neighborhood feral cat with strange eye problem

There is a female feral cat that roams around the block (is fed by a nearby home although it is not hers). Every now and then I cross paths with it and it really gives me the creeps sometimes (to be blunt). It's very thin, it's eyes appear to be slanted upwards on the outside corners, it's eyes sometimes appear "rolled back" (or at least, outwards), there is a watery discharge around them, the eyelids beneath the outer lids (whatever those are called) are partially covering the eye, and she sneezes a lot. My brother saw her earlier today and said he noticed "crust" around her eyes and that she was meowing strangely. Now, he's never seen her up close before or heard her, so what he calls a strange meow, may not be different than the hoarse squeaky noises I've heard her make (which may or may not be "mormal" for a cat, since I've only just gotten two of my own). But, as I've mentioned before (and I'm really quite embarrased about), I've always has this rabies phobia. Because of this, I've read a lot on rabies and know that most of these signs are not indicative of the disease --only the odd-sounding meow could be (if hydrophobia has set in.) I did see her drinking out of a puddle yesterday, though, so presumably not.

Anyway, from those of you who know, what do you think her symtoms might indicate? A neighborhood woman says she may know some people who want the cat, but I'm guessing that she's not thinking that if it's a respiratory thing, people may not want it. So, I'd just appreciate your input (and for those of you feeling like taking a second to appease my irrational fear, some assurance that the symptoms are probably not of rabies ) Thanks.

-Kristin

She needs to be trapped and vetted. The third eyelid when it creeps over can mean several things, but it doesn't mean rabies (by the way rabid animals will steer clear of water) the third eyelid means there is fever or infection, or the cat is severely dehydrated. If there is anyway you can take this cat to the vet, please do. You can borrow traps from a rescue shelter (for a deposit)

Originally Posted by hissy

You can borrow traps from a rescue shelter (for a deposit)

Click to expand...

Well, thing is, I'm not totally jazzed about handling this animal --even if it's just in a trapping capacity. I'm thinking about calling the local humane society.

Hissy is right - this poor cat needs vet care. Will the humane society take the time to try to trap her? If they will, then call them. Be aware that they will probably put her down. If she is indeed feral, they won't want to spend money on treatment for her because they know she won't be adopted. If there is no one in your neighborhood who is willing to provide a shelter and food for her as well as the vet care she needs, then as much as I hate to see her PTS, it's wrong to let her suffer.

Please try to help this cat ASAP.