Injured feral cat, what to do with him.

[babyblue]

I know it’s a him because in passing I’ve seen him spray bushes. He is not mine, never before have I gotten within 30 feet of him. I do not feed him, I feed my fixed vac’ed female barn cat, but only enough for her then I stand there and watch her eat it. He hangs around because we live on a farm and there is no shortage of prey in all 5 barns for him.

Today I was feeding the horse and he walks out of the barn 3 legged lame and obviously in enormous pain. Very thin at this point. When I fed my barn cat he hopped up and was hoping that she might leave him some scraps. I had dh drag a cage onto the porch and I threw a can of tuna in. poor guy went right in after it. So he has eaten, drank plenty of water, still not pleased to be anywhere near a human. So I don’t think he’s rabid, just looks like a broken leg that’s infected.

Now what the heck do I do with it, its not my cat, we don’t have the extra money to fix and care for strays. He is not tame by any means so I cant care for him myself. The humane society and animal control haven’t called back. Hauling him into the vet is going to be a huge bill that we just cant justify for a stray cat. What on earth am I to do with him. Are then any places that would take him? I honestly don’t care if he comes back, he wasn’t causing any harm. But he needs medical attention that I just cant provide myself.

Also if it was only my decision I would have put him down as soon as I saw him, dh however thinks he deserves a chance because he hasn’t done anything wrong.

 

[redhen]

If you dont want the vet bill..(and i dont blame you one bit..)
PLEASE have him put down so he does not suffer....

 

[Mahonri]

Personal preference, but I would put him down.

 

[babyblue]

I agree with you both and would have done it myself already, but dh does not want to...hes hoping I can find a place to take him.

 

[redhen]

Well.. unless a local shelter will take him..i think you're out of luck...
dont wait too long..because hes in pain....

Its a tough thing... but he IS better off being put down if hes going to suffer....

 

[SallyF]

When I lived in South Carolina, I had a feral kitten who became ill; had just captured her the day before. I ended up taking her to the emergency vet clinic, which is usually quite expensive. There was nothing that could be done for her, so they euthanized her for me and didnn't charge since she was a stray. Maybe your vet clinic will work with you to put the cat down if they know it's feral, that it is injured and can't be released. And tell your DH that a quick merciful death is better than a long miserable life for a feral cat. Hugs to you for trying at least, and for giving it what may be its last meal.

 

[Skyesrocket]

If you have a flea problem in your area I would put a tapewormer in canned food for him. Chances are good he needs to be wormed. Fleas or not, a good wormer would do him a lot of good.
As far as the leg, he's probably a fighter and was bitten by another cat. Get some antibiotics into him. Shots or pills. Whichever you can do without getting bit. Then give him sometime to eat and some time to rest. If he is keeping your barns clear of mice I think he is earning his keep.
Ferel Toms amaze me. They know when it is time to ask for help. I have had them living on the outskirts of the farm, never interested in human contact, then getting sick or injuried and knowing that they need to find help.
I hope he recovers. I consider it a bit of a privilage when one does come around here looking for help.

 

[Tala]

Quote:
My preference as well.

If you really do think he's worth fixing up, do whatever you can on your budget, but please have him neutered before releasing him!

 

[RiverOtter]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FUJC18/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_3?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B00076NPWM&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1D0SN5GHRN6MJY6VSXKP

http://www.healthypets.com/fimoxfoa5030.html

Whatever strength pill you get, ad 1 cc of water for each 50mg. So the 250mg capsule, add 5 cc water, the 500mg, add 10 cc of water. Make it up into an old pill bottle or something small. Shake and give 1 cc twice a day. Squirt it into a teeny bit of milk or tablespoon of gravy and he'll suck it down.

This will cost maybe 15 bucks and you'll still have the rest of the bottle to resell or keep for another emergency.

Hubby's right. Go on and give him a chance.
And I wouldn't worry about fixing before releasing. Yes, yes, in a perfect world they should be fixed, but I've yet to have a tom deliver 4 kittens on my couch and money's tight.

 

[Aimless Farmer]

Please be careful with feral cats. Rabies is active in every state in the US, and all over the world, and you can't know an animal carries it by looking at it, and they can carry the virus for a long, long time before showing any symptoms. Try working with your local animal control, or look around online for any area cat rescues. Some specialise in feral cats. Please, minimise your contact with this poor kitty, as well as any contact he may have with your (mammal) pets. This is a tragic situation, but it could be so much worse if he carries Rabies.

Good luck Our thoughts and prayers are with you.