Sick Stray

There is a stray male cat a college of mine has been feeding for about a month. He is very scared and she has just now been able to start petting him. It is obvious he has tape worms and ear mites. She thinks she could catch him to take him to the vet, but is afraid he will go crazy at the vets, will scratch the vet and not let him touch him. Any Ideas / suggestions?

Trap him and take him to the Vet. We've taken ALL of our ferals to the vet. Only one cat did they have to sedate to treat. Even this last one that Gary trapped! He was all claws and teeth and piss and vinegar (literally piss!) - but they get into that intimidating environment with all those awful smells and they calm right down. Many cry in the crate or cage, but when the Vet opens it up to take them out they're like babies. They're so scared they don't do anything.

PLEASE don't use the sprinkle-on-food Hartz de-worming stuff. It does NOT kill the worms, it just flushes them out of their system, leaving the worms to reinfect them or others.

You and your friend are so wonderful to care about these (this) cat(s)!!!!!

Just remember - most Vets work with stray and feral populations and know how to handle these animals. This way you can get him neutered too! Just check in to low-cost neuter programs - the Vet should know about those available in your area.

Also make a few phone calls to clinics near you. Some vets specialize in ferals and they also are a bit more lenient on the bill portion if you start to be known as one who brings in ferals to treat. I take ferals to the vet all the time. Only had one bad instance when Bravo, a beautiful male black cat escaped and trashed the surgical room! My vet was quite upset with his staff for allowing that to happen- and Bravo cost them quite a bit of money that day! I can imagine the delight Dr. Mike took in lopping off those set of balls!