Swollen Cheek

So one of the tomcats that comes around my backyard appearsto have an extremely swollen left cheek. He's eating dry food, so I'm hoping it's not an abscess in his mouth. I noticed this about 2 days ago and want to help him- I just started TNR this past weekend so he has not gone to the clinic yet for neutering or shots.

Any thoughts or ideas?

Oh dear, the poor guy... . It could very well be an abscess. I would just suggest, if at all possible, get him trapped. They will look at it while he is under anesthesia for his neutering. It could be a bite wound also that has become infected. These tomcats are forever fighting this time of year. You are really stepping up here and I think you are great for helping these cats

I also wonder about a wound abscess from a bite or claw?

or

worms?

Once you get him in for his surgery - they'll be able to know how to treat the problem.

I think it is a wound abscess. I saw him yesterday and I got closer to him and it appears that there are bite marks. It's definitely getting worse. Hoping to get him to a vet this Saturday. Now, I just have to trap him without getting the others!

for your success!! keep us updated

Tons of vibes you can get him, poor little thing

Thanks guys! Will definitely keep you all posted!

Have an appointment with the Humane Society to get the tomcat (now named Gatsby) neutered on Tuesday and they will take a look at his cheek at the same time.

Turns out, my boyfriend saw him in the backyard yesterday with his cheek no longer swollen! Somehow Gatsby "popped" his cheek and all the fluids came out. Has a gash on this cheek where he popped it. Still need to take him in though, so the vets can give him any meds if needed. Hoping that Gatsby starts to feel better & will not test FELV+!

Good on you guys!

It always surprises me how these ferals seem to be able to heal themselves one way or another. I am so glad though that you have that appt. for him on Tuesday to have that bite checked out during his neuter. I hope you are able to trap him. Much luck and please keep us posted on Gatsby.

No luck on trapping Gatsby yesterday. He seemed uncomfortable with the trap being there and didn't stick around for long. Bummer. At least his cheek is no longer swollen. Going to try to trap again this Monday & hope it works out. If I don't get him, hoping to get another!

Just keep at it, you will get him . I had luck on my side this last weekend in trapping two that had been around for awhile. I left the trap unset for two days and only fed in that trap. Then on trap night, I set it and put sardines/tuna in the back and it couldn't have been easier. Just sauntered right in. Then reset for the other cat who came around about thirty minutes later than the first cat. Same thing. Will send good luck trapping wishes your way for Monday