(Feral Cat) sick from possible Racoon attack.

Hi,

Brand new here. Need help.

Long story,short, been feeding feral cat at work for last couple of months at work.

Got where she would come up to only me, and even get in my lap.

During Thanksgiving Break, I drove down(30 miles away), to feed her, and her face was severely swollen. Thought initially, hit by car, but a few days later, noticed open wound on side of face trying to heal. I started her on a anti-botic for several days, and cleaned the wound twice a day.

 We have spotted Racoons near wher she stays, going through dumpster(work at a industrial plant). I was able to finally get her in a carrier and take her home, two weeks ago.

Had her in Garage, in a huge cage first week, now she has the whole garage.

 She of course was in a state of panic, for a few days, but started to adjust some.

 Last night, noticed she has bloody spots on top on head, and pus. Appetite has dimished, mostly drinking water. Cleaned her wound, on top of head, and the one on side is still healing.

 My problem is we just spent over 3,000 on my daughter's cat for urinary blocks, and a surgery., so we don't have it finacially, even took a loan out to pay for our other cat. I know this cat needs a strong anti-botic. Is there any needle injection I can give her?, or from any feed stores,(I have injected chickens, recently),Our Vet, and all of them in this area, do not have paymant plans. PLEASE help with any advice.

 My wife was concerned with possible rabies, but I do not think that's likely?

 Thanks so much for your reply, stickboy

You did the right thing for your daughter's cat. It's great that you made friends with this little stray cat. Stray, not feral if within a short time she'll lay in your lap.

Open, bleeding wounds that are oozing pus do not sound like rabies to me. The swelling on her head followed by an open wound on her face - that could have been a bite from another cat that closed on the surface while still infected. An abscess develops, then blows open, leaking pus and blood.

If other wounds are opening on her head they might be smaller abscesses

Call the vet who operated on your daughter's cat with the urinary blockage. Explain the situation as "a friendly outdoor cat with these wounds on her head"  Don't mention raccoons - firstly it is unlikely because if a raccoon bit a cat on the head I think it would easily crush the cat's skull and kill it. Secondly, since it is unlikely to be rabies why stir that pot. Cats are smart enough to run from a raccoon but do often fight with each other.

If you're lucky the vet might say bring it in for a quick exam and - if appropriate - a long lasting injection of Covenia antibiotic to take care of it.

I hope that you get a great holiday gift of finding a way to help her.
 

Catapault said:

You did the right thing for your daughter's cat. It's great that you made friends with this little stray cat. Stray, not feral if within a short time she'll lay in your lap.

Open, bleeding wounds that are oozing pus do not sound like rabies to me. The swelling on her head followed by an open wound on her face - that could have been a bite from another cat that closed on the surface while still infected. An abscess develops, then blows open, leaking pus and blood.

If other wounds are opening on her head they might be smaller abscesses

Call the vet who operated on your daughter's cat with the urinary blockage. Explain the situation as "a friendly outdoor cat with these wounds on her head"  Don't mention raccoons - firstly it is unlikely because if a raccoon bit a cat on the head I think it would easily crush the cat's skull and kill it. Secondly, since it is unlikely to be rabies why stir that pot. Cats are smart enough to run from a raccoon but do often fight with each other.

If you're lucky the vet might say bring it in for a quick exam and - if appropriate - a long lasting injection of Covenia antibiotic to take care of it.

I hope that you get a great holiday gift of finding a way to help her.
 

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  Good luck.