What is wrong with this little kitty?

Seri is a 10-month feral kitty who's been living in my sister's backyard.  My sister and brother-in-law feed him twice daily and my brother-in law created a comfortable little house for Seri to stay in.  Seri is always looking in their window as well.


My sister's town will be doing TNR in March.   She'll be calling the town shelter as well for help in trapping Seri.  Currently, this little boy has a big bump on his right cheek.  Can anyone tell what it is?  Thank you.

Awww, he looks like a chipmunk!!! 

Maybe a tooth infection? Or an infection from a fight or something else?   It does appear to be swelling. Do you think there's a chance your sister and brother-in-law could adopt him and keep him indoors? I'd be worried that he's in pain, and that he would stop eating and/or coming by. Would they be willing to take him to the vet? He looks so sweet, I hope he's ok!!

Seri runs away when they go outside.  Neither of them knows anything about catching outdoor cats.  I'm afraid to say that I don't either.   I will pass on your response to my sister.  Seri's condition does look worrisome.  Thank you for your advice.

Ouch. That hurts to look at.

I would bet if the photo was sent out to local rescues asking for help to trap someone would step up. Especially if you sister is willing to pay vet bills. Making the cat indoor would be ideal in the long run but right now the goal would just be treatment for that little one.

If you don't mind saying where you are someone on here might know a group that could help.

You could try a rabbit trap place a can of smelly cat food or tuna in the trap.

I live in northern NJ. My sister lives in Long Island, NY. I can call the no-kill shelter in my sister 's town, but my sister would need to be around to make arrangements with them. Unfortunately she has an extremely demanding job. My sister would have already adopted the baby, but my brother-in-law was against it. They already have 2 cats.

One method to trap is to lure them indoors, slowly moving food bowls towards, then eventually in doors. Though it takes time, looks like the cute kitty is just outside, maybe effortless.     

I am on Long Island...can recommend a very reasonable $ vet in central Suffolk County, what general area or town is your sis in?  

My sister is in Glen Cove in Nassau County.  She is going to call their shelter tomorrow.  Thank you for your suggestions.

I am happy to inform everyone that Seri will be adopted by my sister.  He's been at a vet for a few days and he may be coming home tomorrow.  It was very difficult to find someone who would work with a feral cat, but after a lot of phone calls, a vet was found.  This vet nickeled and dimed my sister, but $850 was worth it for little Seri.  Seri's infection (caused by another animal) will be healed.  Seri will also be neutered.

I want to thank everyone who responded to me.  I do have one more question.  How can a feral cat, used to freedom outdoors, be transitioned into a happy indoor cat?   Will he automatically use a litter box?

Thank you for all your help.

Most cats take to a litter box quite quickly. If your cat has an accident clean it up and place any poo in the box this makes kitty thnk "go here" because it smells. Clean accidents with nature's miracle since it has enzymes that neutralize the urine.

AmyCat1 said:

 
I do have one more question.  How can a feral cat, used to freedom outdoors, be transitioned into a happy indoor cat?   Will he automatically use a litter box?

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Unlike their Human counterparts, cats want very little, and despite the fact that we seldom catch them reading the New Testament, they understand Acts 20:35 in a way that few Humans ever shall.  A cat who's Loved - Loved even a little - will be content with almost nothing else in Life.

I've never had a cat who failed to understand what a litter box was for.  Some people say that adding a bit of soil or a few leaves atop the litter makes the message clearer.  Aside from having bigger Hearts than people, they're also smarter than many of us as well.



.

Most important thing of all is patience let kitty come to you. For starters try holding a tasty treat in your hand kneel or sit on the floor and wait. If he doesn't come out place the treat on the floor and go to a different room.

Try even just spending time in the same room read a book or something. The goal here is to teach kitty you are not a threat or something to be feared.

Never ever try to pick kitty up or pull kitty out from under something. You will get scratched and/or bitten and undo any trust you have built.

AmyCat1 said:

 
I am happy to inform everyone that Seri will be adopted by my sister.  He's been at a vet for a few days and he may be coming home tomorrow.  It was very difficult to find someone who would work with a feral cat, but after a lot of phone calls, a vet was found.  This vet nickeled and dimed my sister, but $850 was worth it for little Seri.  Seri's infection (caused by another animal) will be healed.  Seri will also be neutered.

I want to thank everyone who responded to me.  I do have one more question.  How can a feral cat, used to freedom outdoors, be transitioned into a happy indoor cat?   Will he automatically use a litter box?

Thank you for all your help.

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Glad your sister has stepped up. 

i'm going through a similar transition with the Bug (see thread Meet Buggy) Its not easy, requires long term commitment, but tremendous progress has been made with help from members here. A long way to go before he gains free reign of the household.  

I was amazed he instantly took to the litter box, and still batting 1000.  

Best o' luck with Seri. Suggest your sis' to join the forum here...undoubtedly she'll have ups and downs and many questions, great resource from the experienced members here. 

I   happy endings!!

Both of my cats came from the streets. One more feral than the other (took over a month to gain her trust). With each of them I physically placed them in the litter box and grabbed their little paw and made a digging motion. They got the hint after that

I think Seri will totally love being an indoor cat. No more hunting for food, dealing with wild animals or other ferals, a nice warm cozy bed/couch/lap/etc, and lots of love. What a life! 

My Indy was born to a feral mom who continues to elude capture. She actually showed up outside someones window wanting in along with her brother. She is sure happy to be inside and to have a full dish and not have to eat from a rubbish bins. Not sure what happened to her brother though he apparently had a problem with his teeth so couldn't be adopted out with her.

I'm glad to hear that most of you have bonded with your feral cats.  Seri is now in my sister's house in his own room,  He hides under the bed that is there. I advised my sister to put a webcam in the room and I've bought a lot of toys which they'll be receiving soon.  My sister has given him some toys that the two resident cats played with as well.  She has also ordered another cat tree.  I will also be ordering the "cat calm" and "cat sitter" dvds along with a small dvd player (from Amazon).  

Seri has had all his shots and the deworming.  My sister (around 5-6 years ago)  adopted a very tiny, very sickly, Russian Blue kitten who needed to be dewormed TWICE.  The kitten ran into a store where my sister was shopping and my sister adopted her immediately.  Is there a way to tell if Seri would need another deworming?  

Thank you all for your advice.

Those only way to tell if he needs another round of meds would be to take a poop sample to the vet. They have high powered microscopes to look for parasites.