So I found this very skinny cat at my house yesterday, was able to catch, and is currently residing on my tack room in barn. My question is diet. He eats everything I bring him in a matter of minutes and I am Concerned he will get sick from eating fast. How much and how often should I feed him? Also will be taking him to vet soon and was wondering should I have him FIV tested. And if pos what should I do??
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Found very skinny cat!!
- Thread starter rhawnie
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It's very kind of you to take him in. He most likely has worms and food has been scarce for him. If you can get him some kitten chow for kittens, it would help with with the added fat and protein to put on some weight. I think you should honestly, feed him as much as he will eat for ten minutes and then pull the food up and put some more out a couple more times a day. If he is FIV postive, its not an automatic death sentence. Some cats have had reasonably long lives. Is he the only cat in the barn/neighborhood? I imagine he is/was someones pet at some point since you were able to bring him in without issue right?
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- #3
Yes so far only cat at the barn though we do have several cats who roam our Rual town neighborhood. I just moved in a few months ago to the area. I am actually feeding him kitten as I have a kitten in the house currently. This guy will have to remain in the barn as my dog is not adjusting to kitten well. We currently have to switch out dog and cat time to run free. So no more kitties in house for awhile. I do plan on making him warm house bed in barn and will have plenty of food. So he should be better off the he was anyway!
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- #4
Are you sure he's neutered? He could very much be a she unless he belonged to someone before in order to have that operation. Of course if there's a catch and release team in your area.
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- #6
It kind of looks like he has been neutered, but he is a little touchy with petting so have not got a real good look.. Going to take to vet hopefully tomorrow and get a full exam.. is it normal for it to be friendly and then like attack, scratch and try to bite??
The cat I have now was a stray. In fact she was such a skinny kitten I could wrap my finger around her belly. Her spine and hip bones were very noticeable even through her winter coat. She was a bit skittish at first. Like she wanted help and love but then she would freak out and hide. I think he, like any cat who hasn't had human contact very much, wants to trust you but his fear of the unknown causes him to get defensive. Just give him a little space and time. Patience is key. My cat would always hide and act like she was in danger with me but just being in the same room with them helps them observe you, your behavior, your voice. Once he's comfortable, he may tolerate more petting. It's all about forming that mutual trust.
Yes. He is very unsure, everything is floating as yet. So give him time and leeway, as said previously. build up the trust. It will come.
Re your question what to give and how. The main advice is; small portions in the beginning, but you can give them quite often. Increase after a while.
Not too fat in the beginning, by the same reason. For the starved into extreme, to get good food and much is more dangerous than to starve yet another day...
Although it seems he managed this so far.
If you can get goats milk, its mild and yet nourishing. Both now and also later on as a supplement.
If you can call the vet, ask for some Science Diet a/d canned food. It is great for kitties in this situation. Feed small, frequent meals. For now, I wouldn't leave food down. Take the food in with you when you go to visit. That way the kitten will equate you with something good (food). It will help build trust.
