Cat with frostbite

[Juniper2]

I'm not sure what to do with this cat that was dumped at our place. It's really skinny and I've now discovered has frostbite. It's ears are falling apart and the poor things tail is all hard and feels like it could fall off. I can't bring it inside. What should I do?

 

[CoopBoots]

What is the weather like currently? Do you have a doghouse/crate/carrier/blankets you could use outside to provide some shelter? I'd probably be trying to catch it to bring inside or to an animal shelter vs. leaving it outside.

 

[Juniper2]

What is the weather like currently? Do you have a doghouse/crate/carrier/blankets you could use outside to provide some shelter? I'd probably be trying to catch it to bring inside or to an animal shelter vs. leaving it outside.

I have it in a tack shelter with a heat lamp. The cat is really tame and loves people.

 

[Juniper2]

It also has a heat pad

 

[CoopBoots]

From what I'm reading online, a cat is pretty likely to need direct veterinary intervention for a good outcome. Apparently infection and wound biting are likely problems you'll run into. If you can't afford to treat a stray, a local shelter might be able to do more. If that's not a viable option either, I think you'd at least need to plan on some kind of antibiotic treatment to prevent or treat wound infection as tissue falls off and a safe form of pain intervention. Cones seem to be useful in preventing chewing/licking that will complicate healing.

Useful link: https://evcc.com/blog/frostbite-in-cats-highland-in/

 

[saysfaa]

Take it to the vet. If the tail is frozen, the weight and length of it can cause too much damage to the unfrozen parts consider not taking it.

Edit to add. Or to someone who will take it to a vet.

 

[Juniper2]

From what I'm reading online, a cat is pretty likely to need direct veterinary intervention for a good outcome. Apparently infection and wound biting are likely problems you'll run into. If you can't afford to treat a stray, a local shelter might be able to do more. If that's not a viable option either, I think you'd at least need to plan on some kind of antibiotic treatment to prevent or treat wound infection as tissue falls off and a safe form of pain intervention. Cones seem to be useful in preventing chewing/licking that will complicate healing.

Useful link: https://evcc.com/blog/frostbite-in-cats-highland-in/

Thank you I will try that. I have a cat cone from a long time ago that might work.

 

[Juniper2]

Take it to the vet. If the tail is frozen, the weight and length of it can cause too much damage to the unfrozen parts consider not taking it.

We don't have the money to treat a stray.

 

[saysfaa]

We don't have the money to treat a stray.

If the tail is frozen, it needs to be amputated. It is too likely to catch on things and tear healthy flesh to just leave it to fall off.

 

[Juniper2]

If the tail is frozen, it needs to be amputated. It is too likely to catch on things and tear healthy flesh to just leave it to fall off.

I can't take it to the vet sadly. If I could I would.