carrier or a box and call the APL again. Or take him to the local Humane Society. They will help the poor guy.

Answer 3

Aren't you awesome for carring so much!!! I love that. If you really want to help this poor cat bring with you tommorow a carrier, if you don't have one just buy one. Or go now if you won't have time int he morning, the stores may not even be open that eraly too. so have the carrier and when you see the cat scoop it up. maybe have a dich of some kind for water ans a can of wet cat food to feed it something. Then call the apl or simply drop it off. Good for you for carring this way, I really like to hear it.

Answer 4

There were many sick stray cats near where I live. Animal control wouldn't come for whatever reason. So I called all the pet stores and shelters and found one I liked with a no kill policy and where they would receive medical treatment. Then I bought a small animal trap at Petco and baited it. Soon I had caught 23 cats and kittens in the woods behind my house. I did give the shelter a generous donation for taking them. My husband even fell in love with one and we kept her. Good luck. You should be very proud of yourself for trying to help a suffering animal. If it's hungry. It will be back.

Answer 5

If he's still there tomorrow, call APL, and catch the cat in some sort. Then give it to them. Maybe when he's caught... feed it... but be careful. he might have some disease.

I dont know what happens after the cat goes to APL... so they might kill it.

If you are willing to take it home... take it home and try and bathe it. Buy flea stuff... and anything else you may need. A vet will have the stuff for his eyes, (also, maybe take it there first).

Good luck!

Answer 6

I'd have taken him home, actually. A stray could be someone's pet with experience with humans, or it could be a feral, but if he's handlable with you touching him and talking quietly to him, then by all means be proactive and get him someplace safe. A blind cat will walk into traffic and be killed.

The crusted eyes can be softened up with a very warm wet washcloth. Lay it on for a while, then dab carefully. Clean the gunk out and help the eyes unseal, but be careful not to hurt the eyelids. I had a stray who had this happen and he sat very still for me to do this for him, purring, acting like I was mom cat cleaning his face. It was the turning point in our pet/owner relationship where he suddenly trusted me after all the lead up time where he didn't want to be touched.

Get the cat somewhere safe, in a closed room or even a large cardboard box. Keep him from hurting himself. Do what you can, if he allows you to touch him.

Answer 7

That is too bad I hate to hear that. You could have tried a different agency, like theHumane Society, also some smaller agencies that deal just in cats can be helpful and open later. You could have tried to contain the cat somehow. Ask your coworkers to give you a hand. I have also taken cats that have been run over to local vets, they don't like it as they don't get paid but they have taken the animals in. They are also in a better position to know what to do with it

Answer 8

If you can tomorrow. try to find a treat the cat will come for. I used to catch feral cats all the time this way. You must hold it by the neck. IT's o.k. it doesn't hurt the cat. Call the people immediately and place the cat somewhere safe. Cats go by smell, if they can smell the treat. Even tuna which is strong, they will hunt that way.
It doesn't sound like rabies, but it does sound like it needs help.
Just do what you can. Don't beat yourself up.

Answer 9

Do not approach this cat because you have no idea if it is carrying any diseases. The best thing you can do for yourself and the cat is to call animal control. They are the experts and will help the cat by taking it to a shelter, treating its wounds and removing it from further harm.

Answer 10

Grabed the cat and waited for the APL to arrive. Thats all you could have done. I mean u didnt know what desese it had so you couldnt help it. I would keep it in a cage with some bedding food and water. I REALLY hope it lives!! I love kittys!!