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.
Disclaimer: I am not a vet and this is not veterinary advice. However I live in an area with a very large stray cat population and I’ve helped probably 30 cats get fixed over the years, so I have a lot of experience with situations like yours.
First and most importantly, please separate Noir and Paxton until you are able to get Nior tested. FIV and FeLV are both very common in strays. These typically (but not exclusively) spread through fighting, and intact males are much more likely to engage in fighting behaviors so the chances that Noir is already positive for one or for both are relatively high — especially since he had a visible injury when you found him. If you’re able, keep him isolated (i.e. in a dedicated room with the door kept closed) and with his own litterbox since FeLV can spread via shared litter.
As far as getting him fixed is concerned, you should be fine doing it as soon as possible. The surgery for males is not very invasive and the recovery time is much shorter than with females. If Noir is moving around on his own, eating and using the litterbox without help, etc, he’s probably healthy enough to be fixed.
When booking his surgery it’s fine to go through a traditional vet, but you can also look for a local “TNR” program (trap, neuter, release). Most shelters run these themselves or can put you in contact with a local organization that does. Typically this will be several hundred dollars cheaper than a traditional vet, and they can test for all of various diseases and parasites that a stray could reasonably have. They can also give all of the necessary vaccines as part of the procedure, and provide you with any meds required for their aftercare. Usually TNR programs will have you drop the cat off in the morning and then pick them up the next day so they can recover with you at home. This is all the more reason to set up a dedicated space for Noir since he’ll probably want to be left alone after his surgery.
Finally, on a personal note, thank you so much for volunteering your time, money and personal space like this. Most people don’t realize just how bad the stray situation is in many places, and even fewer are willing to help out. Just know that there are people who sincerely appreciate what you’re doing — and I know Noir will too!
That’s very helpful information. Thank you. Yes the local shelter has discounts for feral and community cats.
I was also under the impression that neutering was less risky than spaying. Wouldn’t require as much recovery time.
Also The services are discounted at the local shelter.
I’ll give them a call Monday and see what they suggest and the cost. I need to now also get Paxtons vaccinations (boosters?) done. They are expired. I’m making that a priority too.
I felt like I had to take Noir in. Or maybe he would have died. He’s just so skinny and was injured.
But my beloved Paxton is stressed with an un-fixed male around and I don’t want to do that to him. He didn’t have the best life before me and I try to pamper him.
I’m not sure if I can separate them. I’d have to lock Noir in the bedroom 24/7. He’s now getting much more active and isn’t going to like that. But I’ll do what I can.
Tomorrow I’m also going to trim both of their front claws.
I already do Paxtons so he doesn’t get caught on furniture and blankets. We will see how it goes with Noir. That should also help lower risk to everyone including whoever vaccinates them.
I know it sucks, but it’s really the only thing you can do in this situation. FeLV is no joke, and it’s rare that an infected cat lives longer than 2 years, even with proper care. Noir is in the highest risk group for FeLV, and if he does have it being in direct contact with other cats greatly increases the chance of it spreading — especially if he’s sharing a litterbox.
The temporary inconvenience to one cat could end up being a live-saving intervention to the other.