Is there a specific weight or do I need a vet evaluation or what?

Full explanation

I feed a few local stray cats and neighbors outdoor cats and a black one has been coming around. I noticed a few days ago that not only is he just skin and bones, but had a bad bite wound near his tail. So I brought him in.
I already have a male cat (fixed) named Paxton.

The stray (ive named Noir like film noir cause he’s black) slept the entire first two days I had him. Very lethargic. Honestly thought he might pass. I treated his wound. It was gushing blood then white pus. But now scabed over . I used spray bactin.

I De-wormed him. And I’m trying to fatten him up with kitten food mixed in with high quality adult cat food.

Seems to be recovering but it’s only been about 5 days and it’s going to be a while until he’s got a little weight put on him. Maybe months ?!

But hes up and moving around a bit these last two days.

It’s been stressful having him. My long term cat doesn’t really like him. Expected and reasonable.

But Noir keeps approaching him. When he needs to chill.

Also someone peed on the kitchen floor. I don’t know who, but it wasn’t me.

At least it was on lenoleum.

I’ve got two litter boxes out but they both are using both now.

I suspect the testicles are part of the issues of posturing and urinating.

Also yesterday a female neighbor’s cat visited me. She comes over sometimes.

And even though she’s fixed, Nior pestered her the entire time she was here.

I don’t really want another cat. Noir has a good personality, actually a great personality, but it’s the additional responsibility, cleaning, care, etc. So I’m going to just try to get him healthy. Fixed. Vaccinated. And find him a forever home.

But who knows how long that will take.

But I gotta get him fixed asap. Before he starts spraying all over and stressing my Paxton out.

  • daannii@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
    7·
    18 hours ago

    I’m unemployed and living off of savings.

    I’m just trying to do what I can. He seems to be recovering and I watched some videos from vets on how to check body temp, anemia, lyphnodes (sign of leukemia). Stools for parasites. Check coat quality for signs of leukemia and immunodeficiency.

    Loss of appetite can be a sign of many problems but he doesn’t have that.

    I think he did have a fever when I brought him in and had it for 2 days. But he’s up and walking around fine.

    His gums are a little pale but darker than they were. So I think he was anemic but recovering.

    His breathing is normal. Heart rate normal.

    Vision fine. Hearing fine.

    Eating . No vomiting. Could be drinking more but that’s always an issue with cats. I do have a fountain. That helps.

    I made him a blended food for the first 3 days. Canned food mixed with a little water. Blended to soup. He liked that. It’s a suggested food by shelters for underweight and dehydrated cats.

    I checked his claw , eye, and ear reflexes. All fine.

    Eyes are clear and reactive to light .

    His bottom is clean and systems work fine.

    Though his stool is soft but not runny. This could be from the de wormer.

    I have some experience taking care of animals and I’ve always put effort into learning basic medical care so I can spot a problem before it gets bad.

    I’ve had a lot of different animals over the years. I currently also have a ball python. There aren’t too many vets for snakes so you have to learn basic medical care when there isn’t professional service around.