Stray cat question

Hello, my husband and I saw a stray cat last weekend when we were walking a friendâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s dog. He (we think he's a he) is very friendly and followed us. My friend says that he has seen the cat several times. I live in a townhouse complex and people let their cats out all the time and also dump them. He is pretty skinny but he seems to be in fairly good shape. In front of his ears looks like it may have flea bites and he is losing hair at the base of his tail and up his spine. My friend told me he thinks he is losing hair on his back leg as well. We are planning to take him to the vet tomorrow to get him tested and checked out, if he is ok we are planning on bringing him in the house until he is completely better and finding him a good home. We can't keep him because our cat doesn't like other cats. We are concerned because if he tests positive we don't know what to do with him. I can't just leave him and not take him to the vet. I also can't put him back if I know he may be sick. Someone at work who does rescue work told me if he tests positive for leukemia we should have him put down. We can't do that, if he is are there any other options? There is only one no kill shelter here and they only take surrendered pets.
Any advice would be most appreciated.
Thank you.

Well, positive kitties can live happy, full lives, however, positive cats should NOT be released outside, as they can spread to other kitties. If he is positive, you may want to find someone who has a colony for FIV or FeLv, depending on what it may be, or find someone who has no other kitties. FIV or FeLv is not a death warrant. However, IF he is positive, and there is no possible way to keep him indoors, euthanasia may be the best option. You definitely don't want it spreading to other cats, too.

When you described the "flea bites" on his ear with hair loss, what do you mean? Do his ears have dry, crusty scabs on them? Do they look like they are irritated? Is it on the tip of the ear? Is there anymore areas on his face, paws, or hocks? If yes, sarcoptic mange (more commonly known as scabies) is a possibility. Scabies is contagious to other cats, dogs, and humans, so you should handle him with care. When people contract scabies, it can only survive on us for about 5 days, creating small, red, itchy bumps on our skin in those 5 days. I've had it.. it's not horrible, but definitely not pleasant!
It may be something as simple as fleas or ear mites, but if you aren't sure, wear gloves to get him there, and/or wash your hands after handling him.

Good luck with him!

Okie

Okie89, thank you for the reply. I really, really hope he is negative because I have not had any luck finding anyone who could take him if he isn't.

The irritation is not on his ears it's actually on his head in front of his ears (sorry I wasn't very clear on that). If it is scabes is it treatable on him? He will be in my spare room off the garage away from my cat. We are very careful when we see him, we come home and wash any clothes he touched and we shower.

Yes, scabies is very treatable, it just takes a few weeks. It is also easily detected in cats with a skin scrape. It is usually treated with an injection of ivermectin once a week for 3 weeks, or it can be treated with two doses of Revolution, given at a different time span than usual. If he's positive for scabies, you can discuss treatment options with your vet, but it is very treatable.

Okie