Stray help, it's a biter

Wow, you start a little cat rescue and they are everywhere! We heard a strange noise and couldn't figure out what it was, fast forward a week, we went into the rarely used basement where we found a cat who had snuck in through a (surprise to us) broken window

Fairly certain it had been there a week, explained the noise and tendency for the fosters to start huddling at the basement door.

Cat appeared to be very sweet, was jumping up trying to get pet. Walked past it to get some food/water when it spooked and ran out the window.

We ran after it and lured it out if street with food. It was -10 and we weren't thinking we'll, tried to get it so we.could take it in when cat attacked Jason, I tried to help him when it attacked me. I have 10 tooth punctured and a terribly infected hand, potentially punctured joint capsule which may require surgical intervention.

In the fuss, cat escaped. We left the window as is hoping it would come back. Food and water left for it, next morning supplies were.gone so a trap set in basement. We caught it last night. Now that I can see it better, I've seen the cat before. Nearly certain it was abandoned by neighbors when the moved, not the kind of people who would provide vet care.

We are taking it to our vet today, where it will receive basic evaluation and start vaccines. It may have to stay with them for the remainder of 10 days due to no rabies vaccine +bite history
When it can leave we will bring it back to stay as a foster under umbrella of humane group


What is best way to add it to current cats? The 6 fosters we have now we're all seized from same house. The cat is in a wire trap until the vet appointment. The other cats have been trying to get close to inspect. The new cat shows signs of stress, seats and hisses, low growl. One cat tried to lay next to trap which new cat tolerated for a fewinutes then scared it off.

I do not want any fights etc. I'll keep them totally separate until we know it's health status. If it does have feline leukemia/aids, can it stay here with other cats as they are all negative

The pound and animal protective shelter are all full

Definitely keep them separate until it is checked by the vet.  It may have germs they haven't met yet and there is no sense spreading them around.  If you cover the trap, it will help calm it down.

As to your bite - I would definitely see the doctor.  Infections are bad enough but in a joint, there could be real damage.

It sounds like you had a very irresponsible neighbor.  Hopefully, this is the last of their cats.

Once the cat is cleared, health wise, and has had its shots, take any introductions slowly.  It may help that the cats might know one another. but it may not, depending on how they got along originally.

Keep it separate from the other cats (a spare room to itself is ideal).  That way, you can do intros as slowly as possible.

Thank you for your advice. I am thinking the bathroom with a few gates so they can see/smell each other but not get to each other?

I'm under medical care for my hand, we've moved to IV antibiotics and will redraw labs today to check WBC and CRP. Joint is still quite painful, but I'm optimistic!

Good, glad to know you got medical help.

I would keep the bathroom door closed until she is all clear.  Once the vet says she's good, the gate are an excellent idea!

Here she is, she has been given the name Leela. She did amazing at the vet with exam, labs, topical dewormer and vaccines. She tested negative for leukemia and aids (happy dance) she will be spayed in 3 weeks then placed for adoption. She's at our home for now, locked away from the other fosters. Hopefully we can start introducing them to each other next week

How beautiful!  Vibes she gets along with everyone and is adopted soon!

she's adorable. she is so lucky to have "found" you!