Stray Cat - we named Decker

This stray cat showed up at our house, it would not allow us to get close to her?, but it looked like someone had cuts it's tail off and used the cigarette. lighter to burn it.?, She was also limping on one leg. Six months later we still are feeding this cat, the closest we can come to it, is about 2 feet and then she runs. We have an outside cat that is a male and would and had never shared his food with another cat. When we first began feeding our cat (one bowl) he would wander around the deck and then here this cat came so that is why we think she is a girl because our cat should not be alive for as many fights that he has gotten into. He waits for her to ear and then he would finish what she didn't, so now we put two bowls out. Her bottom is horrible, and I can't get close enough to try and clean her. The fecal matter is matted to her behind and it is just getting grosser. I am at a loss of what to do. My husband said she probably needs to be put down and I said "no" we have tried trapping her, no go we got a skunk and 3 racoon's!

I have tried everything to let her know she is safe and at first if we were 12ft she would not come on the deck. It is the end of December and I am afraid she is going to freeze, I have put a blanket in a box under our church pew for her to stay dry and warm. I just need someone to tell me how to trap her so I can clean her and maybe she would begin to clean herself. I do not know where this cat came from or if it has had any of her shots. Decker is now gained two times her weight and she no longer limps. Please somebody help me, I don't know what to do.

Sincerely,

Deana

Decker's new mom 

definitely try and trap her and get her to a vet. at the very least she needs to be altered, assuming that she hasn't been yet. check ahead with whatever vet you plan on bringing her to and make sure that they have a clue as to how to deal with, and what to do with a feral cat. since you do not know when you will actually trap her it is also a good idea to make sure that the vet will be able to take her anytime.


here is a video about trapping feral cats - http://www.alleycat.org/page.aspx?pid=555

alley cat allies (the organization with the video on trapping) also has lots of detailed information on other issues such as making good shelters for feral cats.


good luck, and thank you for caring about her.